1. "It was a lot to take in. But nearly every review so far completely whiff..." In response to Reply # 0 Tue Jan-16-24 09:23 AM by MEAT
Personally I need a second or third watch because that was a weird ebb and flow of suspense that I just am not used to. It felt very original. The camera work though. I don’t recall seeing Black skin look so good in so many different lighting styles on the big screen.
------ “There is no fate that cannot be surmounted by scorn.” -Albert Camus
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79788 posts
Fri Jan-19-24 08:45 AM
5. "yeah.. is it a comedy? Satire? " In response to Reply # 2
I was hype and then halfway thru the trailer I was confused what the actual movie was about.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
6. "This how I felt watching it honestly." In response to Reply # 5 Fri Jan-19-24 09:14 AM by Monkey Genius
I gotta watch it again, cause I kept waiting for a 'message'. And either the message flew over my head, or it was just a story. Which is cool. As a regular narrative comedy/dramedy, it works. My brain was just set up the wrong way for what I was watching.
12. "It was kinda deep yet " In response to Reply # 5
Showed the more things change the more they stay the same. There were some chuckle moments such as John the Baptist slapping the shit out of Clarence but its no parts a comedy. As with the bible, lots of things are be left up to interpretation such as seeing the relationship of Hebrews and Romans just as it is today (Blacks/Whites). There’s a number of messages and can seem all over the place but the story line remains solid.
8. "Its a series of short stories, told through one central character " In response to Reply # 7
It’s like little Ive seen before. Because while there’s world building, it doesn’t stray too far ever from Lakeith. He’s gotta be in like 95% of the scenes.
I enjoyed it. I’ll watch it again. But I struggle to tell someone else if it was good or bad because it was so different.
And respect to the team that cut the trailer because they clearly came away with the same take away “how the hell we sell this movie to people”
------ “There is no fate that cannot be surmounted by scorn.” -Albert Camus
9. "It wasn't bad." In response to Reply # 7 Fri Jan-19-24 09:34 AM by Monkey Genius
Personally, I just went in for Mexican food and ate sushi for 2 hours waiting for Mexican food to come out. It wasn't bad sushi, though. Just gotta revisit with the right expectations.
It's not a satire unless I missed the point. Just go in and enjoy the story.
Frank Longo Member since Nov 18th 2003 86676 posts
Fri Jan-19-24 02:21 PM
10. "I don't think it works." In response to Reply # 7 Fri Jan-19-24 02:23 PM by Frank Longo
I respect Samuel for taking the swing-- and I *really* liked The Harder They Fall, fwiw-- but this movie is several movies of different tones all meshed into one. Also think it has some pacing issues. Individual scenes work, certain shots and lines of dialogue pop, but the movie as a whole does not imo.
All that said, there's enough talent on display that I'll gladly see Samuel's next movie the second it drops. This is clearly a "blank check" type of movie, and it's always good to see filmmakers refusing to play it safe.
11. "Still trying to figure who Jeymes Samuel is. " In response to Reply # 10
Like dude's first feature he manages to get everyone in it (and to his credit, he killed it). And by his second movie he get's a "blank check" opportunity with everyone in it.
All I can make of it is that he's got Jay-Z behind him which seems to be enough.
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson
My 13.5 ye old got it but said it shouldve been a series. Hubby liked it although some of the messages flew over his head and he’s s hardass sale on most movies I like.
In addition to stories from the bible such as the story of Paul(Saul) it also gives these… -The boy that cried wolf - Fake it til you make it - Westside story - Nino Brown & G Money on the roof - Every hated cop scene from every 90’s Black movie - Jason Vorhees as a good friend - Cornbread, Earl & Me - Face Off
Just go watch the flick and come to your own decision. It wont be a waste of time.
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