They Are SINNERS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Ryan Coogler and Warner Bros. Pictures is the story of brothers and SINNERS.

It’s Charleston, Mississippi in 1932, Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan) are twin brothers who are leaving Chicago behind returning to the south. They immediately set up shop by purchasing property to open up their own juke joint. Looking for talent, they turn to their cousin Sammie (Miles Caton) to bring his guitar playing blues voice and fellow musician Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo).

In town, they gather what’s needed for an opening night with the help of Bo Chow (Yao) and his wife Grace (Li Jun Li) and doorman Cornbread (Omar Miller). Smoke is taking time to revisit Beatrice (Tenaj L. Jackson) and asking for her help with the opening. Stack runs into Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) but wants to avoid any problems and at the same a woman named Pearline (Jayme Lawson) catches Sammie’s eye.

Opening night is a raging success and Sammie performs bringing the music to a whole new level. So much so that it catches the attention of Remmick (Jack O’Connell), a stranger who wants one thing – to take each person and make them part of his deranged family. When Smoke and Stack realize something isn’t right, the fight against evil begins.

Jordan as Smoke and Stack play two brothers with different temperament and that makes it easy to tell them apart. Believing they can start a successful business, the opening night shows promise. Each brother is watching the business and could never imagine that coming home means dealing with the devil. Jordan makes playing both characters look easy and brings in the believability that he is the two brothers.

Caton as Sammie is a young man who wants more than to be the son of a preacher and farm hand. He sees music as a way out of the life he is in much to the dismay of his father. The music is everything and Caton brings the blues to a whole other level. Lindo as Slim is there for Smoke and Stack and sees something special in Sammie. Lindo has always been a powerful presence on the screen and in this film, he continues his reign.

Steinfeld as Mary is a strong woman who refuses to give up on her feelings of love for Stack. She knows that to make him admit his feelings, Mary has to go to the juke joint no matter what the group might say. Jackson as Beatrice is a woman who understands what is happening and is motivated by her love of Smoke. I loved watching Jackon’s performance as it is steeped in a history with Smoke that is poignant and mysticism.

Yao and Li Jun Li are a couple that also have a history with Smoke and Stack so when they brothers ask for help, a little negotiating happens and they also enjoy the opening night. There is a moment where Li had the entire audience groaning with, “no she didn’t!” and then we all broke out laughing. Miller as Cornbread is hired for his strength but that doesn’t mean he is safe from what is outside the juke joint door.

O’Connell as Remmick has a goal, to get as many people on his side of the fight as demonically possible. Filled with song and dance, Remmick makes it clear that he wants Sammie most of all. I loved watching O’Connell morph into this character that is so dark and charming at the same time. His character has an agenda and isn’t going to let Smoke, Stack or anyone else get in his way, especially when he has a small army behind him.

Other cast include Helena Hu as Lisa Chow and Sam Malone as Terry, Saul Williams as Jedidiah, Andrene Ward-Hammon as Ruthie and David Maldonado as Hogwood.

SINNERS has the feel of the 1996 film DUSK TILL DAWN and the director is keenly aware of that. He has every reason to be proud of his script using southern history and mysticism as a catalyst for storytelling. Coogler sees directors Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema are an inspiration. Coogler says, “I’m excited to announce that SINNERS was captured on film, that’s a format I fell in love with when I was in film school.” Using a big-boy format, Coogler shot the film on two different large-film formats of Ultra Panavision 70 and IMAX 65 film camera.

That means the film is being shown to audiences as big as the story itself. A running time of 137 minutes, there isn’t a moment that isn’t filled with the story becoming bigger and bigger with twists that are wrapped up in music. Coogler keeps the cinematography simple letting the story take over with a juke joint as a character itself. It is a protection wall between those inside and what’s outside. The cast is absolutely stellar as we learn about each character and the part they play in each other’s lives. All of that is important when it comes down to surviving the night.

SINNERS is a film requires patience as it unwraps. It is a combination of African American beliefs about music, bringing in Chinese culture, Native American culture (which really didn’t need to be there) and Irish folklore of their Abhartach or An Dearg Due. Using the background of the Jim crow south, there is a lot to take in on the screen. It is the cast that become the weavers of this complex story and it is stunning to watch them at work.

In the end – dance with the devil!

 

 

 

BLACK PANTHER: Wakanda Forever Fights to 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently available on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, and DVD from director Ryan Coogler and Marvel Studios is the return of BLACK PANTHER: Wakanda Forever.

King T’Challa has died from an unknown illness and Shuri (Letitia Wright) is in a spiral believing she could have helped him. Her anger comes from knowing that the stunning flower grown in Wakanda could have saved him, the same flowers destroyed by cousin Erik Killmonger.

A year has since passed and Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) is dealing with the pressures of other countries wanting vibranium. Appearing to answer questions at the U.N., she tells them that it is not about sharing what Wakanda has, it is about those who will take what does not belong to them. Proving her point, General Okoye (Danai Gurira) arrives with soldiers who had tried to steal vibranium.

Back at home, a new threat by the name of K’uk’ulkan or Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejia) comes from the deepest part of the ocean in search of a school girl who he believes is threatening his people. Shuri and Okoye learn from Agent Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) that the girl is an MIT student Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), but before they can get the story, the three women are attacked by Tamor’s warriors and taken.

Beyond upset, Queen Ramonda strips Okoye of her command with the Dora Milaje and looks for Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o). Below the surface, Namor is showing Shuri about his vibranium-rich kingdom and the story behind how all it came to be. Shuri knows that no matter what he tells her, he has other motives that are dangerous – like taking on the entire world beginning with Wakanda.

Nakia finds Shuri and Riri and takes them back to Wakanda which only sets off a battle between the two cultures. Shuri must decide if she is fighting for vengeance or finding a way to make it all work peacefully. Now is the time for Wakanda to cement their destiny – or are there more surprises?

Wright as Shuri is taking the reigns after the death of her brother but it is slow going. Dealing with what could have been puts her in a technological rut and avoiding everything. Wright plays it very straight forward without much in the way of emotion but more in the way of keeping her eye on the chessboard as all the pieces move about.

Mejia as Namor decides it is time to stop the land people from trying to not only take what belongs to his underwater kingdom but hurting his people. Mejia gives a strong performance of duality between hanging on to his ‘humanity’ as it were and being a vengeful leader of warrior people.

Bassett as Ramonda gets her chance to wear the crown of Wakanda and makes it clear to not be under estimated. Her role is piece-mealed out here but it finishes as I thought it would. Gurira as Okoye tries to keep the royal family safe but it is getting more and more difficult, especially when the threat is so strong and unpredictable. Gurira wields her weapon (what a shock right?) and deals with her own character demons.

Thorne as Riri is a smart young woman and Shuri can relate. Keeping her alive is the goal and no matter what Namor wants to do, it is not going to happen. Thorne is learning the Wakandan ropes and it is clear she has something to offer if there are more Black Panther stories to be told. Nyong’o as Nakia has run off to Haiti to deal with her own grief about T’Challa and help people as much as she can. Nyong’o also does not have much to say but she does the talking with a weapon in her hand.

Freeman as Ross is also flashing in and out of scenes but makes it clear he is there for his friends. Big shout out to Winston Duke as M’Baku – just love his character! He is bold, brazen and does not care what anyone thinks. In this film he is trying to guide Shuri away from her anger but it doesn’t mean he won’t get a chance to do a little fighting for himself!

Other cast include Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Mabel Cadena as Namora, Michaela Coel as Aneka, Florence Kasumba as Ayo and Michael B. Jordan’s cameo as Killmonger.

Marvel Studios has released sixteen films since 2008 in what is known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel is built on a library of over eight thousand characters featured in a variety of media content for over seventy years. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.marvel.com  

Bonus Features include a Gag Reel – Take a look at some of the lighthearted moments on the set of BLACK PANTHER: Wakanda forever, Listen to Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole and Autumn Durald Arkapaw discuss the film, Envisioning Two Worlds – Uncover the making of BLACK PANTHER: Wakanda Forever through the lens and leadership of co-writer/director Ryan Coogler, Hannah Beachler and Ruth Carter, and Passing the Mantle – Follow the evolution of the Black Panther through films.

Also Deleted Scenes Outside the Scope – Okoye has a shocking standoff with Ayo and the Dora Milaje and Aneka makes a challenging decision, The Upstairs Toilet – Ross infiltrated the NSA in disguise in an attempt to uncover information, Daughter of the Border – After a conversation with her uncle, Okoye is faced with a daunting choice and Anytime, Anywhere – In Haiti, Shuri and Okoye share a bittersweet moment.

BLACK PANTHER: Wakanda Forever does a heart felt job of saying goodbye to Chadwick Boseman in the beginning and at the end of the film. That is a nice way for fans to have their opportunity to also send him off Wakandan fan style.

The film is full of action as two cultures that should share peace, seem to be on opposite sides as they want to protect their own people.

In the end – it is forever!

BLACK PANTHER Brings the Marvel Super Hero to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

The story is coming home soon and ready to be told again and again on Bluray-DVD and Digital as director Ryan Coogler, Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures bring the tale of BLACK PANTHER.

The death of now King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns to his kingdom of Wakanda in Africa but not before making a pit stop with General Okoye (Danai Gurira) to pick up ex-love Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o).

Standing before the other factions, Zuri (Forest Whitaker) asks if there is anyone who would challenge for the throne. After a brief altercation with M’Baku (Winstone Duke) it becomes clear that T’Challa would rule Wakanda. His mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and technology wiz kid-sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) join in the ceremony as they watch T’Challa’s victory.

But there is something that needs his immediate attention when friend W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya) wants the capture of Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) who has stolen some of Wakanda’s source of technology. Klaue however is not alone as Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) has a score to settle with Wakanda.

Looking for Klaue as well is CIA Agent Everett K. Ross (Martin Freeman) and isn’t happy when he sees T’Challa, Nakia and Okoye at a sting operation in an underground casino in Asia. Trying to strike a deal on who gets Klaue, chaos breaks out and the chase is on.

It soon becomes clear who Killmonger is when he makes his way to Wakanda with one goal in mind – to get backing which he finds in W’Kabi and to take the throne. When the challenge goes horribly wrong, Nakia, Shuri and Ramonda are on the run and find an ally in the most unlikely place. Now the tribes begin to see the destruction of their world!

T’Challa learns that all families have secrets but that secrets don’t always stay hidden and sometimes it is the sons that pay the price!

Boseman as T’Challa aka Black Panther carries himself with the elegance that makes it totally believable that he is royalty. Trying to keep the traditional and secretive ways of Wakanda, especially about the unearthly vibranium, he becomes conflicted when it is suggested by ex-love Nakia that they could do so much more for the world. Unfortunately that falls far down his royal agenda as conflicts and bad guys need to be taken care of to stabilize the country and tribal factions. Boseman wears the suit and the position well.

Gurira as General Okoye is the only lady that could pull of a fight scene while wearing a stunning and flowing red gown. What I’m saying is that if I ever get into a fight in an underground dressy casino – I want Gurira on my side. Okoye is loyal but certainly conflicted. Nyong’o as Nakia wants to do as much as she can for the world outside of Wakanda much to the dismay of T’Challa. Don’t let the fact that Nyong’o’s character is quiet in nature because when she needs to talking isn’t necessary – action does!

Jordan as Killmonger is the man with the attitude and it’s not a good thing. Dealing with the death of his own father, he becomes a highly trained killer with only one goal – make everyone pay for what has made him hostile. Jordan gives every ounce of a bad guy in his performance. Kaluuya as W’Kabi is the friend you don’t ever want to deal with. It seems there is a strong bond between he and T’Challa yet when things don’t go in his favor he flips the script and Kalyyua makes it stick.

Gollum and Bilbo are reunited for another round of good vs. evil! Freeman as the CIA Agent wants to help the people of Wakanda and definitely gets his chance. He might be a mild mannered agent but stands up for his new friends. Serkis as Klaue gets to be as evil as he wants to be and nothing seems to bother him and I have to admit to chuckling once or twice.

Whitaker as Zuri has a story to tell and I’m going to let him be the one to tell it so no spoilers from me. Bassett as Ramonda is the Queen who sees the kingdom in turmoil but would throw it all away for the safety of her family and people. Duke as M’Baku is big, bad and knows that things are changing and he must choose.

Special shout out goes to Letitia Wright as Shuri! She is her own brand of bad ass being smart, beautiful and very funny. She is the technology of Wakanda and Wright gives this character everything and then some. I just enjoyed what she brought to the story and embracing her characters dedication to family, country and science. There is more to her story as well but you didn’t hear it from me.

Other cast include Florence Kasumba as Ayo, John Kani as T’Chaka, David S. Lee as Limbani, Nabiyah Be as Linda, and Sterling K. Brown as N’Jobu.

Marvel Studios has released sixteen films since 2008 in what is known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel is built on a library of over eight thousand characters featured in a variety of media content for over seventy years. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.marvel.com 

The Bluray and Digital Code come with this Multi-Screen Edition with Movies Anywhere.

The BLACK PANTHER Bonus Extras are stunning with From Page to Screen: A Roundtable Discussion – Delving into the film’s making, Deleted Scenes and Gag Reel, Crowning Of A New King – Explore Black Panther’s world in all its color and complexity, The Warriors Within – Get to know Wakanda’s women, and the actors who portray them, The Hidden Kingdom Revealed – Wakanda’s diverse people, Wakanda Revealed: Exploring the Technology, Exclusive Sneak Peek at Ant-Man and the Wasp, Marvel Studios: The First Ten Years – Connecting the Universe and so much more!

BLACK PANTHER is the reason fans flocked to the theatre to experience an adventure, good story and characters that have jumped from page to screen. Now they can revisit Wakanda over and over with this stunning Bluray. I have no doubt that Marvel fans are biting at the bit to get their hands on a copy and I am secure in saying they will get their money’s worth.

BLACK PANTHER falls absolutely into the Marvel universe. The formula of conflict, family, bad guys and loyalty is found in every Marvel story and BLACK PANTHER follows it to the letter. Popcorn, friends and fun – now at home BLACK PANTHER will deliver consistently. Get a sound bar and make sure the screen is huge!

It just means I see exactly what I thought I would see and other than the ethereal Lion King moment I continue to go for the ride. It has action, adventure, tekkie stuff, special effects, music and eye candy for all so take that and run. The cast bring the story everything it needs to crowd please.

So couch up the gang and make it a great Marvel/Disney night at home!

In the end – long live the king!

BLACK PANTHER Follows the Marvel Super Hero Formula

Jeri Jacquin

The story is ready to be told as director Ryan Coogler, Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures brings the tale of BLACK PANTHER.

The death of now King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns to his kingdom of Wakanda in Africa but not before making a pit stop with General Okoye (Danai Gurira) to pick up ex-love Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o).

Standing before the other factions, Zuri (Forest Whitaker) asks if there is anyone who would challenge for the throne. After a brief altercation with M’Baku (Winstone Duke) it becomes clear that T’Challa would rule Wakanda. His mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and technology wiz kid-sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) join in the ceremony as they watch T’Challa’s victory.

But there is something that needs his immediate attention when friend W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya) wants the capture of Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) who has stolen some of Wakanda’s source of technology. Klaue however is not alone as Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) has a score to settle with Wakanda.

Looking for Klaue as well is CIA Agent Everett K. Ross (Martin Freeman) and isn’t happy when he sees T’Challa, Nakia and Okoye at a sting operation in an underground casino in Asia. Trying to strike a deal on who gets Klaue, chaos breaks out and the chase is on.

It soon becomes clear who Killmonger is when he makes his way to Wakanda with one goal in mind – to get backing which he finds in W’Kabi and to take the throne. When the challenge goes horribly wrong, Nakia, Shuri and Ramonda are on the run and find an ally in the most unlikely place. Now the tribes begin to see the destruction of their world!

T’Challa learns that all families have secrets but that secrets don’t always stay hidden and sometimes it is the sons that pay the price!

Boseman as T’Challa aka Black Panther carries himself with the elegance that makes it totally believable that he is royalty. Trying to keep the traditional and secretive ways of Wakanda, especially about the unearthly vibranium, he becomes conflicted when it is suggested by ex-love Nakia that they could do so much more for the world. Unfortunately that falls far down his royal agenda as conflicts and bad guys need to be taken care of to stabilize the country and tribal factions. Boseman wears the suit and the position well.

Gurira as General Okoye is the only lady that could pull of a fight scene while wearing a stunning and flowing red gown. What I’m saying is that if I ever get into a fight in an underground dressy casino – I want Gurira on my side. Okoye is loyal but certainly conflicted. Nyong’o as Nakia wants to do as much as she can for the world outside of Wakanda much to the dismay of T’Challa. Don’t let the fact that Nyong’o’s character is quiet in nature because when she needs to talking isn’t necessary – action does!

Jordan as Killmonger is the man with the attitude and it’s not a good thing. Dealing with the death of his own father, he becomes a highly trained killer with only one goal – make everyone pay for what has made him hostile. Jordan gives every ounce of a bad guy in his performance. Kaluuya as W’Kabi is the friend you don’t ever want to deal with. It seems there is a strong bond between he and T’Challa yet when things don’t go in his favor he flips the script and Kalyyua makes it stick.

Gollum and Bilbo are reunited for another round of good vs. evil! Freeman as the CIA Agent wants to help the people of Wakanda and definitely gets his chance. He might be a mild mannered agent but stands up for his new friends. Serkis as Klaue gets to be as evil as he wants to be and nothing seems to bother him and I have to admit to chuckling once or twice.

Whitaker as Zuri has a story to tell and I’m going to let him be the one to tell it so no spoilers from me. Bassett as Ramonda is the Queen who sees the kingdom in turmoil but would throw it all away for the safety of her family and people. Duke as M’Baku is big, bad and knows that things are changing and he must choose.

Special shout out goes to Letitia Wright as Shuri! She is her own brand of bad ass being smart, beautiful and very funny. She is the technology of Wakanda and Wright gives this character everything and then some. I just enjoyed what she brought to the story and embracing her characters dedication to family, country and science. There is more to her story as well but you didn’t hear it from me.

Other cast include Florence Kasumba as Ayo, John Kani as T’Chaka, David S. Lee as Limbani, Nabiyah Be as Linda, and Sterling K. Brown as N’Jobu.

BLACK PANTHER is the reason fans flock to the theatre to experience an adventure, good story and characters that have jumped from page to screen. I have no doubt that Marvel fans are biting at the bit to be the first in the theatres and I am secure in saying they will get their money’s worth.

That being said (here comes the screams), BLACK PANTHER falls absolutely into the Marvel universe. The formula of conflict, family, bad guys and loyalty is found in every Marvel story and BLACK PANTHER follows it to the letter. That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy the film; on the contrary, it was what we all go to the movies for right? Popcorn, friends and fun – well on that note BLACK PANTHER delivers.

Is there anything that absolutely blows me away about the film? Not really but let me say that isn’t necessarily bad. It just means I saw exactly what I thought I would see and other than the ethereal Lion King moment I went for the ride. It has action, adventure, tekkie stuff, special effects, music and eye candy for all so take that and run. The cast bring the story everything it needs to crowd please.

So pack up the gang and make it a great Marvel/Disney night at the movies!

In the end – long live the king!