Presumed Innocent is an engaging miniseries
Celebrated Academy Award Nominee Jake Gyllenhaal, following his successful tribute to an 80s classic earlier this spring, is poised to showcase his acting prowess in the miniseries “Presumed Innocent.” Renowned attorney turned Hollywood polymath David E. Kelley assumes the role of showrunner and series writer, with Greg Yaitanes and Anne Sewitsky taking turns directing the series’ eight episodes.
Second Listen Sunday: The O’Jays, Imagination
It’s hard to believe I was in the Air Force twenty years ago. While R&B king Usher dominated the R&B scene with his magnum opus’ Confessions,’ the legendary R&B trio The O’Jays, known for their soulful tunes, quietly dropped a bombshell-their highly anticipated new album ‘Imagination ‘.
Slow Jam Saturday : Eric Benét , I Wanna Be Loved
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I have chosen to revisit the music of 1988, a year particularly significant to me. Contrary to expectations, I have opted to divert attention from the New Jack Swing genre and instead highlight the work of the relatively uncelebrated artist, Mr. Gary Taylor, and his second solo album, “Compassion.” Before gaining widespread recognition, Taylor had established a solid reputation through his collaborations with notable artists such as Vesta Williams, The Dazz Band, and Grover Washington Jr. However, Taylor’s breakthrough moment came with his contributions to The Whispers’ “Just Gets Better with Time.”
Unlock the mystery of Netflix’s Eric
Welsh playwright Abi Morgan brings her talent for writing to Netflix for the miniseries “Eric.” Lucy Forbes directs all six episodes, which star Benedict Cumberbatch, a recipient of the BAFTA TV Award, Primetime Emmy Award, and Laurence Olivier Award.
Second Listen Sunday: Gary Taylor, Compassion
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I have chosen to revisit the music of 1988, a year particularly significant to me. Contrary to expectations, I have opted to divert attention from the New Jack Swing genre and instead highlight the work of the relatively uncelebrated artist, Mr. Gary Taylor, and his second solo album, “Compassion.” Before gaining widespread recognition, Taylor had established a solid reputation through his collaborations with notable artists such as Vesta Williams, The Dazz Band, and Grover Washington Jr. However, Taylor’s breakthrough moment came with his contributions to The Whispers’ “Just Gets Better with Time.”
Slow Jam Saturday: K. Michelle, Can’t Raise a Man
K. Michelle, a distinct vocalist in the R&B scene, is currently on tour with other notable R&B artists such as Trey Songz, Jahiem, and Keyshia Cole. This presents a perfect opportunity to revisit her second single, ‘Can’t Raise a Man,’ from her debut studio album ‘Rebellious Soul’ (2014), for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.
The Young Wife is an engaging sophomore feature from Tayarisha Poe
Tayarisha Poe, the esteemed writer and director known for her widely acclaimed debut “Selah and the Spades,” presents “The Young Wife,” a unique Afrocentric love story that stands out in the genre for its nuanced portrayal of societal pressures and personal struggles. Produced by Republic Pictures, the film’s narrative delves into the emotional turmoil of Celestina (Kiersey Clemons) as she grapples with the tumultuous expectations of family and friends on the day of her nuptials to River (Leon Bridges). The film intricately explores the challenges these societal pressures pose, contributing to Celestina’s escalating anxiety and apprehension as she embarks on marital bliss, inviting the audience to empathize with her journey deeply.
Clichés abound, Summer Camp is saved by three legendary leads
Director and writer Castile Landon shifts from erotica fan fiction to a friendship story in “Summer Camp” from Roadside Attractions. Nora (Diane Keaton), Ginny (Kathy Bates), and Mary (Alfred Woodard) have been best friends since they were inseparable at summer camp during their childhood. Despite their intense bond, the demands of adult life have led them to see each other less and less over the years.
In a Violent Nature delivers the slasher goods
After getting his feet wet in shorts and music videos, Chris Nash makes his directorial debut with “In a Violent Nature.” Nash also pens the film’s screenplay. When a locket is extracted from a collapsed fire tower in a wooded area, it triggers the reanimation of the deceased body of Johnny (Ry Barrett), a malevolent spirit driven by a grievous 60-year-old transgression. Intent on reclaiming the locket, Johnny targets a cohort of young vacationers culpable for its removal, methodically eliminating them one by one and any others who impede his pursuit.
Second Listen Sunday: Jaheim, Ghetto Classics
Jaheim, a New Jersey-based singer, is currently on “The Love Hard Tour” after a significant break from the music scene. This week, for our Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to revisit his highly anticipated third album, “Ghetto Classics,” released on February 13, 2006. It had been four years since the release of Jaheim’s second album, and while they couldn’t see him vocally, younger singers like Omarion and Chris Brown were the current rage in R&B.
Slow Jam Saturday: Keyshia Cole, I Should Have Cheated
The Princess of Hip Hop Soul, Mrs. Keyshia Cole, is currently headlining the “The Love Hard Tour” with fellow R&B acts Trey Songz, Jahiem, and K. Michelle. So, in that regard, I felt it was only fitting to go back to 2005 and revisit the third single, “I Should Have Cheated,” from her debut album, “The Way It Is,” for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.
Babes is a successful mix of heart and profanity
Pamela Adlon, an actress who has transitioned into a director, presents a heartwarming and uproarious comedy as her debut in “Babes,” produced by Neon Films. Ilana Glazer and Josh Rabinowitz pen the film’s screenplay. Inseparable childhood friends Eden (Ilana Glazer) and Dawn (Michelle Buteau), having grown up together in NYC, are now firmly in different phases of adulthood. Every Thanksgiving, the two decide to meet for a movie, but things take a surprising turn when Dawn goes into labor.