2 GUNS (2013)

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Directed By: Baltasar Kormakur
Written By: Blake Masters
Based on the boom! studios graphic novels By: Steven Grant
Cinematography: Oliver Wood
Editor: Michael Tronick

Cast: Denzel Washington,Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton,Edward James Olmos, Bill Paxton, James Marsden, Robert John Burke, Fred Ward, Patrick Fischler

Two hardened criminals get into trouble with the US border patrol after meeting with a Mexican drug lord, and then revelations start to unfold.

The film is fun though it is always predictable and you know how it is going to turn out. Though luckily the film keeps us on our toes and interested to see how we will get there.

Didn’t know that the film was actually based on a graphic novel. Though Mark Wahlberg is more an old hat at taking on roles originated elsewhere and in graphic novels. Denzel Washington not so much. 

 The twists and turns are appreciated to keep the film lively and drive the story forward.

The action sequences are impressive. You can tell the two stars are having in with the material, maybe even then the audience. As each doesn’t stretch too far in their roles and falls back to their charms and talents.

This is the type of film where the plot comes off as an afterthought. Though complicated this film seems more invested in the chemistry of the two stars and how much they can interact as superstars. As well as an emphasis on action sequences and who comes out on top in them.

A buddy action comedy is only tougher, involving more death and violence. With two Movie stars, you normally don’t see Co-Starring in each other’s Films. Which is really what brings the audience to this film more than the actual story. 

Shocked, the movie isn’t directed by a frequent collaborator for Denzel Washington Antoine Fuqua. As it has the same polish as his films but lacks the drama needed for one of his films. 

Paula Patton seems more here as eye candy with a surprising amount of nudity. She does set the movie forward. Between this and the movie FLIGHT, Denzel Washington being involved with younger women and having nudity brings one back to the films of yesteryear though admittedly gratuitous, but so much of this film already is still stylish. 

This film is almost like a veteran movie as most cast members are recognizable and here more to chew the scenery but at least they come off as they are having fun. That energy extends to the viewer and makes this film entertaining while you take none of it seriously 

It’s not god’s gift to make a decent action thriller with a bunch of intentional laughs. At least the movie offers an intriguing story that does hold the audience’s interest other than having the two stars teaming up or battling one another amongst the more ridiculous elements. It has suspenseful moments. 

Though honestly if you are a fan of either or both of the stars of this movie. You will like it thus making it criticism-proof in the long run. Especially when the film is better down than expected

Grade: B-  

VIRTUOSITY (1995)

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Directed By: Brett Leonard

Written By: Eric Bernt

Cinematography: Gale Tattersall

Editor: Rob Korbin & B.J. Sears

Cast: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Kelly Lynch, Stephen Spinella, William Forsythe, Louise Fletcher, William Finchter, Kevin J. O’Connor, Costas Mandylor, Kaley Cuoco, Mari Morrow

When a virtual reality simulation created using the personalities of multiple serial killers manages to escape into the real world, an ex-cop is tasked with stopping its reign of terror.

The director of THE LAWNMOWER MAN seems to be obsessed with virtual reality as he has made another film based on technology.

That special effects at least makes some kind Of sense though dates the film that is supposed to be futuristic and looks historically dated

This is Russell Crowe’s first big blockbuster film although he is playing the villain and is rather demented and charismatic. He is dressed more like an evil yuppie which at the time seemed to have been the go-to villain archetype. He is memorable throughout as he espouses to be having Fun and comes off more a horror movie villain with a sly sense of humor 

This is a strange film even for a big studio film. It is one of the first to feature Denzel Washington in more of an action setting. Which at the time was why I went to see the film and felt excited. 

Science fiction film that seems dated using technology that was cutting edge then but still seemed on its way out 

There is a curious performance by Stephen Spinella playing the inventor of Russell Crowe’s character who is just creepy as dramatic for no real reason throughout the film only to lamely come back towards the end of the film

I would talk about action sequences but they are more like continuous chase sequences throughout. Those are entertaining but hardly memorable. Where the future is made to look so technical that it feels ridiculous that it is just dressed up in the modern-day. 

The film is Over the top, amped up and hyped by a pounding soundtrack. That never seems to rest. Though the technical elements seem intriguing watching it now. It comes off a little more outdated.

I will admit to going to see this film in theaters and I left with the same questionable conclusion. I was entertained but did I like the film? I recognized it wasn’t good by any means. Though I would watch it again just not enthusiastically. Now I watch the film amazed that it was made as at times it is laughably bad.

Grade: D

SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT (1993)

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Directed By: Bill Duke
Written By: James Orr, Jim Cruickshank & Judi Ann Mason
Based On Characters created By: Joseph Howard
Cinematography By: Oliver Wood
Editor: Stuart Pappe, Pem Harring & John Carter

Cast: Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Wendy Makkena, Kathy Najimy, Mary Wickes, Barnard Hughes, James Coburn, Michael Jeter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Lauryn Hill, Robert Pastorelli, Alanna Ubach, Ryan Toby, Jenifer Lewis

The sisters come back to Delores’s show to get her back as Sister Mary Clarence to teach music to a group of students in their parochial school which is doomed for closure. One of the girls, who is the most talented of the bunch, is forbidden to sing by her mother, although the choir has made it to the state championship. A group of stereotypical incompetent monks tries to stop them.

The film never seems to shake its beginning. It starts with a vegas stage show and the whole film feels the same way as production. That is glossy and slick and never feels real while it tries to impart a message. Though it comes off as hammy as a hallmark presentation movie. Put on the big screen full of cliché. In fact, Whoopi Goldberg hated making the first one though it revitalized her career one of the reasons she decided to appear in the sequel was that Disney agreed to finance her dream project SARAFINA. If she made this film. 


The film makes no sense half the time whereas at the end of the original Whoppi Goldberg’s character seemed to be world-famous and here she is a vegas star. Though no one seems to recognize her when she dons the habit. (Hence the title) to become a nun again to teach inner-city children. Even the administration.  One of the few pleasing aspects of this film is that it seems more of a film to highlight fresh new talent in acting and performance. In fact, this was the first time I remember seeing singer Lauryn Hill. She has practically the near lead out of all the students and Ryan Toby of the R & B group City High. 


I guess it was more intended for family audiences. Whereas the first one was also but played more for the adults. This one seems more aimed at teenagers. It takes place in the inner city but is the nicest inner city you’ll ever see. In fact, Lauryn Hill’s plotline involving her mother made no sense. it only seems to be here for false conflict. 


 The recognizable big-name cast in the film. That is cast in small supporting roles. Seem here to add marquee value to the dwindling film. Making the film look more respectable. Though the actors are only here for a fast paycheck and also so they can be in a film that looked to be a slam dunk at the box office. Though it is nice to see them they only add to the gloss and make the film shiny while never cutting deep. 

 I will tell the truth I am a fan of the first film. In fact, it still holds the record for the movie I saw the most in theaters (As well as such films as PULP FICTION, HEAT, THE BIRDCAGE and GET SHORTY) SISTER ACT was PG-13 and I could actually go see it without a parent. I also remember all my friends and family wanting to see it. So I would volunteer to see it with them. The film was very charming to me. It was also cute and funny. When I didn’t ask too much about my entertainment and art. When this film first came out I liked it. I didn’t hate it. In fact, I still don’t. Just watching it now is so disappointing. It hasn’t aged well at all. Though I doubt it was ever really good. It seems like a film that tries hard to be hip and meaningful but was played out even before it went to theaters. 

It plays like a film that is only interested in making money for its brand and seems like they tried hard to try to come up with a reason for a sequel. Though the answer wasn’t really that good. I still find it to be a mild guilty pleasure as it reminds me of the time that it came out. I did like the film and its music I even bought the soundtrack and think Lauryn Hill’s rendition of His Eye is on the sparrow is spectacular and haunting.  Wait for Television,     

This is one of the last times I feel Whoopi Goldberg really gave of herself and put in a performance. No matter how much she seems on autopilot here at least she looks like she is trying and engaging. Especially considering the material. 

 GRADE: D+

ZOLA (2021)

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Directed By: Janicza Bravo 
Written By: Jeremy O. Harris 
Based on the Tweets by: A’Ziah King 
Based on the article “ZOLA TELLS ALL: THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE GREATEST STRIPPER SAGA EVER TWEETED” By: David Kushner 
Story By: Andrew Neel & Mike Roberts
Cinematography By: Ari Wegner 
Editor: Joi McMillon 

Cast: Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Coleman Domingo  Nicholas Braun, Jason Mitchell, TS Madison, Sophie Hall

A stripper named Zola embarks on a wild road trip to Florida. Based on a true story and tweeted on Twitter.

You think the film is going to be one way. Another downtrodden downbeat story that is exploitive and feels like tragedy porn In an urban community. But it isn’t it’s not as wild as some might have thought from the toro view but it is pretty out there. As this isn’t a sympathy story. It is more of a day in the life of characters in an extraordinary situation. Where each plays a substantial role.

The film Manages to be stylish and feel like a kind of pulp tale with it’s own voice that has to be true because it is too identifiable and crazy at the same time to be entirely made up. 

Riley Keough’s performance is memorable as the instigator who seduces her into this tawdry trip and also as a character who would normally be a disposable comedic character but here she is knowing yet naive. Someone who causes her own destruction and those around her. As her character has a so-called blaccent which feels like a new dangled version of blackface that her character takes pride In. She comes off as poor white trash or a person of low Intelligence and comes off as one of the worst characters in a film with plenty of dangerous ones. 

Even in the scene where she retorts and tells her own version of the story that we have seen so far. When she is at one of her lowest points. She tries to come off as innocent and the opposite of how she has been portrayed but will insist on insulting Zola like a character with a lot of race-based if not racist overtones in her version of the story. Filled with stereotypes and insults about hygiene. Especially when early in the film we are privy to see just who is the unhygienic one.

The filM Humanizes the characters no matter how outlandish or loathsome. Making the drama feel more full-fledged. Even though it is more of a humorous movie. That feels like a kind of relapse for the audience and the characters. Despite all the fear in all the craziness.

Zola constantly is the smartest character in the room but even she knows she is in over her head. As she tries to make it work for her as she is stuck. When Zola realizes she is in a pimp situation. She realizes she is in too deep and is just trying to survive the situation with unsteady factors. 

The film has little sex but plenty of sexuality and it tries to go into some erotic but is sold cheaply to us. While we see some female glimpses of nudity. We see full frontal of men 

There is grace. There is erotic and it is sexual but there is nothing quite sexy about it as anytime it might veeer towards that it reveals just how gross and messy the situation and awakens you from any fantasy you might try to derive out of it. Sometimes crudely and sometimes humorously. 

Even when the film has a mankind of being cuckolded and while you feel sympathy for him. He also comes off as one of the more comedic elements in his dumbness. As he is constantly humiliated not only by the woman he loves but by her so-called male friend who is more of a pimp and she pledges her love to the pimp over everything in front of him. Then the pimp introduces his other woman and Stefani still stays loyal. You wonder why he doesn’t just leave. 

While the film is crazy it’s not as off the wall as you might expect. Again you  have to go with what is happening and where it leads. 

When a line from the original Twitter feed is used. Usually in dialogue, There is a kind of alarm from Twitter. The film does have many memorable lines. 

Towards the end the film feels a bit like some Miami Vice episode. Though it still feels more homegrown. 

The film is short and to the point. As an on-screen adventure with only an indulgence or two. We learn very little about anybody’s past. There are little revelations when needed.

This is a movie that is definitely waiting to be discovered by an audience and deserves to be. As if the film Is given a chance most would find it entertaining, funny and definitely memorable 

Grade: B

FATAL AFFAIR (2020)

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Directed By: Peter Sullivan 
Written By: Peter Sullivan & Rasheeda Garner
Story By: Peter Sullivan & Jeffrey Schneck
Cinematography: Eitan Almagor
Editor: Randy Carter 

Cast: Nia Long, Omar Epps, Stephen Bishop, Aubrey Cleland, Maya Stojan, KJ Smith, Estelle Swaray 

Ellie tries to mend her marriage with her husband Marcus after a brief encounter with an old friend, David, only to find that David is more dangerous and unstable than she’d realized.

This is supposed to be an erotic thriller Burt here are only glimpses of erotica maybe two scenes that seem to almost go there before cutting away. There is an opening sex scene where you barely see anything and might be the sole reason for this film Getting an R Rating. 

Sir of the film plays like a Lifetime television movie, one of the more sensationalistic and ridiculous ones. Where you can’t believe half of what is going on. Now mix that with usually these types of films that comes out towards the end of the summer African American cinema is a thriller that has an actress front and center with a recognizable supporting cast.

The film stars the beautiful and overly capable actress Nia Long and Omar Epps as the lead. Yet the film Feels 10 – 15 years too late for them or most of the audience to really get excited about their on-screen pairing.

Also, it already seems that he is obviously a psycho that the film barely holds any surprises. Especially when the film doesn’t.

Live up to the title. As there is no actual affair. There is almost one that ends up. It happens and sets this guy off. Not that he wasn’t crazy before that and worse as unhinged as he is. You would expect him to be more obvious to others.

Not to mention that her old college friends tell her how obsessed the guy was with her in college and the fact she never knew or recognized it seems a little hard to believe. Could see if she thought maybe he had changed or maybe if his psychosis was brought on by seeing her again and that was what triggered her would have been a stronger plot device. 

The fact that he is a tech expert just feels convenient to the story of course. Though when they keep saying his ex looks like Nia Long’s character. When we see her she definitely does not, so while it works story-wise when we see it with our own eyes it seems very far-fetched.

Just as the fact that her best friend would believe a guy she just started dating over her best friend of years.

The film tries to be a thriller but it just comes across as silly and fun and unintentionally funny. Worst of all it’s not even that sexy.

The characters who end up being killed are minor, not even really secondary. It seems like anyone who has less than 10 lines in this movie is fair game to end up murdered. 

Grade: F

JEAN OF THE JONESES (2016)

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Written & Directed By: Stella Meghie 
Cinematography: Kris Belchevski
Editor: Aren Hansen 

Cast: Taylour Paige, Sherri Shepherd, Gloria Reuben, Anna Hopkins, Erica Ash, Mamoudou Athie, Michelle Hurst, Demore Barnes, Cara Ricketts, Francois Arnaud 

Chaos ensues after the estranged patriarch of the Jones family dies on their doorstep. When the paramedic who answers their 911 call tried to win over acerbic Jean Jones, his attempts are disrupted by old conflicts that come to a boil at the funeral.

The film is short and sweet. Yet you want to see more. 

The film has a constant wit. With a wicked sense of humor that at times goes for the heartstrings but not without a good dose of resistance. That allows the film to be dramatic and funny at the same time.

The film shows how the absence of one person has affected the rest of them and how pettiness and secrets can damage even when not intended to 

The main character is an educated mess trying to find herself and is constantly literally tripping as in clumsy.

This film presents a modern metropolitan romance with a so-called urban twist. Seen through with characters of color. While being a family drama. 

The lead character is similar to the one on director Stella Meghie’s Other film after this THE WEEKEND only here a little sadder.

Like any New York-based romantic comedy with an ensemble cast. We get glimpses of their Individual dramas. Only this time amongst African Americans upper-middle class. Well, really more Caribbean Americans with a neurotic lead something we rarely see in African American films.

The film offers more of a light touch, not a tragedy where the characters are allowed to just be and not be perfect placeholders or model citizens. 

In the end, this is a fun film. That is as charismatic as its Script and leads 

GRADE: A- 

BABYMOTHER (1998)

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Directed By: Julian Henriques 
Written By: Julian Henriques & Vivienne Howard 
Cinematography: Peter Middleton 
Editor: Jason Canovas 

Cast: Anjela Lauren Smith, Wil Johnson, Caroline Chickezie, Jocelyn Jee Eisen, Don Warrington, Tameka Empson, Diane Bailey, Vas Blackwood 

A single mother determined to make it as a singer puts together an all-girl reggae group named Neeta, Sweeta, & Nastie with her friends. Living in a housing project with little support, the odds are obviously against her. Emotionally she struggles too as she learns at her mother’s death that her actual mother is the woman she had thought was her older sister. With the help of a female agent, the group starts to get some exposure and rises above their setting.

This is a film I have heard about over the years. Especially in my teenage years and unfortunately forgot about it and then suddenly found it and jumped at the chance to finally watch it. 

The film is certainly eye-catching if even just for the colorful outrageous outfits worn by the cast.   

The film starts off with inventive credits that also help explain who the characters are and how they are intertwined.

For some, this film can be seen as an introduction to dancehall culture before it became popular and mainstream. So that the film Offers a look at characters of Caribbean descent and their culture as they make their way in London. Though at least they are more in their element. As though there are no other races on screen. 

The film is essentially about a woman finding independence and at times romance. While trying to better herself for her children/family. Despite problems with her sister and boyfriend. We see a lot of her and others’ domestic life.

The film might feel a bit familiar. As it comes off as feeling like a Sunday movie. This means something simple, inoffensive that offers something more lightweight and leaves you with a smile on your face. As it affects you like easy listening music and stays smooth, feeling like you are floating for the rest of the day.

The film resolves itself really easily and is not too hard-hitting at all, but why not. It’s nice to see a film that Involves African American characters that isn’t necessarily heavy or traumatic. As most of the characters are likable and the film really doesn’t have any villains. 

Would have been nice if the film delved into other characters’ moves. A bit more as well as their domestic problems. As the film stays with the protagonist mainly Throughout her adventures and challenges. 

The film also has a catchy soundtrack throughout. That would have been nice if performed more with dancing and show-stopping numbers. 

Grade: B-

NEXT FRIDAY (2000)

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Directed By: Steve Carr
Written By: Ice Cube
Based On Characters Created By: Ice Cube & DJ Pooh
Cinematography By: Christopher Baffa
Editor: Elena Maganini

CAST: Ice Cube, Mike Epps, John Witherspoon, Sticky Fingaz, Don D.C. Curry, Tamala Jones, Lisa Rodriguez, Amy Hill, Clifton Powell, Kym Whitley, Jacob Vargas, Tommy “Tiny” Lister, Michael Rappaport 

This time the film follows Craig, as he is sent to live with his uncle in the suburbs. Who has just won the lottery after his nemesis from the first film breaks out of prison to look for him. 

The problem with this film is that there seems to be a void with this film compared to the original. Half the cast is gone. The new cast seems to give it their all but comes up very short. Since most of the cast are comedians. It seems like they are improvising their routines in the context of their scenes. Where the first film had original and inspired comedic characters. This one seems to wallow in stereotypes. It is occasionally humorous but not hilarious. 

The Standout is the character of Pinky Played By Clifton Powell and the female lead Played by Lisa Rodriguez, who is so gorgeous and talented that I am shocked she never went on to bigger and better. Not even smaller roles in big films or indie films. 

 John Witherspoon seems to be being punished for being In this film as he spends most of it running around with dog shit stuck to him. Why? It’s not funny nor does it have anything to further the story along. 

 The film tries but lacks a certain energy that the first film had it tries here to replace it with enthusiasm but it doesn’t work. It was the combined talent used in the first film that made it such a winning success here. Ice Cube loses the original director and Co-star. Who obviously make the crucial difference between the two films.

This is a nice attempt but maybe Ice Cube should have refined it a little before making it. Instead of just taking a first draft and assuming the masses will take what they can get from the franchise. He was partially correct as the film was a hit. Especially with a stoner audience that doesn’t ask too much for the quality, but for regular fans that is a big problem.

The film lacks quality which makes it an empty enterprise. I just don’t find Mike Epps that engaging actor or that funny. So he is a sub-par replacement for the charismatic Chris Tucker as a Sidekick.

The film has its moments but never quite measures up and wise seems more like it is pandering. As it has a good set-up but takes the main characters and leaves them as fish out of water but also cleansing half the characters that made the original great and somewhat identifiable here the characters feel more like caricatures then anything purely there for jokes that don’t work

GRADE: D+

EDUCATION (2020)

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Story By & Directed by: Steve McQueen 
Written by: Alastair Siddons 
Cinematography: Shabier Kirschner
Editor: Chris Dickens & Steve McQueen 

Cast: Naomi Ackie, Kenyah Sandy, Jade Anouka, Nigel Boyle, Daniel Francis, Sharlene Wyte 

Education is the coming of age story of 12-year-old Kingsley, who has a fascination for astronauts and rockets. When Kingsley is pulled to the headmaster’s office for being disruptive in class, he discovers he’s being sent to a school for those with “special needs.” Distracted by working two jobs, his parents are unaware of the unofficial segregation policy at play, preventing many Black children from receiving the education they deserve, until a group of West Indian women takes matters into their own hands.

This is part of Director Steve McQueen’s Small Axe series of films. A kind of miniseries of five films that showcase stories of the struggles of the Caribbean and black citizens in the United Kingdom. Shining a light on them and usually who they have been abused and mistreated by the system 

This film seems to be more about a subject than a character. Though it is played out through characters, a central family mainly and the women activists. Who strive to help them and other families left in the same predicament.

The film focuses on a young boy in a working-class family. Who is disruptive and has a hard time reading. In his school his acting out is met harshly where he is routinely insulted and more put out by teachers who have no time for him and find him more of a distraction for other students. He is quickly removed from the school and sent to a new school for special children 

Throughout we find out that this new school is barely a school that offers an education. As the kids are left to their own devices most of the time and when there are teachers around they seem more like they don’t want to be bothered or do whatever they want to do like play songs and consider that teaching.

These schools are obviously more like holding dens for children the proper schools want to deal with and don’t want to help or give proper attention to.

The crux of the film is educating the parents of children sent to Jesse schools as to what is happening and Kingsley’s mother really paying attention to it all and doing something about it as she searches for answers and resolutions to the growing problem. Which seems to target minority children and immigrant children.

As the teachers seem to not want to nurture these kids and are setting them up for no future. These ladies eventually set up Saturday schools meant to teach the lessons these children are missing and nurture them to want to learn and believe in themselves and most of all encourage them.

It shows you the caste and class system that still exists and the roots of education where it can take you and lead you and most of all how important it is to a child that you show attention and faith in them as much as a study has faith in you.

It ends open-ended but it is one that definitely ends with hope and an all-around happiness even if abrupt. It offers an answer and hopefully a promise.

Grade: B

THE GUARD (2011)

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Written & Directed By: John Michael Mcdonagh
Cinematography: Larry Smith 
Editor: Chris Gill

Cast: Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle, Mark Strong, Rory Keenan, Liam Cunningham, Fionnula Flanagan 

Sergeant Gerry Boyle is a small-town Irish cop with a confrontational personality, a subversive sense of humor, a dying mother, a fondness for prostitutes, and absolutely no interest whatsoever in the international cocaine-smuggling ring that has brought straight-laced FBI agent Wendell Everett to his door.

This is a film that frankly the audience might be starved for a dialogue-driven character-driven dark comedic buddy cop film. Mismatched partners where one is by the book the other is dirty but with a set of rules all his own. Even as most of the cops he works with are dirty just as he is guilty of it himself.

Don Cheadle is perfect as the midwestern FBI agent brought into this foreign small town. Essentially playing the straight man. A fish out of water. He has a quiet dignity as a gentleman and straight arrow. Who can still kick ass if he has to.

Brendan Gleeson epitomizes the word star in this movie after years as a great character actor in such gems as GANGS OF NEW YORK he occasionally gets the lead role like in the magnificent THE GENERAL (he seems to star in movies with rank and job titles) which is the first film I noticed him in where he was phenomenal. Here he makes his acting look effortless; he fully inhabits the character. Luckily he has someone skilled to play off of.

The film is filled with quirky characters and situations like the villains who frankly are smarter than everyone around them and more dangerous.

The film treats violence like a normal everyday occurrence yet the film is not brutal.

Everyone in the cast is an essential part of the story. Praise should be given to all of them from Actress Finola Flannigan who should definitely be getting more work. She puts so much heart into all of her roles.

The film has a laid-back pace but pulls you in with excitement. As you can’t wait for the next scene or next line of dialogue. As you never know what’s going to happen.

You have philosophical drug smugglers, country-western IRA agents, dirty cops that make out morally questionable heroes look clean. As he only really starts to participate in trying to bust and break up this drug ring because he’s tried and true deputy is killed. Besides that, he pretty much makes no waves and has a standing appointment with his escorts weekly. With his bulldog glare yet puppy dog eyes he’s a Brute but a gentle one.

If you like the film IN BRUGES you will like this. It was fast-paced and action-oriented (which seems more a second thought here) but with a similar mood and style, with good reason. As the writer/director of this film is the brother of writer/director/playwright of IN BRUGES

There are very sympathetic characters in this film yet they find a way into the audience’s heart even if it is for you only a scene or two.

Grade: B+