88 (2022) User Reviews

Paranoid Ideation

[edgemarty-152-556428 · 5/10 · 8 August 2023]

The film looks and feels like it could have been good. But, alas, it is not. It trots out all these conspiracies and endeavors to link them together. Some scenes are downright amateur. The politician being interviewed by the journalist, ugh. And, that whole narrative and journalist interview segment should have been cut. Now, for the most part, the acting is good. I thought Orlando Jones was great. We need to see more of him. And, Orlando demonstrates he can be effective in various genres. The writer/director should have had some supervision. Or, perhaps wear less hats on his/her next project. Brandon Victor Dixon as the main protagonist does a fine job.

Plodding, on-the-nose political drama poorly delivered by a virtually unknown cast

[danieljfarthing · 4/10 · 20 August 2023]

Political drama "88" aims to be more eye-opening than the likes of "Irresistible" or "The Ghost Writer" - lofty & noble ambition, that it totally fails to meet as its plodding on-the-nose 2hr+ screenplay is poorly delivered by a virtually unknown cast (William Fichtner a minor exception). Super-PAC finance chief Brandon Victor Dixon discovers that 75% of funding for black presidential candidate Orlando Jones comes anonymously from white supremacist sources. Cue questions on 'Who' & 'How' (tho infuriatingly no-one asks 'Why' (to save the 'punchline' til the end - sigh)). Writer / director Eromose may have an important message to relay... but this ain't how to relay it.

These reviews are suspect...

[nsq2020 · 1/10 · 2 July 2023]

These reviews are hilarious. They've been written by spammers and bots. Each review is vague and meaningless. One reviewer wrote the following; "The director's debut features Idris Elba, before he became a planet". Someone was obviously paid to write a review in their native language and google translate was utilized to provide an English translation. We know people do this all the time. Idris Elba does not STAR in this film nor is he affiliated with this product. 88's review section is a perfect of the content you will find in this film. It is an incoherent mess with a ludicrous plot and immensely deceptive messaging. Orlando Jones couldn't save this. Every plot point was so basic and predictable. The biggest problem with this movie is that it's fantasy. It would have worked better as a "Twilight Zone"/"Black Mirror" episode.

Ignorant, cheesy and arrogant

[pulpfiction-591-71398 · 2/10 · 12 June 2022]

The story focuses on a super PAC's financial director traced the donors of the PAC and found out that they are associated with Nazis. I don't think the director has any idea of how a PAC works or any understanding of modern American politics. Although the story is about PAC, the main focus is still the racial issues. I can tell that the director tried to have some meaningful conversations about the racial issues but he failed disastrously. There's negative originality. The film feels like a collage of tweets. What's more ironic is that the director is ambitious enough to try to include Asians in the conversations by actually insulting the only Asian character, who is the sponsor of the male protagonist and appeared only for 5 minutes to have a conversation about racial issues and never reappeared. The Asian sponsor had a "Stop Asian Hate" sticker and the male protagonist commented "I didn't know that you are an activist." Later, the male protagonist also commented something like you came here by choice but we were slaves. I personally felt very uncomfortable watching this part, especially that this part and this Asian character had nothing to do with the storyline at all.

Well worth seeing

[rudolfmartin · 29 June 2022]

An entertaining political thriller on the surface and an examination of racism and its many facets and disturbing history underneath. A rather unique and ambitious film with great performances that stays with you long after it ends. Highly recommended.

Enlightened Me

[dariondanjou · 10/10 · 12 July 2022]

I consider myself an educated person, politically savvy, an active voter, and thought I was aware of how US political systems work. 88 showed me Indont know squat. The movie introduced me to new information of which I wasn't already aware, revealing details of exactly how the system is heavily gamed, and it did so within the context of an entertaining thriller. I appreciate the hot topic discussion items throughout, like the controversial take on Black Panther.

Tribeca's best film by far

[ymg-50585 · 10/10 · 15 June 2022]

It's tough to praise the film like I want to without revealing spoilers. Just know I came for a political thriller and 5 minutes into the film realized it was about much, much more. This is hands down a must watch. And acting was incredible. A lot of the ideas presented in the film were things I've discussed and debated for years with friends. Loved how this film presented and then directly challenged those ideas. I'll leave a more detailed review once the film is released to the general public.

An engaging political thriller

[Okb_zero-35055 · 10/10 · 14 June 2022]

The latest feature from writer/director Eromose (Legacy, Nostradamus) arrived at Tribeca Film Festival last week. It draws inspiration from classics like All The President's Men and JFK along with more recent works Margin Call and The Ides of March. It's an ambitious film with a talented cast you have likely seen on TV (Brandon Victor Dixon and Naturi Naughton of Starz's Power, Thomas Sadoski of HBO's The Newsroom) as well as veterans Orlando Jones and William Fichtner.

The story follows the financial director of a Democratic PAC during the presidential primaries. He detects some recurring anomalies in the donations and begins to investigate with a personal colleague, forming this film's team of Woodward and Bernstein. What the plot reveals I will leave for the reader to discover, but the ensuing events are engrossing and and genuinely tense at times. Peeling back the onion reveals a festering core...but what about all that money?

The film doesn't offer any easy answers, and the subject matter will rightfully make people uncomfortable. Your mileage may vary, but you will leave with something to think about and discuss with your friends.

Jump into the rabbit hole.

[srai_san · 8/10 · 29 July 2022]

88 is a thought-provoking film with a phenomenal and diverse cast. At the beginning of the film, I was a little lost with the political conversations, but then there was a great animated sequence explaining Super PACs and the roles non-profits play. It was pretty informative (to me). The plot is a deep dive into American politics and associated conspiracy theories. It's quite a rabbit hole; truly crazy, mind-blowing, and frightening stuff that is unearthed by the protagonist. I believe one of the main goals of 88 is to encourage conversation about complex topics, especially given how the movie ends. (No Spoilers) Also, whether you're into politics or not, I recommend this film because, with politics aside, it's also a story about values and family.

One Small Step For 88, One Giant Leap For The Culture!

[ShawnLandrum · 10/10 · 20 June 2022]

Naturi Naughton's performance was amazing! I've seen her as Lil Kim, I've seen her as Tasha St Patrick, in this performance I saw Naturi as My Grandmother, My Mother, My Wife and every bit of common sense I wish for my daughters to have. Her character was well written and well executed! Bravo! 88 is an amazingly put together Political Thriller that follows the Protagonist, A Financial Director for a Super PAC, beautifully played by Brandon Victor Dixon. What's cool about this protagonist is the relatability factor. I'd have a drink with this guy. I give my kids the same talk. I see myself making some of the same decisions the Protagonist does in the film. As a fan of Political Thrillers, I found myself both educated and entertained throughout the film. The film was shot in such a fascinating style, comparable to the Political Thriller, Michael Clayton. On a side note, if you are a fan of acting, this film offers a smorgasbord of talent that had me saying, "That's such and such from the film /tv show such and such!" more times than I can count. Great cast, written and directed beautifully.

Old Hollywood political thriller, but BLACK!!!

[ede-61292 · 10/10 · 15 July 2022]

I loved this movie!!! It's based in a modern setting, but with an old cinema style of storytelling. A real political thriller that focus on the African American society and struggles in America. Like the Hollywood films from the 70's "88" takes social issues, and put it straight in your face without lying or sugar coating it!

So good on so many levels

[poshmom · 9/10 · 19 June 2022]

88 is a political thriller with a pointed message for *right now*. I went to the theatre for a few hours of mindful entertainment and was thrilled to find a thought-provoking, riveting and well-told story.

Lovers of political thrillers will be deeply satisfied. Movie buffs will notice the nods to Hitchcock, Scorsese and All the President's Men. 70s babies like me will reminisce about School House Rock during a brief and brilliant segment/explainer on SuperPacs and Citizens United. Must see.

A film that revisits familiar conversations with a fresh new perspective.

[jjmireku · 9/10 · 3 July 2022]

I was fortunate enough to catch this film when it was available and it did not disappoint. I find lately with my entertainment, i crave less and less the pretentious and seek the profound. Films with tales that actually have something to say. Eromose is a fantastic story teller and in this fresh take of a political thriller are revamped, reimagined and even new elements of this genre that already has a plethora of other film entries of its kind. This is the kind of filmmaker that truly is a master of his craft and takes his work seriously , which shows in his product. My hope is to see a wide release of this film but even more so, i look forward to seeing more work from the director in the future.

Instant classic

[info-01932 · 26 March 2023]

I don't give 10s and rarely give 9s, so this is an A grade.

This movie kept me on the edge of my seat. A political thriller that does not follow conventional story-telling patterns. The filmmaker kept me guessing throughout.

A Tribeca gem, this piece holds a mirror to the flawed political system without removing the filmmaker's neutrality, this allowing the audience to ponder the implications of the plot twists without bias.

There are genuine tense moments that build suspense and anticipation. In the vein of whodunits but without campy humor or over the top tropes.

The ending does not leave me any room for character empathy or a feeling of finality to the journey. It only left me saying, "where do we go from here?"

Great film!!

[mamato160 · 9/10 · 28 September 2023]

Fantastic film that is extremely relevant to the corruption of Super PAC's and their contributions to political parties. It is beyond me how a film of this caliber can only have a a four star writing. I am also shocked this film is receiving the same level of media attention as most films these days received. Its a gem of a movie. Overall pacing of the film is great, acting fantastic, story intriguing. This film pulled me in in the same manner many other great corruption films of the past have like All Thr President's Men, JFK or Inside Man. Do yourself a favor and watch this film you won't be disappointed.

Entertaining and Timely

[WP-95646 · 9/10 · 28 July 2022]

Clever and brilliantly written. I appreciate the boldness of the filmaker. The ideas presented in the film will certainly be controversial to some. The topic of Race is explored in a different way than most films that touch on it. Less trauma and more resiliance. Most importantly, this political thriller is entertaining and will leave you thinking about it longer after seeing it.

Essential Viewing.

[barakanoel · 10/10 · 6 March 2023]

It's a shame more people haven't figured out that they need to see this film. In ten years, it will be a cult classic.

The director's debut features Idris Elba, before he became a planet. Support black cinema, support honest cinema - this is a fantastic film, with a point of view. Don't be afraid to be the first in your family; share it with your friends.

I have been lucky enough to speak with the man, and his insight and vision are gems in the wild. The lead reminded me of a young Jeffrey Wright.

Felt a bit like Spike Lee in a new era. Militant Black Wes Anderson, with a sense of irony. Not a comedy - but I laughed.

Well cast and one visual scene in particular is one you won't forget anytime soon. Very strong execution in that father to son moment.

[valvenafilms · 8/10 · 20 June 2022]

I've always been a fan of suspenseful political thrillers: the cat and mouse, the mystery to be solved, a complex web unraveling, etc. So when I heard Eromose was doing a Political thriller I was excited because he knows how to do suspense and handle atmosphere. This has proven to be a strength of his in all of the films he has directed. This film, in actuality, was more of a mix genre piece with a lot of different elements than what you would typically find in the tropes of a standard political thriller. There is a familial element to it and although I've always been a viewer more geared towards the detached and plots revolving around singular individuals, even loners, this familial element did lead to one of the best scenes in the film, a father son conversation accentuated beautifully with blue and red police strobe lightning, and the tone from start to finish was handled perfectly in that sequence. An unexpected moment that not only hits strong but that showed Eromose has visual flare and then some. The bar scene, another brilliant exhibition of mastering a sequence and the visual image with editing, tone, framing, suspense and atmosphere. The sequence with the guard and the elevator, as he gets out of there just in time and we see a glimpse of who emerges to meet him. More than ever: these moments, images, and sequences in 88 show that Eromose is a skilled director who can do drama, family pieces, suspense thrillers, probably even comedies and horror but whereas he can do a lot of different genres well because of his mastery of the craft of filmmaking, the fact remains that he would kill if he was in the genres of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Action or even Westerns. Any one of these genres would play to his strengths. So while a capable director with the full overall package and skill set, I am eager to see more of Eromose's work in the future hopefully lean into one of the more kinetic visual genres, but I am grateful for the three superb visual sequences I received in 88, the father son police convo, the friend to friend chat at the bar over a drink untouched, and the elevator scene with the guard and the man not met. Don't be fooled by the fact that this Director has a hold over the fundamentals of filmmaking and his execution is sound; he has massively untapped potential and fuel in the tank waiting to be ignited in the visually atmospheric genres. 88 is worth a watch as it has a lot of different elements to like but I'm watching to see what this director does next.