Derrick T Dunn

The American Society of Magical Negroes fails to conjure up enjoyment

After getting his feet wet in the world of acting, Kobi Libii makes his feature writing and directing debut with “The American Society of Magical Negros” from Focus Features. Struggling bi-racial artist Aren (Justice Smith) crosses paths with bartender Roger (David Alan Grier) at his latest art show, who sees some potential in Aren and informs him that he is a member of The American Society of Magical Negroes, a group aiming to safeguard African Americans by appeasing White individuals.

Titans duke it out in Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire

Director Adam Winglans returns to the big screen with two monstrous titans in “Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire” from Warner Bros. Pictures. The script, penned by Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett, and Jeremy Slater, is the fifth film in the Monster Verse franchise. Additionally, it is the 38th film in the Godzilla franchise and the 13th film in the King Kong franchise.

Second Listen Sunday: Bobby Brown, The Masterpiece

While he is enjoying a second career wind with a booming food condiment and seasoning line tours with New Edition and a successful Vegas residency, Bobby Brown hasn’t released an album since 2012’s “The Masterpiece” this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday. Fans were already aware of the album’s arrival as Brown constantly spoke about it on tour. The first single was “Get out the Way,” in which Brown dabbles in familiar territory by addressing the haters in his life.

Slow Jam Saturday: Johnny Gill, I’m Still Waiting

R&B balladeer Johnny Gill was basking in the success of his self-titled third solo album in the spring of 1991 when he contributed a soulful ditty to the soundtrack for the classic film “New Jack City.” Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis affiliate, the late Randy Ran, wrote and produced the song. No stranger to singing about heartbreak, the song finds Gill crooning about longing for a supportive, dependable partner in life. Ran’s lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and the need for emotional support.

Is It Cake Season 3 Serves Up More Family Fun

Comedian Mikey Day reunites with Netflix for Season 3 of the hit show Is It Cake. Deception is the name of the game for the world’s most talented bakers, who will compete to create hyper-realistic cakes that look exactly like everyday objects – with cash on the line. But are they good enough to deceive a panel of celebrity judges… and you? You’ll be asking yourself, ‘Is it real?’ Or…Is It Cake?”

Second Listen Sunday: Bobby Brown, King Of Stage

The year was 1986, and Bobby Brown, a well-known teen idol, was at a critical juncture in his career. His childhood friends had recently voted him out of their musical group, New Edition. Nonetheless, his label’s CEO, the late Jheryl Busby, apprised Brown that the label was obligated to offer him a solo deal. Consequently, Brown embarked on his debut solo album, “King of Stage,” which we chose as our featured selection for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.

Slow Jam Saturday: Mtume, You, Me & He

Although some may consider R&B band Mtume as one-hit wonders for their classic song “Juicy Fruit,” true music enthusiasts know that the group had already released two albums before that song, along with some fantastic album cuts and 11 other charting songs. Led by James Mtume and featuring the powerful lead vocals of Tawatha Agee, Mtume’s track “You, Me and He” is the perfect choice for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.

Sleeping Dogs is a snooze fest without a bone

Renowned Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe continues to build upon his esteemed career with his latest cinematic endeavor, “Sleeping Dogs.” Adam Cooper made his directorial debut with the film and co-wrote the script with Bill Collage. The film is an adaptation of the novel THE BOOK OF MIRRORS by Romanian writer E.O. Chirovici.

Clichés withstanding, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire keeps the franchise alive

Director Gil Kenan and co-writer Jason Reitman continue to keep a beloved franchise alive in Columbia Pictures “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” In the previous film, Phoebe (McKenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), the grandchildren of the late Ghostbuster Egon Spengler, defeated Gozer. As a result, they have relocated from Summerville, Oklahoma, to the New York City firehouse. Under the guidance of their mother, Callie (Carrie Coon), and Mr. Grooberson (Paul Rudd), who are now dating, they continue to bust ghosts.

Diarra from Detroit mixes comedy and mystery

Diarra Kilpatrick, an Emmy Award-winning actress, has partnered with the esteemed executive producer Kenya Barris to showcase her talents in the comedic mystery series “Diarra from Detroit,” exclusively available on the BET+ streaming platform. The narrative follows Diarra (portrayed by Kilpatrick), who is currently undergoing divorce proceedings with Francois, also known as Swa (played by Morris Chestnut). She relocates to her old community after receiving counsel from her confidant, Aja (played by Dominque Perry), and colleague, Mr. Tea (played by Bryan Terrel Clark).

Manhunt is an engaging true crime miniseries

Apple TV has brought to life James L. Swanson’s critically acclaimed non-fiction book “Manhunt” in the form of an enthralling TV series with the same name. The show’s plot revolves around the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and the subsequent hunt for John Wilkes Booth, the culprit behind the heinous crime. The program is directed by Carl Franklin and overseen by Monica Beletsky, who serves as the showrunner, ensuring a well-crafted narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

Romance, the 80’s and crime fill the enjoyable Love Lies Bleeding

Director Rose Maud has switched genres, trading horror for a romantic crime drama in her second film, “Love Lies Bleeding.” Glass and Weronika Tofilska wrote the script, and A24 produced the movie. The story takes place in 1989 and revolves around Lou (played by Kristen Stewart), a reclusive gym manager, who falls in love with Jackie (played by Katy O’Brian), an ambitious bodybuilder heading to Las Vegas to chase her dreams. However, their passion ignites violence, and they get pulled into the web of Lou’s criminal family, led by her father, Lou Sr. (played by Ed Harris).