Bad Hair mixes eighties R&B and social satire
Filmmaking auteur Justin Simien takes on the horror genre for sophomore directorial effort in Hulu’s Bad Hair. The film is set in 1989 and centers on Anna (Elle Lorraine). As a child, she had a traumatic experience with a relaxer and has sworn off the hair care product. Anna has spent the last four years working as a production assistant at a Culture (a creative take on the heydays of BET).
Friendship & Turkey Day collide in Friendsgiving
Actress Nicol Paone puts a different spin on a traditional holiday for her directorial debut in Saban Film’s Friendsgiving. Hollywood actress Molly (Malin Akerman) is looking forward to a laid-back Thanksgiving with her best friend Abby (Kat Dennings).
Honest Thief finds Liam Neeson back in action
Liam Neeson returns to the action genre in Open Road Films, Honest Thief from director Mark Williams. Tom Carter (Neeson) has just moved to a new city when he meets Annie Stumpter (Kate Walsh) while purchasing a storage unit.
Walton Goggins is a hoot in Hulu’s short film, John Bronco
Walton Goggins shadows his inner “Texan” in director Jake Szymanski’s short film, John Bronco. A mockumentary about the history of the Ford Bronco is a hilarious look at the world of advertising and celebrities.
Flashback Friday Album Review: Tevin Campbell, Back to the World
In October of 1993, at the age of sixteen, soul singer Tevin Campbell released his second solo album. I’m Ready featured the massive hit single “Can We Talk.” Campbell would later go on to sell two million copies of the album and receive three Grammy nominations. Already displaying a vocal skill well beyond his years, Tevin grew up with his music on his third album, Back to the World.
EP Review: Kevin Ross, Audacity, Vol. 2
R&B prodigy Kevin Ross recently released his project of 2020, the lovely Audacity, Vol. 2 on the Art Society Music Group. Ross opens up the project with “God Is a Genius,” a lush ballad recalling a seventies Stevie Wonder. Based on the song title, I was expecting some Gospel inspired; instead, Ross gives listeners a bop about soulmates and destiny.
Radha Black shines in The Forty Year-Old Version
Playwright Radha Black makes an excellent feature film debut in Netflix’s The Forty-Year-Old Version. Black portrays Radha, a down-on-her-luck NY playwright, who is desperate for a breakthrough before 40. She’s currently writing a new play titled Harlem Ave., which she hopes will be her breakthrough.
Album Review: Trey Songz, Back Home
Virginia native Trey Songz, affectionately known as “Mr. Steal Your Girl,” is back on the scene with Back Home. The singer’s eighth album finds him reuniting with iconic producer Troy Taylor for his most consistent project since his 2009 breakthrough Ready.
Latest entry in American Pie focuses on heart and not nudity
Sex comedy franchise American Pie delivers its latest franchise entry in Universal Studios Home Entertainment American Pie Presents: Girls Rule. Director Mike Elliot helms the ninth film
Aaron Sorkin delivers an awards contender in The Trial of the Chicago 7
Aaron Sorkin brings his trademark fast-paced dialogue to Netflix in The Trial of the Chicago 7. In development since 2007 and a passion project for the writer, the film serves as Sorkin’s sophomore directorial effort. Featuring an ensemble cast, The Trial of the Chicago 7
Harmless action thrills in Welcome to Sudden Death
The 1995 action flick Sudden Death gets a sequel in Welcome to Sudden Death from director Dallas Jackson. Stepping in for Jean Claude Van Damme in the sequel is Michael Jai White, who happens to be one of my favorite action stars.
Afterschool School Specials go to hell in Sno Babies
Director Bridget Smith makes a component and gritty debut in Better Noise Films Sno Babies. A gripping and emotive tale, Sno Babies depicts the grim realities of addiction and its effects on a middle-class suburban town.