Directed By: Melanie Laurent Written by: Nic Pizzolatto Based On The Novel By: Nic Pizzolatto Cinematography: Arnaud Potier Editor: Joseph Krings
Cast: Ben Foster, Elle Fanning, Beau Bridges, Maria Valverde, Lili Reinhart, Jeffrey Grover, Christopher Amitrano
Debt collector Roy is a heavy-drinking criminal enforcer and mob hitman whose boss set him up in a double-cross scheme. After killing his would-be assassins, Roy discovers Rocky, a young woman being held captive, and reluctantly takes her with him on his escape. Determined to find safety and sanctuary in Galveston, Roy must find a way to stop his boss from pursuing them while trying to outrun the demons from his and Rocky’s pasts.
From the writer of TRUE DETECTIVE based on his novel. It’s just as down and dirty as the show. Only here no mysticism. It does show how certain things affect another. Though this is more a character study of the two leads. Only we seem more from their actions rather than from what they say.
Melanie Laurent the french actress directs this movie. That is grimy yet has a golden sheen around it. Where it seems like the film takes great joy in not only seeing more sides of life.
Trying to give definition and be emphasized as being more real. Seeming to try and give the Film a street quality. Everything including the actions seems dirtier than needed. It definitely has a lived In quality, especially with a cast of unrecognizable actors.
Ben Foster usually is great in whatever he is in and gives another great performance. He Keeps you mesmerized as you watch him. At times, you feel you have him figured out only to surprise you but he always feels natural. Even when he makes decisions that leading characters rarely do.
The film is never happy, it seems like it’s trying to bathe itself In Dirt and unhappiness.
Letting you know nothing will be easy. The world the film creates is cruel with no victories, even so, the tragedy you know will eventually come. Still feels like a gut punch.
A pulp story told through two characters who are thrown together by chance and it seems each step to the way they dig themselves deeper while trying. To keep a low profile. Through this time they bond and grow closer. They have a relationship even if it is not romantic. They form A bond and kind of family.
Even as throughout you can feel this Inching towards tragedy and it is rare anything happy or nice happens
This is the first truly adult role Elle Fanning has played. As she always seems to work keeping busy. Here she plays a younger character. She feels real and lived in. It never feels like she is coasting and for such a character who hasn’t had a hard life seems a little innocent and happy go lucky.
The film is strong even if at times it does feel like it is trying too hard.
Written & Directed By: Kelly Reichardt Story By: Jesse Hartman Cinematography: Jim Denault Editor: Larry Fessenden
Cast: Lisa Bowman, Larry Fessenden, Dick Russell, Stan Kaplan, Michael Buscemi
Cozy, a dissatisfied housewife, meets Lee at a bar. A drink turns into a home break-in, and a gunshot sends them on the run together, thinking they’ve committed murder.
This film is about a wanna Bonnie & Clyde. A makeshift couple on the run that is never romantic or lustful.
The film starts off well and feels inventive and tells the story fast and vividly. Introducing us to the characters and their motivations. as even the small details help set up the main Characters and offer spontaneity in their day-to-day supposedly mundane lives.
As it feels random at first. But the film catches up with that. As the story goes along we see how everything becomes connected and in this small town in Florida. They are literally passing by each other and not realizing they are the ones they are seeking.
A bored housewife seeks adventure in a loser would be a drifter and go on a crime spree of no regard though they think it is. As they go On the run. Not realizing no one is really looking. For them except for her. As her family wants to know why she has run away. Not to mention their crimes aren’t prosperous nor exciting. If anything they are more embarrassing but not in a broadly comedic way. They come off more as pathetic. As we watch the others their lives intersect with good ones.
Writer/Director Kelly Reichart films are very detail-oriented and more at the moment while we watch life and the characters move at a more day to day moment to moment pace. Her films are almost still Life may. They aren’t made with a broad canvas but are affecting if you are willing to watch and can take the slower pace and usually no frills.
This isn’t the first film Of her’s I have seen. Though this is one of her earlier ones and from the ones I have seen this is one of her quicker-paced and more conventional films.
This film shows an interest in a crime story. Where there is practically no crime. This was made before she went full-fledged into cinematic studies of life and characters At the moment.
NIGHT MOVES comes the closest of her later films where there seems to be some sort of action and offers more conventional entertainment.
In the end, this comes off as pathetic but a little soulful In its Eclecticness. So that it feels alive and free whenever offbeat
Directed By: Pablo Larrain Written By: Steven Knight Cinematography: Claire Mathon Editor: Sebastian Sepulveda
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall, Sally Hawkins, Sean Harris, Jack Farthing, Laura Benson, Wendy Patterson
During her Christmas holidays with the royal family at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, Diana Spencer, struggling with mental health problems, decides to end her decade-long marriage to Prince Charles.
I will admit this isn’t usually my type of film or the type I will run to, but I am glad I watched this film as I am a fan of director Pablo Larrain and his movies. Though not really that invested in the Royal family. This is the second film about them that I find myself surprised by how engrossed I am by films about them.
Deep down this film is about exploring being trapped in your own fame. That you knew might be coming but not the amount of scrutiny. Especially when the people who are supposed to be in this with you. Have decided to freeze you out also but expect you to represent them in your behavior.
As throughout, the film feels like a suspense-filled horror film. Where she is constantly under attack and wondering if each action is an attack. As we watch a woman trapped in everything: a marriage, a family, a palace, where everyone seems against her including the help.
So that even when seeming to have it all. The riches, the family, the fame still has their own fair share of problems, especially when it comes to a historic reign of a particular kingdom and family. Where she can never go back to when it was quite so simple. As of now she is ruled and trapped inside a kingdom. Where there is constant talk of survival.
Where no matter what she does it is never quite good enough. So that she begins to rebel and seems punished even more for it. So we watch the character of Princess Diana breaking down.
Kristen Stewart comes off as very theatrical at first. Where one doesn’t know if that is her playing character or her instincts. As she always comes off as performing more. Though eventually, she comes into her own. Not to mention those who knew Princess Diana say her performance is spot on.
She looks photogenic throughout like a model. Though I have to say this is one of her best performances. As she comes into her own, especially in the second half of the film. The more off-center she is the stronger the performance gets. Fighting against no matter how much they try to contain her
At first, that seems what the film will be built around but as it goes along. The film develops not only into a character piece, But a psychological thriller, a location horror film, and a diabolical thriller all in one that is very symbolic. As it also exposes the tradition of even the help and the standard they are held to.
The film seems more structured, but free to experiment more than the director Pablo Larrian’s Previous biofilm of a real-life character at a particular point in their life that lets them reflect on their life and legacy at a crucial time in the film JACKIE about Jackie Onassis.
Though based on real-life characters it’s still surprising when other recognizable actors pop up in supporting roles. They are impressive but jarring as it partially takes you out of the film. Luckily, they play the help. Where we as an audience can’t compare to faceless counterparts.
The film sets an atmosphere and tone. While also showing immaculately designed production and camera shots. As the film is artistically filmed to be personal and yet as beautiful as a perfume ad that feels like the inside of a fashion shoot.
Directed By: Ridley Scott Written By: Becky Johnston & Roberto Bentivenga Based on the Book By: Sara Gay Forden Cinematography: Dariusz Wolski Editor: Claire Simpson
Cast: Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jeremy Irons, Al Pacino, Jared Leto, Jack Huston, Salma Hayek, Camille Cottin, Reeve Carney
When Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel their legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately…murder.
This should be a movie that could almost guarantee an audience. It has a strong true life story of an emotive that is successful and slowly crumbles. The infighting amongst the family for control of this empire. An outsider who comes in and manipulates everyone and then later a true crime aspect.
For such an established and pedigree cast this film should be much better. It is grand in style though strangely considering the story should feel epic. Never achieves the heights and power that it should. It never feels rich or full-bodied.
Now, this is Lady Gaga’s first big starring role after A STAR IS BORN. All eyes are on her as she has the showiest role and while she does ok. It might have been much stronger with a more experienced actress. Who could captivate the audience.
Jared Leto acts like he is in a totally different film. His performance comes off as more comedic but will admit he is the most entertaining part of the film. As with him In Scenes. The film either feels uneven or that it is slipping more into camp at times.
The film at least allows for other cast members to shine but they rarely come close to being as interesting or captivating. Other than gaga Adam driver has the character who shows the most range in terms of emotions and situations.
The script fails at times also. As gaga’s character at first seems In love and humble and then all of a sudden seems to desire money and success manipulating her husband and the rest of the family. It might have been a little more understandable if the film showed she was a girl who came from much more humble beginnings and once around. Wealth and success she got spoiled and wanted to stay in that environment. Instead of making. It seems like she was a power mad gold digger all of a sudden.
The film feels like it is going through the motions of telling the story rather than being invested in it or the characters. It feels to a matter of fact or more reporting. Even in the good times, you don’t feel heights of joy or happiness. Though Can only go so far as Based ona true story
The film feels like it lacks the glamour and indulgence. It’s pretty much a television movie with a star name cast and more of a budget and even has scenes to help individualize the characters
It might be that wanting to show her more rags to riches we see glimpses of the power and fortune and are left with more the gaudy and rather basic indulgences and keep i everything smaller with lesser volumes as far as size of story making it feel more personal
As far as star casting she is in the middle of it all and does fine but needs a bigger star for us to indulge in. Went to tell a mroe realistic story instead of letting it either go to camp or makign it more about the Star than the story ala evita and with lady Gaga can see it as that kind of film where it could be but here the peers that be were more interested in story and details
Which might disappoint her audience but for fans wanting to learn the story or look for this to be a mroe all around film night prefer it
When dealing with a film about a known empire of fashion. Most expect a film More of style than substance. Maybe the thinking of the filmmakers was to be more restrained as style would be expected. As the story itself was so wild in the first place.
In the end it ends up not only a true crime drama that only showcases that aspect in the last third. As the first third is a romance and rags to riches story and the middle is indulgence but after all is said and done it is ultimately a tragedy. Where the new element brought the house down, but also everyone’s individual greed is their own worst enemies that becomes personified in the end
The film Works on many different levels for the audience star power as she has a best actress nomination. She has to be jsit as good as her cast memebers making her bring more of an a game as most of these actors are good even on their worst days
Her power of celebrity brings most of they punter audience even if not for die hard fans there is that element for others to see if she is up to par with her co-stars
It would only be more heightened if she had performed a song for the soundtrack which might have helped the film financially but then would have come over even more as a vanity project
Having Al Pacino in a movie set in Italy and with a crime drama background already poses sea the stereotype of somehow involving the mob. Luckily when it comes to him and his pedigree he is associated only with illustrious films about the mob that are mroe legendary
The film looks good but never quite as sharp as it should and never achieves the dramatic depth it should. Making it feel like it is constantly missing an ingredient. As it is definitely missing a sense of glamour.
Directed & Cinematography By: Tony Kaye Written By: Carl Lund Editor: Michelle Botticelli, Barry Alexander Brown & Geoffrey Richman
Cast: Adrien Brody, James Caan, Christina Hendricks, Sammi Gayle, Tim Blake Nelson, Bryan Cranston, William Peterson, Betty Kaye, Lucy Liu, Marcia Gay Harden, Blythe Danner, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Josh Pais, Doug E. Doug,
Detachment is a chronicle of three weeks in the lives of several high school teachers, administrators, and students through the eyes of a substitute teacher named Henry Barthes. Henry roams from school to school, imparting modes of knowledge, but never staying long enough to form any semblance of sentient attachment. A perfect profession for one seeking to hide out in the open. One day Henry arrives at his next assignment. Upon his entry into this particular school, a secret world of emotion is awakened within him by three women. A girl named Meredith is in his first period. A fellow teacher Ms. Madison, and a street hooker named Erica, whom Henry has personally granted brief shelter from the streets. Each one of these women, like Henry, is in a life and death struggle to find beauty in a seemingly vicious and loveless world.
The film-like its main character shows us the problems. Makes us aware of the problems, but also offers no answers. So not only is it bleak but also nihilistic. While it is heavily philosophical at times and becomes cerebral. It also at times becomes a bit too much.
The storyline of him taking in a girl off the street is understandable as he seems to try to prove to himself he is a good person and help someone he sees as innocent while one of his students sends out warning signs of trouble yet he is blind to it. It also shows a way to make up for things in his past. I also believe it is a way for him to communicate with someone as lonely as he is. In one scene he even witnesses a teacher clearly with mental problems, yet does nothing about it.
The film shows the hardships not only he but most teachers and administrators have to go through not only from students but also parents and the state. They seem to be battling in a losing war that they are not supplied to handle. Where the only hope is that you can grab one kid, one mind, and teach them something then you have succeeded. You have kids who don’t care. Parents who look to you to babysit and raise their children have no funds for anything.
Tony Kaye Makes another powerful hard-hitting film that while a little too indulgent at times makes you think and delivers a message. Despite his past troubles, his talent as a director is undeniable. He gets solid performances from the supporting cast who don’t have much to work with as far as characters but you feel the world-weariness.
James Caan’s character is full of spirit and funny yet has the feeling of hitting a brick wall way too many times. Kaye even casts his daughter in a key role and she is effective as is Sammi Gayle as a teen prostitute staying with Brody’s character. Tony Kaye also gets a boost from getting a natural and powerful performance from his lead Adrien Brody who hasn’t been this good in years, His performance is full and realized. He is soulful and complicated but comes through as solid. IT’s also his first leading role in quite some time.
The storyline of taking the girl off the street is far-fetched. In a real-life way, but works for the film. Marcia Gay Harden’s breakdown feels a bit over the top and far-reaching. The film feels important if only hopefully as a time capsule. More to look back upon as how bad a problem the school system was. More of a social problem film, than a dramatic one. As at times, we get to know the teacher’s home life some of whose is just as bad as the school system is but they are quickly jettisoned and forgotten for the rest of the film. ‘ The film provides dramatic characters and situations but is more concerned with the dilemma of these characters. Though it also is more focused on Adrien Brody’s character and problems.
I warn you this is not a happy film. It is very sad and depressing. It is worth watching for filmmaking and the performances. The film is definitely Worth Watching. An Addition to the film library you can come back and look from time to time. GRADE: B
Directed By: Jim Sheridan Written By: Terence Winter Cinematography By: Declan Quinn Editor: Roger Barton & Conrad Buff Jr.
Cast: Curtis “50 CENT” Jackson, Terrence Howard, Tory Kittles, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Leon, Joy Bryant, Omar Benson Miller, Mykelti Williamson, Bill Duke, Viola Davis, Russell Hornsby, Mpho Koaho,
A tale of an inner-city drug dealer who turns away from crime to pursue his passion, rap music.
This film feels like a modern 70’s black exploitation film that tries to be a drama now and again. It doesn’t really deal with graphic violence or nudity really. In fact, the film feels more melodramatic to give itself heart. Though the film is obviously well made, it seems to go for a more boastful story than truly dramatic.
At times it becomes more street cliche than hearsay. The same type of formula that tries to copy from 50 cents hip hop partner EMINEM’s film 8 MILE. While both are autobiographical loosely. 8 MILE ends with a victory of sorts but gives you the hint many more challenges and problems lay ahead. Which feels natural. Hereby end everything works out and seems victorious in all aspects. Which feels more like a fantasy.
Now I realize both men lead different lives and have different histories. Items just this film concern itself with glitz and boast, with moments of heart only. There are pieces of this film That are great, but It also feels stuffed like an epic. So Much happens and so. Many stages that you Start to feel its length instead of its weight.
Let me start off by saying this movie is not as bad as I thought it would be, but it is still a little disappointing. It tries to follow the same route as mentor Rapper EMINEM by creating a movie for his first starring role that closely resembles his real-life uprising as a rap superstar.
The only problem is that while his film shows 50 cent to be vulnerable and human. It doesn’t show it enough to endear him to the audience. It also doesn’t necessarily show off his skills as some one-of-a-kind talent. That it seemed like 8 MILE went out of its way to hammer home. Though that film seemed to also be more about identity. Learning responsibility and heartbreak. Though it does include hose virtues. This film seems more about revenge and forgiveness that happens to include hip-hop in its background and battlefield.
The film is interesting, but not compelling. While being Getty and showing us the dangerous criminal and hustler lifestyle in some way. It feels inauthentic even though a lot of violence, action, and power struggles. To feel one it is trying hard to be everything. To everyone in the audience. To reach all the expectations out upon it. Tough and street for the men in that audience, but rough around the edges, sweet and sensitive for the ladies, and a gangster element to go with the songs on the soundtrack for 50 cent’s fans.
The film feels overproduced like it’s made by committee. Though it is surprisingly made by acclaimed director Jim Sheridan. Though according to 50 Cent said that this film is “about 75% accurate”
Surprisingly this film wasn’t a bit. Audiences seemed to prefer the myth and rumors of 50 cent to supposedly the autobiographical story that is presented here.
Technically the film is on point. The writing isn’t the greatest but is passable. The acting is truly the only noteworthy thug about this movie. 50 cent isn’t great but he is o.k. Virtually playing himself. He is better than you would think (way better than his role in RIGHTEOUS KILL) the stand-out is Terrence Howard as his crazy right-hand man/friend he meets in prison. Joy Bryant is as touching as she is beautiful. Omar Benson Miller is in this film he was also in 8 MILE I hope he isn’t going to keep up roles like this as Random friend, he is a better actor than that. I like him. I just don’t want to see him in best-selling rapper decides to make his big-screen debut loosely based on his troubled life movies. Get better representation.
The biggest shock in the movie is the appearance of actor/director Bill Duke. Who I love as an actor, he doesn’t work nearly enough. Who though Jim Sheridan isn’t a lightweight. He is Oscar-nominated quite a few times. Mr. Duke might have been a little better suited to direct this tale. As he had quite the directing resume himself (DEEP COVER, HOODLUM, SISTER ACT 2) Don’t get me wrong I like seeing the New York underworld from a different perspective and fresh eyes.
Maybe the film takes too many artistic strokes with a rather basic storyline, that seems stretched to try and make it more uplifting. It feels like Director Sheridan didn’t want to make it too simple and might have been an ill fit for the material. That seems to want to be more exciting when the action does happen and not go behind the motivation and drama of the situation as much.
50 Cent hired an acting coach but Jim Sheridan had the woman removed from the set. Sheridan told 50 “If this fails, it won’t be because you can’t act. It’s because I didn’t direct you right.” Samuel L. Jackson was offered the role of Levar but turned it down. He told an interviewer that while he liked 50’s music, he did not feel that 50 Cent earned the right to star in a film by Jim Sheridan. However, Jackson later co-starred with 50 in HOME OF THE BRAVE.
The film seems rushed maybe the filmmakers should have spent a little more time writing and working the story out while planning the release. Allow it to marinate in pre-production to work out the problems, break the story. As it stands now it’s more like the film needed to be done by a certain date to coincide with his new album or something like that. Striking while the iron was no and his career was on fire.
This film feels like a modern 70’s black exploitation film that tries to be a drama now and again. It doesn’t really deal with graphic violence or nudity really. In fact, the film feels more melodramatic to give itself heart. Though the film is obviously well made, it seems to go for a more boastful story than truly dramatic.
At times it becomes more street cliche than hearsay. The same type of formula that tries to copy from 50 cents hip hop partner EMINEM’s film 8 MILE. While both are autobiographical loosely. 8 MILE ends with a victory of sorts but gives you the hint many more challenges and problems lay ahead. Which feels natural Here, by the end everything works out and seems victorious in all aspects. Which feels more like a fantasy.
Now I realize both men lead different lives and have different histories. It seems just this film concerns itself with glitz and boasts, with moments of heart only. There are pieces of this film That are great, but It also feels stuffed like an epic. So Much happens and so. Many stages that you Start to feel its length instead of its weight.
It feels like the story had to follow the soundtrack of songs that were already laid out in advance, instead of the other way around. It also seems to be counting Mr. Cent’s new record. Now please fans of 50 cent don’t kill or harm me. I’m not placing the blame on him, but hair as everyone behind the scenes, his hands aren’t clean on what went wrong with this movie. It is his story they are supposed to be representing. I think this is actually 50 cent’s first bad investment. That didn’t seem to be hard and real enough for his fans and not too far a stretch from what was known about him to entice audiences who weren’t necessarily his fans. It just seemed like more of the same of his public image.
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
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
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.
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.
Cut To The Chase 