Streaming Review

Streaming Review

Diarra from Detroit mixes comedy and mystery

Diarra Kilpatrick, an Emmy Award-winning actress, has partnered with the esteemed executive producer Kenya Barris to showcase her talents in the comedic mystery series “Diarra from Detroit,” exclusively available on the BET+ streaming platform. The narrative follows Diarra (portrayed by Kilpatrick), who is currently undergoing divorce proceedings with Francois, also known as Swa (played by Morris Chestnut). She relocates to her old community after receiving counsel from her confidant, Aja (played by Dominque Perry), and colleague, Mr. Tea (played by Bryan Terrel Clark).

Manhunt is an engaging true crime miniseries

Apple TV has brought to life James L. Swanson’s critically acclaimed non-fiction book “Manhunt” in the form of an enthralling TV series with the same name. The show’s plot revolves around the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and the subsequent hunt for John Wilkes Booth, the culprit behind the heinous crime. The program is directed by Carl Franklin and overseen by Monica Beletsky, who serves as the showrunner, ensuring a well-crafted narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

Mean Girls is a fetch remake

Paramount Pictures has given a new twist to the classic high school comedy in the form of “Mean Girls,” which coincides with the movie’s twentieth anniversary. This story was previously adapted into a same-titled stage musical. The latest version of the story has the original writer, Tina Fey, returning to write the script while Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. direct the movie.

Knowledge is power in the engaging documentary Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story

Director JJ Anderson is making a name for herself as a documentary filmmaker with her second feature, “Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story.” The film takes place at one of America’s oldest Black boarding schools and highlights the experiences of several students and staff members. Anderson offers viewers a unique look into the school and its students, showcasing the complex layers of their lives. “Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story” captures young Black students’ emotional, physical, and mental challenges while pursuing an education in America. The film honors the students’ perspectives, providing a vivid and beautiful portrayal of their journeys.

A beloved background character takes center stage in Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home Franklin

Apple TV+ keeps Charles Schultz’s legacy alive in the latest special, Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home Franklin. Raymond S. Persi directed the film, and the script was written by Robb Armstrong, Bryan Schultz, Craig Schultz, and Cornelius Uliano. An origin story of Peanuts’ most beloved characters, the film follows a boy named Franklin and his approach to making new friends.

Kings From Queens validates there is none higher than RUN DMC

Esteemed documentary filmmaker Kirk Fraser utilizes his talents to give flowers to one of Hip Hop’s iconic groups in Kings From Queens: The RUN DMC Story. The tripartite series presents a narrative previously untold about RUN DMC, arguably the most pivotal rap ensemble in music history. Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell came together on the unassuming streets of Hollis, Queens, before evolving into celebrated bastions of hip-hop culture—a genre once dismissed by critics as merely transitory.

Ted is a hilarious prequel series

Comedic television writer Seth MacFarlane brings one of his screen creations to the small screen in the prequel series Ted. The show is set in 1993; after the first film’s opening sequence and following a linear plot, the series depicts the early life of a sentient teddy bear toy named Ted, who lives with John Bennett (Max Burkholder) and his family in Massachusetts. John’s family members include his dad, Matt (Scott Grimes), mom, Susan (Alana Ubach), and cousin, Blaire (Giorgia Whigham). In the past, MacFarlane has mentioned that he’s always seen the character of Ted as one that’s character-based as opposed to premise-based, so there are numerous angles that he could have taken.

Reacher is back on the case for Season 2

After leaving his wandering lifestyle behind, Reacher joins three of his ex-teammates, who are now like family to him, to conduct an investigation. The team includes Frances Neagley (played by Maria Sten), Karla Dixon (played by Serinda Swan), a forensic accountant whom Reacher has always been fond of, and David O’Donnell (played by Shaun Sipos), a fast-talking family man who always carries a switchblade with him.

There’s no charm in the city for B’More Careful

Author Shannon Holmes turns director to bring his street-lit classic to the small screen in B’More Careful. Growing up on the cold, mean, inner-city streets of Baltimore is Netta (Phenomenal Jewel), leader of an all-girl clique called the Pussy Pound. Their mission is to fleece men out of money by any means necessary. The other members of the club include Mimi (Kimia Workman), Rasheeda (Christinia Cartier), and Fila (Deja Stevens).