Daughters equally brings smiles and tears
The latest emotional documentary, “Daughters,” from Netflix, is a unique storytelling experience. Directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, the film provides an intimate look into the lives of Aubrey, Santana, Raziah, and a’Ana over eight years. The documentary captures their journey as they prepare for a heartwarming Daddy-Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers.
Second Listen Sunday: Johnny Gill, Still Winning
Like the rest of New Edition, R&B balladeer Johnny Gill had seen ups and downs as a solo artist. While Mr. Gill had enough hits to tour off, his fans clamored for music. In 2011 after fifteen years, he returned to music with his sixth solo album, “Still Winning,” this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.
Slow Jam Saturday: One Chance, That’s My Word
R&B luminary Usher is commencing his “Past Present Future” tour this week. Notably, two decades ago, he experienced resounding success with “Confessions” and the subsequent “Truth Tour.” For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday segment, I intend to revisit 2005 and spotlight a selection from the “In the Mix” soundtrack, which Usher had a starring role.
“Running on Empty” is a solid dramedy
After years of working behind the scenes and directing shorts, writer and director Daniel André makes his debut with the dramedy “Running On Empty” from Lionsgate
Concert Review: Missy Elliot, Out of This World Experience at CFG Bank Arena
Charm City was energized on Thursday, August 1st, when Missy Elliott brought her “OUT OF THIS WORLD—THE EXPERIENCE” tour to CFG Bank Arena. I had the opportunity to attend a preview of the tour last year during Essence Fest, and I was eagerly anticipating seeing the show again. Timbaland, Busta Rhymes, and Ciara were the support arts.
Second Listen Sunday : Today, Today
The renowned Motown label encountered a period of stagnation in the late 1980s. At this pivotal juncture, the imminent departure of founder Berry Gordy Jr. prompted the appointment of Jheryl Busby as his successor. Mr. Busby, a distinguished figure in his own right, aimed to propel the label into the contemporary era by devising a marketing strategy to resonate with loyal fans of the label’s heyday and a new audience.
Slow Jam Saturday : Bobby Caldwell, My Flame
In the late seventies, the music world was in for a surprise when it was revealed that the voice behind the classic R&B ‘What You Won’t Do for Love’ was the talented Bobby Caldwell, a white musician. While the obvious choice for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday would be a write-up on that song, I wanted to highlight one of my favorites, ‘My Flame,’ an album track from his 1978 debut.
The Abandon offers up engaging sci-fi thrills
Director Jason Satterlund has presented a compelling second feature film, “The Abandon,” a production of the renowned Lionsgate. The screenplay for the film was skillfully crafted by Dwain Worrell.
Sing Sing hits all the right cinematic notes
Documentary filmmaker Alexander J. Farrell has transitioned into feature films with the horror production “The Beast Within,” distributed by Well Go USA. Farrell and Greer Taylor Ellison co-authored the screenplay. The movie features Kit Harington, Ashleigh Cummings, James Cosmo, and Caoilinn Springall in lead roles.
Batman: Caped Crusader is a fresh spin on The World’s Greatest Detective
The most recent television adaptation of Bob Kane’s renowned creation, the World’s Greatest Detective, is set to debut on Prime Video under the title “Batman: Caped Crusader.” What makes this project truly unique is the collaboration of J.J. Abrams, a master of storytelling, with established Batman figures, including Matt Reeves, the director of the 2020 film “The Batman,” and Bruce Timm, the principal producer of the beloved nineties series “Batman: The Animated Series.” This powerhouse team promises a fresh and exciting take on the Caped Crusader.
Second Listen Sunday : The Time, Ice Cream Castle
This month marked the 40th anniversary of the renowned cinematic masterpiece “Purple Rain.” While I intend to collaborate with fellow critics in the future on a retrospective project, for this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I plan to honor The Time’s third album, “Ice Cream Castle,” which is notable for featuring two enduringly classic songs that were included in the film as mentioned earlier.
Slow Jam Saturday : Missy Elliot, Friendly Skies
Missy Elliott, a versatile artist, is currently performing at various venues nationwide as part of her inaugural headlining tour, “OUT OF THIS WORLD—THE EXPERIENCE.” I had the opportunity to attend a preview of the tour last year, and I’m eagerly anticipating the upcoming show scheduled for this Thursday in Baltimore, Maryland.