Tag: Erika Alexander

IS GOD IS (2026)

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Written & Directed By: Aleshea Harris 

Cinematography: Alexander Dynan 

Editor: Jay Rabinowitz

Cast: Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Vivica A. Fox, Erika Alexander, Sterling K. Brown, Mykelti Williamson, Janelle Monae, Josiah Cross 

Two sisters embark on an epic quest for revenge; confronting a charged family history that will push them to extraordinary lengths.

This is a revenge tale that we rarely ever see. Where it’s two African American women seeking revenge against all their oppressors all those who have wronged them on their path to their ultimate enemy.

This is truly an African American film as there are no Caucasian or other race characters. So the film stays within the community and culture.

The film exposes monsters even those who are victims can be. As they were made that way eventually.

The film has stylistic flourishes once in awhile that enchant and remind you of what the film could have been. As most of the time before the film gets lost or ahead of itself. It reminds you of the reality the characters are in.  One of them expert fighters or killers. Just determined to do whatever it takes. 

Which is why the actions scenes might not be awesome inspiring like one of it’s obvious influences KILL BILL, but it manages to work by it’s own rules in it’s own worlds 

As mixed in within is a kind of road trip film where in their journey they meet quite a few supporting characters to help them find their father. Each one is so full of life and played by a scene stealing actor. (Erika Alexander, Vivica A. Fox, Mykelti Williamson) That you wish there was more of them in the film. Though you realize they are just big pieces in this puzzle. 

Kara Young steals the film as one of the most strong willed characters of the film. She practically walks away with it as one of the leads. You want to see more of her or for there to be sequels just to see her character. She is the more vicious and angry compared to her sister played by Mallori Johnson who is more scarred, practical and forgiving. 

The film isn’t quite like the trailers made it look like an updated blaxplotiation film full of action with some spiritualism and southern charm. Though appreciate it for being it’s own creation that has more depth then expected. As the film isn’t paced like an action film or thriller and takes it’s time letting us get to know our protagonists. Not to surprised this started out as a play. Whose writer makes their directorial debut here Aleshea Harris 

It’s an original and securely worth seeing and being exposed to this cinematic worlds 

The final act of the film is the most cruel, yet also the most exciting. That feels a little biblical. Even once we meet the ultimate villain played by Sterling K. Brown. He nor the film disappoints.

Though it’s definitely worth seeing

Grade: B 

AMERICAN FICTION (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Cord Jefferson 

Based on The Novel “ERASURE” By: Percival Everett

Cinematography: Cristina Dunlap

Editor: Hilda Rasula

Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K. Brown, Tracee Ellis-Ross, Issa Rae, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Keith David, Miriam Shor, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Michael Cyril Creighton, Patrick Fischler

A novelist who’s fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.

The cast is excellent and the screenplay is excellent Unfortunately the film has what feels like flat direction that sinks the material a bit. as it feels like the film is constantly searching for the right way to present itself, and how to live in the material 

As the writer of the film or Screenwriter of the film is also the Director, though, based on a novel by Everett McGill, entitled Erasure

The film is a satirical comedy as is the book which has some comedic elements and tone, but is definitely much darker than what we see on the screen. The film improves on certain aspects or gives the historian characters more hope, but could have had some of the stronger ones. The changes might be minor, but they are meaningful such as the way his sister passes away and the role of the maid of his mother. That would allow the film to be more acceptable than the book, taking away some of the sharper edges, but replacing those edges with some stronger commentary and dramatic issues

This is what makes the film so strong in dealing with prevalent social issues, especially for African-American artists, art, and a sense of self

Film keeps its world smaller, but makes it more personal, and still stays in vent allowing for the supporting characters to have stronger roles and much more range

The film also offers a bred, Jeffrey Wright, and a rare leading role. With Sterling K Brown as his coming-out-of-the-closet brother, Sterling Brown can never do wrong, even bad films. He is still sometimes one of the more interesting performances so he makes his screen time lively, and memorable. Never feeling out of place

Also, it’s nice to see Erika Alexander on the big screen again in an important role.

Something can be said when movies like this come out in theaters they mostly have a crossover audience as the intended audience rarely seems to go see it, and more discover it at home on streaming or from word of mouth. Which eventually helps its legacy, but does not help its box office at the time when it is needed.

It’s also nice to see the character have an inner life and family problems. This is what sets the plot forward and one of the reasons for the continuance of his situation that only grows the longer the facade goes on. 

The irony here is that what is playing on screen might be satirizing it but it feels like it’s the same situation that is happening when it comes to this film in the marketplace. 

It seems at times we will support others yet, not our own community. Even when it is telling stories meant for us, we will accept others telling us about ourselves rather than someone from our own culture at times. Which is disheartening, but still thankful that these movies, subjects, and material are out there for those who identify with it

GRADE: B

LOVE, LIZA (2002)

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Directed By: Todd Louiso
Written By: Gordy Hoffman 
Cinematography: Lisa Rinzler 
Editor: Katz & Anne Stein 

Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kathy Bates, Jack Kehler, Stephen Tobolowsky, Erika Alexander, Sarah Koskoff, Kelli Garner 

Following the unexplained suicide of his wife Liza, a web designer turns to gasoline fumes and remote-control airplanes while avoiding an inevitable conflict with his mother-in-law.

Philip Seymour Hoffman takes a stoner character who could have easily been more a comedic performance on any other film. Despite the tragedy that surrounds him and makes him heartfelt and all too human that is recognizable. 

It’s a poignant performance where we find out the cause of his addiction. We see the beginnings and the depths he goes through to feel numb to hide from fears and emotions. After the death of his wife.

It’s a mesmerizing performance that brings an extra sadness knowing his own tragic end in life. Making you wonder how parallel it close might have been to this performance. 

We see his mother-in-law’s emotional reactions. She wants to be nurturing but is also falling apart and is looking to him to help her grieve but finds nothing. 

At times the film veers close to seeming like it will be a quirky slice of life that will teach the character life is worth living and appreciating for so many unpredictable reasons, but the film is smarter than that and brings him back to reality after time to time finding peace on a lark. Like his developing friendship with a fellow recluse. 

The film explores how the world reacts and moves on as normal, but he is stunted or held back in his grief. Whereas his addiction is as odd as it is. Seems to be the only way for him to move forward. Even if in destructive ways. 

It’s a film built more on performances and the strength/Charisma of the lead actor than a conveniently plotted three-act structure.

It’s a lonely journey barely populated but it does certainly meet the characters. Who brings a little definition to a wide-ranging performance and film that likes to wander with no clear path. It constantly feels strong yet singular as one of the fears of the main character is that he caused his wife’s death or he wasn’t good enough for her when she needed him.

These darker films are built on characters and performances. Seems to be like most actors more the type he preferred. That offers a more intimate experience and more richness for an actor to offer. Performances that feel more lived in, like in the film JACK GOES BOATING that can come off as tragedies.

A tragedy, desperation not a movie to see cinematic beauty necessarily more organic. At one point it becomes a road trip movie 

In the end, the film actually does have a symbolic ending. Starting over a new at first thought we should never find out what was in the letter left for him that he carries throughout  but by actually revealing the contents of the letter it allows for closure and an ending of sorts 

Grade: B-