TLuks005 Reviews (8)

Watchmen (2009)

Unassumingly Engaging

[9/10 · 25 January 2023]

It took me a while to get to watching this show, but after many recommendations, I'm glad I, finally, watched it. The show is well written, superbly acted and beautifully directed. The lighting is a bit too dark lighting at some point (as most cinema is these days), but still visible enough.

Since the app wants 600 words before posting, I will add that Regina King is phenomenal in her portrayal of the character. She is so good at her craft. The other actors also rise up to the occasion. This is a good show and hope to get more like this in terms of good directing, immersive acting, clever writing and thoughtful editing.

Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. (2022)

Clever commentary, More to be desired

[6/10 · 5 September 2022]

Positives: It was a good adaptation of the short film of the same name. The movie had clever commentary on mega church leaders from the lense of one couple that tries to overcome an egregious scandal. The Mockumentary format was engaging and well done. Regina King and Sterling K Brown were both outstanding leads who provided nuanced performances. The script drew a few chuckles and gasped out of me.

Down-sides: The ending left much to be desired and provided little resolution for the characters or viewer. They could have used the longer format to dive deeper into the stories of the victims and resolutions for the pastor and first lady.

The 355 (2022)

Bourne Identity meets Oceans 11

[8/10 · 29 January 2022]

I intentionally haven't read the reviews. I'll edit this if there is something compelling that I read. Really enjoyed the intrigue. I'm usually snobbish about guessing the antagonist and protagonists. I guessed half of them. I was gripped all the way through. Looking forward to a sequel.

The Danish Girl (2015)

Deeply moving, brave, beautiful and necessary

[10/10 · 25 July 2016]

I was so moved by this movie. It took me through a spectrum of emotions and gave me an understanding into the conflict of being true to yourself in a world that tells you that who you think you are cannot be. It gave me insight into the strength that the people who love you the best can give to make you stronger.

The script, the acting, the chemistry, the imagery. I expected to enjoy the concept, judging by the trailer. What I did not expect was to get a glimpse into the soul of the characters.

Although some say the imagery was overpowering, I felt that it gave us insight into what these characters loved almost as much as they loved each other, and that was art. Beautiful. Just stunning and inspirational. I hope it had the same positive impact for others.

Being Mary Jane (2013–2019)

Fell Short and Flat

[4/10 · 24 February 2014]

The best compliment I could give this show is the soundtrack. I found myself singing along and bobbing my head throughout the premier. Other than that, the show falls flat. This is a pity considering it is exciting to see the diversification of lead characters on television, whichever form that may come. The script is flat and uneventful. The plot development is slow and uninspiring. The acting is shockingly flat considering how much overacting is happening on the show.

I completely agree with one of the previous reviewers in saying that, if this was on any other network and not BET, it would have been cancelled after the pilot. This frustrates me because if we want to improve diversity on main stream television, we need to make sure we raise our expectations and standards. I wanted to like it because it increases the visibility of black females, but I cannot praise mediocrity. 4 Stars for the soundtrack and Gabrielle Union.

Pariah (I) (2011)

A Hidden Gem

[7/10 · 4 January 2014]

I found this movie trailer by chance somewhere behind the cobwebs of Youtube. I was very excited to see a film like this, especially because of the focus on this taboo topic within the black demographic (who generally seem to share similar social stigmas all over the world). I had to watch it right away. After watching it, I was extremely upset and disappointed. I can't believe that not more people know that this movie even exists. What happened to the marketing? This could have been a real ground breaker and award nominee (award winner may be pushing it a bit).

This movies' simplistic and honest take on an African American teenager's coming-of-age story does not force any moral outtake onto the viewer. It just wants to tell its story, which makes it that much more endearing.

The storytelling is at some points frustrating because a lot of things that are insinuated are not fully developed, leaving the viewer without any real closure about any of the other characters besides the lead. I left the movie feeling like I wanted more. But not in the good 'movie mysteries' way; in the bad 'did you guys forget about those parts of the story?' way. I also felt like the climax and twists of the story line seemed abrupt and under-developed. If you want to fit in as many interesting stories as they did in this movie, they should all be done justice. Otherwise, focus on the one story you want people to zone into and make everything relate to that.

Besides the story and character development flaws, this was a good start to good-quality, realistic films about the black demographic that can stand against other circuit films. Well-done. It was gutsy, taboo and well worth any controversy it may ignite. Let's keep them coming.

Blue Is the Warmest Colour (2013)

Breaks the cinematographic box of reality

[9/10 · 4 January 2014]

This movie is a breath of fresh air. It is a 'here's-the-truth-take-it- or-leave-it' kind of love story. When pushing the boundaries of art, you will not please everyone. However, there are generally only two outcomes of gutsy film-making: brilliant or outrageously terrible. This movie has certainly hit the mark of brilliance.

Many moments in this film I found myself digging deeper and deeper into my seat out of shear embarrassment; and moments later leaning forward into the screen out of intrigue. It ignites a roller-coaster of emotions because the movie takes it's clothes off and leaves itself bare to the viewer, which can be uncomfortable. To that Art would say, 'Mission Accomplished'.

There are many praises I could give this movie. But, I will leave that to the countless awards and nominations they have received for this controversial film. A warning to the viewers though, if you are easily offended and are of a conservative nature, this movie does push boundaries for the sake of art that may make you uncomfortable.

Another great movie by Abdellatif Kechiche.

The Hours (2002)

The merge of fiction and reality

[8/10 · 4 January 2014]

11 years later I watched this movie for the first time. I usually try to stay clear of an 'all-star film', as one may call it. However, it is just outstanding how all the actors just disappear into their characters. They are no longer Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore and Nicole Kidman. The script is no longer on paper. The film is no longer on a screen.

I am not a big fan of Nicole Kidman's acting as I am of her film choices. I would be so bold as to say even in 2013 that she presents here in 'The Hours', her best acting role ever. Nicole Kidman was nowhere to be found and for 114 minutes, I was looking at Virginia Woolf. How she may have walked and talked and glared. I believed it. All this time I thought she just won the Academy Award because she put a fake nose on. I was very wrong.

It is just impressive how for the entire duration of the film I was captivated into their lives. More so, that a movie about suicide would leave me hopeful and yearning for life. Bravo!