THE PIANO LESSON (2024)

Directed By: Malcolm Washington 

Written By: Virgil Williams and Malcolm Washington 

Based on the play by: August Wilson 

Cinematography: Michael Gioulakis 

Editor: Leslie Jones 

Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Corey Hawkins, Stephen James, Erykah Badu, Michael Potts, Pauletta Washington, Skylar Aleece Smith 

Follows the lives of the Charles family as they deal with themes of family legacy and more, in deciding what to do with an heirloom, the family piano.


Based off of August Wilson’s play this film obviously is more theatrical, though it does find ways to have more outdoor scenes and leave the central location of a family’s house.

The cast is all excellent especially Danielle Deadwyler even though the film is more of an ensemble. This is also one of the best performances I have seen John David Washington give in his career so far it might not be as memorable, but he seems a little more open and loose than he usually appears to be in most of his roles, it might be that his brother.  Malcolm Washington is directing him so he has more trust in him as a Director he can be more vulnerable here.

The film has many memorable scenes, especially an impromptu sing-along by the male members of the cast that is infectious and feels like it goes by way too quickly.

The film is filled with sharp visuals, memorable characters, and dialogue. It even manages to get a little supernatural throughout as it focuses on black history and family history, but also black folklore a bit.

The material is informative and a bit more melodramatic, though it’s also historical, which is a rarity to be seen when it comes to African-Americans and family, especially generational dram of legacy inheritance motives, and love.

While one has a limited knowledge of the works of August Wilson, so far out of his place that have been brought to the big screen like fences black bottom this one has the happiest ending and while it involves family drama, there is no doubt that there is love and support of one another so this ends up being one of the happier plays which unfortunately it’s also comes across as maybe not as strong as the other two though at least this one is uplifting.

Just like the object in the center of the piano, it is also well crafted and carries a history all its own, which is why it’s a slow burn but effective

This feels like a prestige production and one of the more obvious Oscar-bait films so it’s still a story worth telling  and watching 

Grade: B

BLUES BROTHERS 2000 (1998)

Directed By: John Landis
Written By: John Landis and Dan Aykroyd 
Cinematography: David Herrington 
Editor: Dale Beldin

Cast: Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman, Joe Morton, Nia Peeples, J Evan Bonifant, Frank Oz, Darrell Hammond, B.B. King, Junior Wells, Aretha Franklin, Matt Murphy, Erykah Badu, Johnny Lang, Eddie Floyd, Wilson Pickett, Eric Clapton, Steve Lawrence, John Popper, Sam Moore, Paul Shaffer, Clarence Clemmons, Issac Hayes, Bo Diddley

Elwood, the now lone “Blues Brother” finally released from prison, is once again enlisted by Sister Mary Stigmata in her latest crusade to raise funds for a children’s hospital. Once again hitting the road to re-unite the band and win the big prize at the New Orleans Battle of the Bands, Elwood is pursued cross-country by the cops, led by Cabel the Curtis’ son (and Elwood’s step-brother), the Russian Mafia, and a militia group. On his new “mission from God” Elwood enlists the help of a young orphan, and a strip club bartender.


I remember when I went to a screening of THE BLUES BROTHERS for a yearly Special festival that played at RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL. That was part of the movie street festival in years past. Where they would screen classic films as a double feature for one week. They showed a special message from Dan Aykroyd on this film’s set and to be prepared for another classic.

I was excited when the Film came out. It, unfortunately, fell Very short.

Watching a documentary on the artists or their performances would be more entertaining than unfortunately watching this film. 

How the mighty have fallen, this film feels strictly like a cash-in on the original and franchise.

All the things the first film does brilliantly. This film either repeats badly or just doesn’t know what to do with it. Even more disappointing is that the original film’s director came back to direct the film. Director John Landis 

This is why the films only have good scenes other than the Musical performances. Are the car chase scenes and even there the film seems to go over the top and ruins a good thing 

As the story is very thin and badly put together to the point it drags along and comes across as an afterthought.

Dan Aykroyd’s Character is just so unresponsive to most things. It doesn’t make his character interesting or entertaining and desperately needs to bounce off of someone. Even when there are two others who try. Leaving the audience just witnessing acts with no rhyme Or reason. Things just seem to happen and characters just seem to change magically all of a sudden. 

Joe Morton’s character for instance and John Goodman go through a total character change due to wardrobe changes. 

John Goodman is wasted as he has very little reason to be there and is given very little to actually do.

Truly the performance scenes Are the film’s only Saving grace. This is why most of the cast is made up of them performing and relegated to cameos.

Some are returning from the first film and others seem more who were more popular at the time and maybe missed being in the first film. As this film is mainly mostly a retread of the first film.

The film is way too long, and the jokes don’t work and never would. Unlike the musical scenes, the humor seems odd to base, like it was hilarious when conceiving but didn’t play well at all. 

If you must watch it. This is the Rare film where I say feel free to fast forward to the performances. If anything it reminds you of how good the original film was and how this film deserves its Legacy.

It is one of those projects that was good in theory but should have been shelved. It comes across as an almost kid-friendly Version of the first film.

Grade: D

WHAT MEN WANT (2019)

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Directed By: Adam Shankman
Written By: Tina Gordon, Peter Huyck & Alex Gregory
Based on the screenplay “What Women Want” By: Josh Goldsmith & Cathy Yuspa
Story By: Jas Waters & Tina Gordon
Based On The Story “What Women Want” By: Diane Drake, Josh Goldsmith & Cathy Yuspa
Cinematography By: Jim Denault
Editor: Emma E. Hickcox 


Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Josh Brener, Aldis Hodge, Erykah Badu, Tracy Morgan, Jason Jones, Max Greenfield, Richard Roundtree, Kellan Lutz, Pheobe Robinson, Tamala Jones, Brian Bosworth, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Pete Davidson 


A woman is boxed out by the male sports agents in her profession, but gains an unexpected edge over them when she develops the ability to hear men’s thoughts.


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