Slow Jam Saturday : Isley Jasper Isley, “Insatiable Woman”
When discussing families in R&B music, three names are usually at the top: Jackson, Debarge, and Isley. For the first Slow Jam Saturday of 2025, I wanted to show love to Isley Jasper Isley and their hit “Insatiable Woman” from their 1985 album “Caravan of Love.”
“A Legend” is a weak reunion for Jackie Chan and director Stanley Tong
Legendary martial arts icon Jackie Chan reunites with writer and director Stanley Tong for their tenth collaboration in “A Legend” from Well Go USA. The film is a threequel to “The Myth” and “Kung Fu Yoga.” During a glacier excavation project with his students, a distinguished archaeologist, Professor Chen (portrayed by Jackie Chan), observes that the uncovered artifacts closely resemble a jade pendant he has encountered in his dreams.
“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” is a welcome return of the beloved duo
The strength of Wallace & Gromit has been Wallace’s invincible faith in his products. Watching Gromit cut through the mess, quietly snarling at his human occupant, is reassuring to anyone who’s ever watched someone you love run into get-rich-quick schemes that become a disaster. Gromit’s cynical expression is enough to tell you that — just as always, he’s in control with the elegance of a thousand brows.
“Hard Truths” is powerful reunion for director Mike Leigh and Oscar nominee Marianne Jean-Baptiste
In a performance already garnering awards talks is the wonderful Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Pansy, whose body language moves from the first scene. Pansy has an addiction to her fear, a woman whose anger is a lost shield that saves her from the world but that splits her family apart.
Second Listen Sunday : Intro, “New Life”
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
Slow Jam Saturday : Natalie Cole, “Starting Over Again”
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
“A Different Man” is a compelling study of the consequences of wanting perfection
Writer and director Aaron Schimberg delivers an engaging feature with his fourth film, “A Different Man,” produced by A24. In an era where image often precedes substance, “A Different Man” examines the complexities of identity, ambition, and the lengths individuals may pursue to realize their dreams.
“September 5th is an compelling history lesson
In an era characterized by the rapid dissemination of information, the film “September 5” effectively underscores a significant turning point in live reporting and journalism. Set against the backdrop of the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, the film critically examines how a sporting event became the stage for a catastrophic global crisis.
“Babygirl” is a tantalizing dive into the consequences of desire
Romy Mathis (Nicole Kidman) is a high-ranking CEO in the Big Apple married to playwright Jacob (Antonio Banderas), with whom she shares two daughters, Esme (Sophie Wilde) and Isabel (Esther McGregor). Romy and Jacob appear to have a healthy sex life. However, Romy has a secret, and after every session with Jacob, she’s unfulfilled, and while he’s sleeping, she’s pleasuring herself to finish the job her husband can’t.
“The Fire Inside” is a boxing biopic that goes the distance
The film begins in 2006 with a young Claressa (Jazmin Headley) almost getting laughed out of the gym by the boys. However, possessing the heart of a lion, Claressa quickly catches the eye of former boxer turned coach Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry) when she bests one of his boy boxers. “The Fire Inside” then takes us to Claressa’s junior year in high school, pushing past countless limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing.
Second Listen Sunday : Toni Braxton, Snowflakes
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.
Slow Jam Saturday : The Isley Bros, “What Can I Buy You”
Iconic R&B group The Isley Brothers had already solidified their pleasure in R&B when they released their first Christmas album, “I’ ‘ll Be Home for Christmas,” in 2007. Group member Ron has always had one of those voices that can sing anything, so it makes sense that the group’s first Christmas album would feature the usual standards with an R&B interpretation.