Slow Jam Saturday : Jesse Johnson, ‘I Want My Girl’
For this week’s selection for Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to venture to the Twin Cities and highlight “I Want My Girl” from Jesse Johnson’s solo debut “Jesse Johnson’s Revue.” The guitarist had already made a name for himself as the lead guitarist in the funk band, “The Time.” As diehard fans know, The Time would disband after releasing their third album, “Ice Cream Castle.”
‘Surviving Black Hawk Down’ is a compelling look at Both Sides of the Battle of Mogadishu
Surviving Black Hawk Down” intensely and in detail examines the Battle of Mogadishu, a pivotal event in America’s military history with Somalia. Ridley Scott’s acclaimed film Black Hawk Down is based on the tumultuous conflict from October 3-4, 1993. By integrating powerful storytelling with personal accounts from American soldiers, Somali fighters, and local civilians who experienced the chaos firsthand, the limited series distinguishes itself through a rich multi-dimensional narrative structure.
Sundance 2025 Review : “Ricky”
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a film critic is the opportunity to attend the Sundance Film Festival and observe an actor for whom one has long stood in support, finally achieving a significant breakthrough role. This sentiment is particularly relevant in the case of actor Stephan James, who collaborates with first-time director Rashad Frett in “Ricky,” an adaptation of Frett’s short film of the same title.
Frankie Muniz takes on the world of AI in the enjoyable ‘Renner’
Renner (Muniz), a reclusive computer genius driven by a need for control, designs an AI named Salenus (voiced by Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden) to help him overcome his crippling social anxieties and find love. Encouraged by Salenus, Renner connects with his alluring neighbor Jamie (Violett Beane) and her brother Chad (Taylor Gray).
George Wallace & Laverne Cox shine in the enjoyable “Clean Slate”
The late esteemed producer Norman Lear has collaborated with Prime Video to present one of his final productions, the series “Clean Slate.” Developed by Dan Ewan, this series is set in Alabama and comprises eight episodes, each lasting thirty minutes.
Second Listen Sunday: Mario, “Go”
The album’s first single, “How Do I Breathe,” features the singer’s reunion with the production team Stargate. Co-writing the song, Mario delivers a lush ballad that captures a man’s emotional struggle after a breakup. He expresses feelings of loss and the difficulty of moving on following the end of a significant relationship.
Slow Jam Saturday : Mary J. Blige feat. Kci Hailey , “I Don’t Want To Do Anything”
In the spirit of the tour, I want to show some love for “I Don’t Want to Do Anything” (featuring K-Ci Hailey of Jodeci) for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday. Although it was never officially released as a single, “I Don’t Want to Do Anything” has become a staple on nineties R&B Quiet Storm playlists. The song was written and produced by DeVante Swing, a member of Jodeci
“Valliant One” is a lost cinematic mission
Producer Steve Barnett, known for genre favorites like “300,” “Land of the Dead,” and last year’s captivating “Hit Man,” makes his directorial debut with the military thriller “Valliant One,” produced by Briarcliff Entertainment. Barnett also co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Tipton, based on a story he developed with Tipton.
“Like Father Like Son” fails to tap into solid premise
Director Barry Jay explores themes of generational trauma in his latest feature, “Like Father Like Son,” from Lionsgate. Jay also pens the film’s screenplay, which centers on the lengths one man will go to end a brutal cycle of violence.
Second Listen Sunday : Eric Benét , “Love & Life”
Neo-soul artist Eric Benét is gearing up to embark on the “R&B Invitation Tour” alongside fellow singers Joe and Musiq Soulchild. Yesterday, I gave some flowers to Musiq Soulchild, and for this week’s Second Listen Sunday, Eric Benét is the recipient.
Slow Jam Saturday: Musiq, “Who Knows”
Neo-Soul Crooner Musiq Soulchild is preparing to hit the road for the “R&B Invitation Tour” with fellow singers JOE and Eric Benét. Therefore, it was only right to revisit a ballad from his third album, “Soulstar, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.
Second Listen Sunday : Debarge, “Rhythm of the Night”
Debarge returned to ballads with the second single, “Who’s Holding Donna Now,” penned by David Foster, Randy Goodrum, and Jay Graydon. El’s powerful vocals express his longing for his ex, Donna, as he grapples with moving on. The lyrics convey his desire to be with her again, showcasing his willingness to do anything to be in the place of the man who holds her now.