Mahershala Ali delivers another stellar performance in Swan Song
Five years after winning an Oscar for Best Short Film, director Benjamin Clearly makes his feature debut in Swan Song from Apple TV+. Set in the near future and told through the eyes of Cameron (Mahershala Ali), the film is an emotional journey about what we will do for those we lov
Fortress is another stinker for Bruce Willis
Director James Cullen Bressack and writer Alan Horsnall help Bruce Willis retain his direct-to-home-market crown in the action flick, Fortress from Lionsgate. Willis plays Robert, a retired CIA agent living at a private resort out in the woods. One day, his estranged son Paul (Jesse Metcalfe) drives to the camp for a visit — but he’s followed by Robert’s old nemesis, Balzary (Chad Michael Murray).
Second Listen Sunday :Daron Jones, Christmas In Atlanta
Daron Jones had already made a name for himself as a founding member of 112 in addition to writing for the likes of Usher, Jamie Foxx, and 112 when he released his Christmas album, Christmas in Atlanta, on November 30th, 2015. Jones opens the project with Christmas in the Air, a midtempo bop that showcases Daron’s brisk baritone.
Slow Jam Saturday : Boyz II Men, Let It Snow
R&B quartet Boyz II Men were still basking in their massively successful single “End of the Road” when their first-holiday album, Christmas Interpretations, hit stores in the fall of 1993. The first single from the album was “Let It Snow,” and while the group could have gone the pop route and just covered the Vaughn Monroe standard, the four gents from Philly delivered a holiday slow jam classic.
Simon Rex lifts off to a career best performance in Red Rocket
Director Sean Baker continues his trend of small-town America based with his junior feature Red Rocket from A24. Simon Rex portrays Mike as a down on his luck washed up porn actor who returns to his small Texas hometown. Baker introduces us to Mike in a disheveled appearance and a bruised face.
The chemistry of Lucy Hale & Austin Stowell elevate The Hating Game
Peter Hutchings directs Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell in the romantic comedy, The Hating Game from Vertical Entertainment. Christina Mengert pens the screenplay, an adaptation of Sally Throne’s same-titled novel. Ambitious good girl Lucy Hutton (Hale) has always been certain that the nice girl can get that corner office.
Concert Review : Bruno Mars ,The Theater At MGM
Musician and pop sensation Bruno Mars returned to the Theater at MGM in Oxon Hill, MD for the first of two sold out shows on Saturday December 4th. Mars, who recently released a joint project with fellow musician Anderson.Paak under the moniker Silk Sonic, was welcomed back to the DMV with open arms.
Second Listen Sunday : Dru Hill, Christmas In Baltimore
After releasing their fourth album, 2010’s InDRUpendence Day, R&B quartet Dru Hill gifted fans with its first-holiday album with 2017’s Christmas in Baltimore.
Slow Jam Saturday : Anthony Hamilton, What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas
Anthony Hamilton was nearly two decades into his career, with five albums to his credit, when he released his first Christmas album, Home for the Holidays, in 2014. Hamilton’s Christmas project featured the usual Christmas standards such as “The Christmas Song,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” and “Please Come Home for Christmas.”
The Tragedy of Macbeth is a faithful adaptation
TA trio of Academy Award-winning talent collaborates for a Shakespearean adaptation in The Tragedy of Macbeth from A24. Joel Coen helms and scripts the film while Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand step into the roles of Lord and Lady Macbeth.
Death of a Telemarketer is a dark look at the world of sales
In his directorial debut, Death of a Telemarketer, Khaled Ridgeway explores the world of an overzealous telemarketer from Vertical Pictures. Ace telemarketer Kasey (Lamorne Morris) is in a close sales contest with a newbie employee, Barry (Woody McClain) and must score a big sale by midnight, or he’ll lose the largest commission to date.
Second Listen Sunday : Carl Thomas, Emotional
While Thomas has a capable voice, a few of these could’ve made soundtrack or mixtape appearances. Nevertheless, Emotional is still an impressive debut.