Tag: DRAMA

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: BEAST STABLE (1973)

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Directed by: Shun’ya ito
Written By: Hiro Matsuda & Tooru Shinohara 
Cinematography: Masao Shimizu 
Editor: Osamu Tanaka

Cast: Meiko Kaji, Mikio Narija, Reisen Ri, Yayoi Nanbara, Seiya Sato, Takashi Fujiki, Tomoko Mayama, Mitsuru Mori 

Sasori is outside the prison and on the run from the police, wanted for breaking out of prison and murder. She takes refuge with a woman who has a brother with a learning disability. The woman and her brother are also involved in an incestuous relationship. Both the police and an ex-prison mate of Sasori’s pursue her.

This sequel feel more like a closing chapter more than anything. As it feels final and with little else to go. It’s also a lot more somber than the previous films. 

Don’t get me wrong it is still outrageous but not as ridiculous. As scorpion is On the run again and it seems everyone has it in for her. So that she has to seek revenge in multiple characters. The film is inventive in how it all comes together with characters each passing into another’s story.

Though this film is much sadder than the others as throughout this film scorpion becomes a ghostly Angel of vengeance for other characters who are victims of the villains throughout. As well as haunting the villains who underestimate her at first.

The film still has many uncomfortable exploitive moments meant to add drama or provoke a reaction out of the audience. Especially when it comes to sex scenes. This film feels more scaled back when it comes to sex and nudity but does have a sympathetic character In an incestuous relationship.

By the end no one Truly wins. The character you expect to somewhat be saved or be on the road to a better life by the end is pretty much still left where she was at the beginning. Only more tortured, but at least made a connection with the scorpion.

This is the last film of the franchise directed by Shun’ya Ito, which might be why this feels more like a finale than the eventual final sequel that stars Meiko Kaji in the role of the scorpion. Before eventually producers decided to revitalize the franchise without any of the original team involved.

All the male characters are evil and deplorable. Most are disposable also as cops, henchmen, or depraved men looking for sex or to exploit women.

One of the villains in the film Katsu seems more like a villain. Suited for the more outrageous previous films especially with her wardrobe and make up. As she comes across as campy almost she is cruel but the right amount of ridiculous as the previous films. Luckily as the film Goes along her development goes from scared to haunted to absolutely crazy with guilt. That she eventually matched the paleness of the make-up on her face naturally.

The film shows that the purgatory of prison was just as bad as the outside. At least prison only took up a certain amount of space. As the harsh reality of freedom seems to make the female characters natural prey. As it is so unpredictable. Whereas in prison you knew who to trust who not to.

The film shines a light on the harsh reality for the character after the more psychedelic freestyled previous films 

GRADE: B-

THE SEDUCTION OF MIMI (1972)

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Written & Directed By: Lina Wertmuller
Cinematography: Daria DiPalma
Editor: Franco Fraticelli 

Cast: Giancarlo Giannini, Mariangela Melato, Agostina Belli, Luigi Diberti, Elena Fiore 

After voting against the powerful Mafia candidate in Sicily, in what seemed like a secret ballot, impecunious Mimì finds himself with his back to the wall. Desperate, and having no one to turn to, Mimì abandons his wife, Rosalia, and relocates to the bustling city of Turin, only to fall for the beautiful Trotskyist, Fiore. One child later, and as one thing leads to another, Mimì gradually realizes that he is not ready to accept the new social morals that prevail in the industrialized north, catching, once more, the Mafia’s attention. Now, political beliefs, loyalty, infidelity, and revenge become inextricably intertwined, and once again, Mimì is left with nothing, having no other choice but to return to Sicily. But, can he keep his life in Turin secret?

This film has the set-up of a comedy with a cowardly protagonist who it’s hard to feel sorry for as he keeps getting himself in trouble out of machismo, Revenge, and sex. Where somehow he usually fails up. Getting promotions and more money. Though supposedly anti-government.

Once he finds true love he works for it. But continues to fail. As he can’t even be loyal to a political party, but that is More due to pressure and assassination attempts. So that is understandable. This is truly the tale of a man who stands for nothing and pays the price for it.

I was introduced to the tale years ago watching it’s American remake “WHICH WAY IS UP?” Starring Richard Pryor abs tailor-made for his talents. Dipped into the politics at the time as background. The only difference is that Pryor played different characters In his version. 

This film is also dipped into politics. We watch as the main character gets what he wants but keeps messing. It up due to hubris and when threatened quickly shows how cowardly he is. Along the way, he is never truly satisfied.

The third act at first makes no sense but as you learn more about it, it feels ridiculous though also, in the end, feels like a punchline. As it is all about foolish pride. Which truly becomes his undoing and exposes his character losing all he has.

Mariangela Melato again is a screen goddess. Still as amazing and fiery as in SWEPT AWAY co-Starring with Giancarlo Giannini again. 

you can understand and see why he gets obsessed and tries to seduce her. Why he is willing to risk it all for her. Even as she makes her rules clear though amazed she stick by him. So thoroughly throughout and why she leaves after such a minor betrayal compared to his many others that She can forgive. He has no loyalty to anyone, including his family 

Some scenes seem there to just add to the artistic surreal quality of the film and while there are build-up and reasons for these scenes. They also feel like episodic escapes. 

The film is lively and ridiculous, but so artistic that it feels naturalistic and beautiful constantly and comes across deeper than it actually ends up being. Though it is heartbreaking. It is a comedy at heart, though so sad.

One of my favorite classic iconic directors to keep discovering her movies. Who might happen to be one of my favorite directors, who happens to be female (at least next to Nicole Holofcener) she has truly outdone herself here. 

In the end, the film plays off like a grand comedy of morals and cowardness. That feels gross and political all at the same time.

Grade: B-

2 OR 3 THINGS I KNOW ABOUT HER (1967)

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Directed by: Jean-Luc Godard
Written by Jean-Luc Godard & Catherine Vimenet
Cinematography: Raoul Coutard
Editor: Francoise Collin & Chantal Delattre

Cast: Marina Vlady, Anne Duperey, Roger Montsorat, Raoul levy, Jean Narboni 

In this film, ‘Her’ refers to both Paris, the character of Juliette Janson, and the actress playing her, Marina Vlady. The film is a kind of dramatized documentary, illustrating and exaggerating the emotionless lives of characters in the new Paris of the 60s, where commercialism mocks families getting by on small incomes, where prostitution is a moneyspinning option, and where people are coldly resigned and immune to the human nightmares of Vietnam, and impending Atomic war.

When it comes to the films of Writer-Director Jean Luc Godard you never know what you are going to get. Sometimes you get absolute masterpieces at other times you get films you respect but might not love and then you get his more experimental films that can go either way. Sort of what it seems like Modern director Steven Soderbergh attempts.

Though both of their films can be off-putting for certain audiences. It might feel like most of those cinema comes off as pretentious.

This is one of the later films. Where he fills the film with beautiful women who keep your interest especially in close-ups but then the rest of the film is pretty much philosophical notions and existential discussions that become quite boring and superficial.

Where the genius lies is that he puts all of these speeches and interviews. While following certain characters. So that we examine their day-to-day experiences and living conditions. Then inserts the interviews and discussion. As well as his own whispered narrations asking us to question what we see and ponder them in different ways.

This is pretty much an experimental film all around. At times we see the characters off the wall characteristics. Like reading randomly from a stack of books while a friend writes down what they are quoting. Or a photojournalist dressed in an American flag t-shirt interviewing two women he has paid to undress in front of him while he asks questions and boats of his adventures. 

All of this is indebted to the politics at the time. Which instantly dates the film and radicalizes it to a degree. While trying to add cinematic tricks and observation. That it comes off more like a lesson than an experience.

As even at times the director seems to interview people off the street who we never see. Where the footage becomes a scattershot. Other than showing constant construction.

Which we never see what came before or after.

It/‘a a film that is full of ideas and its heart seeks to be in the right place but to a degree feels empty. Where emotions should be.

The film seems to try and show it’s Characters are used to their lives. So they have no reason to emote or seem like they are seeking to strive or escape. They just deal with the everyday. 

Even with a title that seems like the film will focus on the lead female.  As we try to get to know her and become obsessed with her. Showing her in all her glory. Instead, she is just part of the overall who we occasionally see. Though she is the most constant. 

The film or filmmaker wants us to know certain things about her but also expose her to the audience in all aspects. So that while we might fall for her we also know her. So that here is some kind of relatability but the end. Even if it just feels like a movie of expression wanting to say something yet cramming as much different stuff that connects into the tale and trying to decipher it all. 

Grade: C+

THE GHOST WHO WALKS (2019)

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Directed By: Cody Stokes
Written By: Cody Stokes & Ben Bostick
Cinematography: Michael Lockridge 

Cast: Garland Scott, Frank Mosley, Alexia Rasmussen, Gil Darnell, Dasha Nekrasova, Nattalyee Randall, Peter Mayer 

After five years in prison, guards lead Nolan to his freedom. But Nolan’s ticket out came courtesy of ratting on his former boss. A death sentence for any man. His goal: find Lena and Amy-his ex and their five-year-old daughter he’s never met-and get them out of the city, to a new life together, before the ghosts of his past can track him down and kill him.

I Hadn’t heard anything about this film and decided to take a chance Was pleasantly surprised. 

This film doesn’t have a cast of well-known actors. Which leaves the audience not necessarily having any expectations. It’s nice to go into certain films blind from time to time. Though makes it more thrilling than anything goes. There are no rules. No one is safe. 

The film is a done and dirty pulp tale of love, escape and revenge. While it doesn’t offer much you haven’t seen before it does hold your interest and wishing the lead character the best.

The film feels like a film that was adapted from a short story or a graphic novel. As there seems to be much more left unsaid or hinted at than shown at times. That gives the audience a hint that the material is deeper than what we are presented with. 

Everyone the main character comes across or comes into contact with and actually helps him. Seems to pay their own price.

The action scenes feel realistic and not too glamorous or showing off. Though oddly they do contain a bit of humor. The only time the film seems to show any.

The film, like the main character, gives it a try and is successful more times than not. Even as the villains feel familiar and one-note, but you can understand most of the character’s points of view and motivations.

The film is impressively done with a more limited budget. What is achieved is good even in the middle of the film’s Limitations and of him, bonding with others helps the film feel more earnest at times. As it takes time to build moments and characters. 

Though familiar the film never feels monotonous. Though it is a dark and bleak tale as by the end it truly shows itself to be a tragedy. 

Grade: C+

SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU (2016)

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Written & Directed By: Richard Tanne 
Cinematography By: Pat Scola 
Editor: Evan Schiff  
Cast: Tika Sumpter, Parker Sawyers, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Taylar Fondren 

The film chronicles the summer 1989 afternoon when the future President of the United States, Barack Obama, wooed his future First Lady, Michelle Obama, on a first date across Chicago’s South Side.

The focus on what it’s not for once as it is a black romance that is not totally comedy.

It’s a very ambitious film a film that mixes fact and fiction, but tries to keep the subject matter simple and charming while sticking to most of the facts. Trying to keep the material fresh even though we know how it will end.

Nor is there an emphasis on sex at hooking up as a major part of the romance. We See the characters as smart and well respected. Even if at times the film falls into cliche perils as part of it’s story line and charm though at least the film tries to give it more of a mature aspect to them.

It’s something that is different a mature and more adult look at romance that is simple and complex. That deals with the future and more about making their way in the world. Through lifestyles and career ambitions.

Doesn’t suffer the same fate as many it seems cliche romantic movies which have already been in the decline over the years. We are more served with romantic comedies which already usually weaken some movies by putting more emphasis on the comedy and then having a romantic scene here or there when we already have plenty comedies that have romantic scenes as side, LOVE story. I guess when it comes to romantic comedies at least half of the film will revolve around dating and romance or the love interest will be more than one dimensional and have character

Though unfortunately it seems in African American based ones it seems the focus is on the couple arguing most of the film which is meant to be seen as funny then finally get romantic towards the end or one or both characters being sex crazed. Which automatically feels more like something out of a sitcom rather than needed for a feature.

Which is why when a film like this feels like a rarity and it shouldn’t it is so noted. When there are and should be plenty of films and stories like this out there. Like the individuals it portrays. As there are plenty of people out there like this but unfortunately only a few get the spotlight or more people get to know

Which might be why the Tyler Perry movies are so successful as they serve an audience that feels disenfranchised and that no one makes films for that audience as his are films that they see themselves not only represented in, but also speak more directly to them and their community. As his films at least seem tailor made or meant to be representative of his audience.

An imagined history based on The few facts we know about the Obamas first dates. That gives this film more of a pop culture glow but also a hook as to why audience might want to see it and is a little different than some others.

According to director Richard Tanne, all of the main events of the film did actually occur on the Obama’s first date with the exception of the community meeting which happened at a later date. Obviously another BEFORE SUNRISE influenced film. as it is more about conversation, character and emotion. Though generalizing it that way would easily be a cop out as the film also adds it own touches to the romance as their day is more adventure filled.

As some romantic films have to be shown and filmed that way to showcase that initial spark and see the chemistry while the chemicals mix and start to bond. We understand why in the future even as challenged and frustrated they might be with one another. Why they stay together. So that there are plenty of situations to observe there differing opinions and points of view

While also showcasing it’s own version of romance that is traditional and not necessarily

The same old. As every person’ love story is similar but different and special to the couple or individual and this films honors that We get glimpses of their future greatness. For her we see the roots of it. How she wants to have her own career and be great. How he hasn’t exactly decided what he wants to do but his belief in people, communities and America and how people naturally gravitate towards him. Both actors are believable as the Obama’s

Michelle comes off as someone trying to carve her own niche and life. Be independent and make her way in the world. Not looking to be defined by someone else. Not have anyone but herself take charge of their life

Barack as a confident young man who has taken the for rallying people and charismatic. It still not exactly sure about his future and defining himself

Grade: B

JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH (2021)

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Directed By: Shaka King
Written By: Shaka King & Will Berson
Story By: Shaka King, Will Berson, Kenneth Lucas & Keith Lucas
Cinematography: Sean Bobbitt
Editor: Kristin Sprague

Cast: LaKeith Stanfield, Daniel Kaluuya, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders, Algee Smith, Lil Rel Howery, Martin Sheen, Darrell Britt-Gibson, Dominique Thorne, Robert Longstreet, Jermaine Fowler 

Fred Hampton, a young, charismatic activist, becomes Chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party – putting him directly in the crosshairs of the government, the FBI, and the Chicago Police. But to destroy the revolution, the authorities are going to need a man on the inside.

This movie is so much more than one might think. It is a historical account of the cos piracy behind the assassination of Fred Hampton who was 21 at the time, but instead of just recreating and renacting moments that lead to his downfall.

The film offers a character piece of sorts not only of Fred Hampton but also of the man who worked as a confidential informant to get intel about him and the black panthers.

The film shows Hampton to be a hero and revolutionary but also a human being. Trying to fight for his people and civil rights. While it seemed at every turn the government was eagerly planning and arranging his downfall. Where it seems that after he is released from jail the weight of everything really starts to hit him and he seems to know that his time might be coming to an end, but still so more concerned for Those around him and the people he is trying to save. All do this and he was only 21 years old. If he achieved all of this at such a young age imagine what he could have accomplished had he lived. 

That is sort of the tragedy imagine what could have been accomplished if there wasn’t a conspiracy against minorities whenever they try to stand up for themselves.

The film doesn’t shy away, As it never does with showing how demeaning black people were treated and unjust and antagonized that they are. It shows that he even inspired street gangs to come together to form a community to help their own communities.

The film does show some of the behind-the-scenes of the F.B.I and their tactics to take him down. It even Shows the point of view of an idealistic agent who actually believes that the black Panther party is more of a terrorist group and he believes in civil rights for all and becomes dismayed by what he see’s continuously as unjust but keeps following orders with no kind of resistance until he has an awakening that jailing Hampton is not enough and what his superiors want. As jail just empowers freedom fighters. The end goal is death and while he likes to think he and the agency are better than that. He is questioned how would he feel if his daughter brought a black man home and he then comes face to face with his own prejudice and realizes he is just as bad and will tow the company line.

The difference between this movie and some others is that in other films he would gain his soul back and ask us to be sympathetic towards him. This film doesn’t do that it allows to show that he has a choice between right and wrong which he knows and he chooses the wrong knowing it is bad and against what he supposedly stands for. Making him worse than those he and his co-workers choose to take down. 

This film is beautifully and masterfully directed and you feel every moment and every scene. Every performance even smaller ones make you take notice and care.

Daniel Kaliuya is mesmerizing in the role of Fred Hampton which he inhabits with strength and swagger commanding your attention in every scene he is in and making you feel sympathy when he is faced with challenges beyond his control. 

He has played leads before and is usually memorable in films, but this is the first time it feels like has gone above and beyond.

Lakeith Stansfeld continues to impress he is more the lead here as William O’Neil who is a hustler and minor criminal who gets roped into this to avoid jail time at first and then realizes he can’t walk away. Especially as his loyalties get stronger more towards Hampton and the cause. A kind of Donnie Brasco situation only here the panthers aren’t the criminals and are trying to better things. We can see the despair it places on him and in the end the pittance he is given for sacrificing someone who actually became a friend 

Stansfeld shows all the emotions and complexities of his character and the inner destruction his actions cause. He shows off his cunningness and skills of thinking on his feet and ultimately the defeat of his soul. Even in the alter scenes his paranoia.

This is refreshing as get to see him play a solid character and not the quirky roles that he has gotten pigeonholed with in the past. Showing he has leading man chops and quite a wide range.

Though these two are at the center of the story and film. The film does allow for side stories and characters. Like two best friends who join and meet unfortunate violent ends away from one another. One is purposely assassinated the other goes full-on vigilante after his death.

This is a film that is powerful and humanizes names and people you might have heard about in history books and while they are legends abd martyrs this film allows them to be recognized and humanized. 

Ultimately this film is a tragedy. It hits all the more as it is based on truth. So that by the end you are devastated, but you marvel at what you have just watched and sat through

Grade: A

MA’ RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM (2020)

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Directed by: George C. Wolfe
Written By: Rueben Santiago-Hudson
Based On the play Written By: August Wilson
Cinematography: Tobias A. Schliessler
Editor: Andrew Mondahein

Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Viola Davis, Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, Michael Potts, Jonny Clyde, Jeremy Shamos, Taylour Paige, Dusan Brown

During a recording session, tensions rise between Ma Rainey, her ambitious horn player, and the white management determined to control the uncontrollable “Mother of the Blues”.

This film contains a smaller story than expected. One was aware it was a play before but wasn’t expecting it to still feel as stage bound.

As the film tries to open up the story and show more locations but there are very few attempts to leave more it error locations. Which consist of two locations. The liner room where they practice and the recording g studio. So that the film keeps reminding you of its theatrical origins 

Chadwick Boseman steals all of his scenes and is more at the forefront of the movie. Though at first, it seems like he will be more of a high-energy supporting player. 

Though Viola Davis is the title character. Where she makes a powerful entrance and a strong exit. She also feels liek a supporting player. Even though the film revolves around her character. As after all, it’s her recording session and the others are her band. Who she feels are more the hired help. Who should be happy to be working for her.

Through her character though high strung. We find out why she is that way. As it is all about respect and wanting to be treated with it most overall. She has a short temper when what she says isn’t followed and forces a hard situation and a flirtatious girlfriend.

One has to give extra credit to Viola Davis for gaining most of the appropriate weight to play the character and give her the exact look which is unflattering g with gold teeth and heavy running make-up, she might not be the actual star of the movie but she gives off star presence and in believability.

Though by the end she is just a supporting character and her presence really has little effect on the actual story or drama that ends up happening In the film. By the end, she hasn’t changed. Only the situation has changed and in a more tragic way that really has nothing to do with her. Not much changes for her, but more for the secondary characters

The film ends up becoming a tragedy in a way you can see coming hit not necessarily the circumstance or the collateral damage. 

Though shocking in the end. Still wish it had been longer and a little bit stronger. It’s a tragedy you thought was going to be one kid. If one and is read ends up somewhere totally different. 

As the film had Great cinematography and details as far as art direction.

It really makes you feel like you are In The period and of course, immediately makes you aware of the limitations for its African American characters and the rampant racism.

Grade: B

SMALL AXE: ALEX WHEATLE (2020)

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Directed By: Steve McQueen 
Written By: Steve McQueen & Alastair Siddons 
Cinematography: Shabier Kirchner 
Editor: Chris Dickens & Steve McQueen

Cast: Sheyi Cole, Khali Best, Fumilayo Brown-Olatej, Riley Burgin, Ross Cahill, Zakiyyah Deen, Robbie Gee, Jonathan Jules, Ashley McGuire 

Alex Wheatle follows the true story of award-winning writer, Alex Wheatle, from a young boy through his early adult years. Having spent his childhood in a mostly white institutional care home with no love or family, he finally finds not only a sense of community for the first time in Brixton, but his identity and ability to grow his passion for music and DJing. When he is thrown in prison during the Brixton Uprising of 1981, he confronts his past and sees a path to healing

Though short on running time at barely over an hour. As this is part of a television series, but feel more like films. Each film is part of an anthology. The film makes its point about identity. How you fail to grow without one because you have no idea who you are or where you come from. You have no ground to stand on to grow from really.

As the main character we are introduced to as a child in the ul foster care system constantly abused and neglected by Caucasian’s who are supposed to be looking out for him but seem to resent him. He doesn’t know his past or even too much culture as he is alienated and then eventually dumped into an apartment in a low-income neighborhood

Though at least mroe amongst people like him. West Indian and African immigrants who take him in and he learns culture, survival and the streets form them. As they help to also nurture his love of music. 

We see as he matures in the streets a sort of coming of age story of himself and we see how he strives especially not knowing his past. He finds it hard to carve out a future and even figure himself out. As he is usually made fun of and talked down to by those around him because he isn’t quite as grounded as they are.

He tells his story in jail to his cellmate after being arrested for his participation in the Braxton rots and strangely enough, his cellmate is the one who sets him straight. Explain g to him to learn his own history and unlearn the bad thing she has been taught.

He also gives him some life lessons to learn on his own. As this story is based o a true story and person. You can easily figure out the ending.

While this isn’t as electrifying as the other films in The small axe series of films and quite shorter it is easy to see why it was made and this story told it not only helps lead into the final film of the set. It also tells a tale of rehabilitation, self-rehabilitation. 

It also feels like the first act of a much bigger story. Where you wish the film expanded into mroe of a life story. As it is fine the way it is but it also feels like a chapter or chapters of a life that we know by the end will be much more fulfilling and deserves mroe then just an update and pre-credits scene explaining. What Happened to the character 

Grade: B-

THE PHOTOGRAPH (2020)

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Written & Directed By: Stella Meghie 
Cinematography: Mark Schwartzbard 
Editor: Shannon Baker Davis 

Cast: Issa Rae, LaKeith Stanfield, Chante Adams, Y’Lan Noel, Kelvin Harrison jr., Lil Rel Howery, Teyonah Parris, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Rob Morgan, Courtney B. Vance, Chelsea Peretti 

A series of intertwining love stories set in the past and in the present.

The reason I really wanted this film to work. Is that it is rare that you see black romance onscreen. There are films that have it but they only Come around once a decade. As usually on film they just fall in love and get married as part of a bigger story or they are already married and friends to other people in the movie. A supporting character usually having a wife or girlfriend. Or they are the arguing couple or their relationship is more comedic throughout. Never quite deep and never truly showing love and definitely not romance.

 As it makes or seem like the characters are more materialistic, a sexual, sexual only or shallow. It rarely celebrates the beauty of black characters making it seem like they are only as worthy as their looks or body parts.

This leads to a lack of representation again and leaves black people with very few examples of on-screen love. Which might be why at times and at large it seems to be a rarity onscreen and off at times also.

This film at least tries to work against the negative stereotypes and represent and present a love story that doesn’t rely on race heavily but is a black film Romance. With beautiful artistic characters.

So while this film is a romantic drama. what doesn’t precisely work is that it has two love stories that parallel one another and are supposed to complement each other as well as tell their own and nurture one another. The problem is that the one from the past is so much deeper and more felt throughout. 

While the modern romance is similar it doesn’t feel as deep. As it happens faster and doesn’t have any challenges until towards  the end. Leaving it more bland and quite frankly a bit dull. 

There are no hardships for the romance really because as soon as they see one another we know this is meant to be. While the flashbacks to older characters which is the reason they met and came together in the first place. Has so much drama and meaning. It makes the modern one feel a bit empty.

Though at least we get to see the thrill of the chase at the beginning of their courtship. Trying to impress or. Another and be witty. It also lets us see their passion for one another and the reasons they and their romance grows 

The film might have been stronger if rather than treating it as a puzzle and parallel if the older story was told first and then see how it affects the modern in bits. Though it seems it is there to show parallels as well as keep the story motivated as a kind of mystery.

Either way the film definitely has a cultured vibe and mood throughout with a great jazz soundtrack. It’s nice to see a film of black professionals who are upwardly mobile and successful more upper-middle class. 

One only wishes the modern-day Romance was stronger.

If i had to describe this movie with one word soulful.

Grade: C+

THE WEEKEND (2018)

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Written & Directed By: Stella Meghie
Cinematography: Kris Belchevski
Editor: Shannon Baker Davis

Cast: Sasheer Zamata, Tone Bell, Dewanda Wise, Kym Whitley, Y’Lan Noel, Josefina Landeros 

A comedian goes away for the weekend with an ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend.

It’s nice to see an all-black romantic comedy once in a while. That offers representation and no stereotypes. It also offers a strong independent female lead who is smart, funny, and not desperate.

It’s easy to fall for lead Sasher Zamata and her character. She is charming even if deeply sarcastic and at times rude. Though usually Go for the Dewanda Wise type character, her rival of sorts in the film. As she seems to be given short change. We barely get to know her and she is treated almost like a villain. When she is actually Put in an awkward situation and treated kind of badly by most involved over the weekend. 

So that whIle Sasher Zamata’s Character is the protagonist and whom we are supposed to root for. She is kind of mean and is written off as being sarcastic to be defensive because she is afraid of getting hurt and being vulnerable. Yet she seems to mostly get her way most of the time. So that rationalization doesn’t always work, but then again is she really that different than guys in these types of romantic comedies? who are ass holes for the most part throughout and unmotivated except when they finally find the one and then no matter how underhanded they might be to be with that person we are meant to root for them be axis they are presented as the underdog?

The film Feels awkward and at times airless due to lack of a score partially. Though like the film and the performances, script, and direction. Just feels like something is missing. Yet it wins you over and stays entertaining. 

Though clear from The beginning where it is going. We Want her to end up with the other guy. The one she has no history with, Who seems more deeper and fun. 

As she has chemistry with both her ex and the next guy. She is a little obvious in her attraction for her ex and her ex makes it obvious he wants her still too but can’t Make up his mind. Which is not only frustrating for her but also for us. 

Though happy the way it ended not storybook and a little Unexpected.

In the end, the film that Is a nice little romantic comedy that is more about bonds and relationships rather than romance and fantasy fulfillment. 

Grade: C+