Luther: Never Too Much (2024, USA) | Rating: 4.5/5
I was so happy that AMC brought this movie back in theaters for Black History Month. I'm not the biggest of Luther fans, but I grew up with his music like most Black kids. Much like
George Michael's Freedom, I wanted to learn more about the legendary singer and this documentary did a fantastic job. The documentary mentioned the basics of his childhood and how he got into the entertainment business, then it went into detail with all the other iconic singers he worked for before becoming a star himself. There was commentary from other celebrities who elaborated on his influence and talent as well. Learning about the backstories behind some of the songs he wrote for himself and others was absolutely fascinating! The movie did touch on his struggles, of course, which included his difficult relationship with food and his sexual preferences. It was later aired on Oprah's OWN channel, so definitely keep an eye out for encore showings.
Love Me (2024, USA) | Rating: 3.5/5
Maja and I saw this unique, sci-fi love story starring Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun in the theater, during its limited release run. Maja was a little confused on the premise or perhaps the story, but found it to be a decent watch. I gave it a little grace with what the message of the movie was trying to say. This movie isn't just a simple romance between a high-tech buoy and satellite in the future, but an examination of our perception of ourselves (or our lives) and how its filtered through technology. While the movie does have its flaws in pacing and a bit in execution, I can't help but admire such an original idea that I thought would be too close to
Wall-E.
Beans (2020, Canada) | Rating: 4.5/5
I want to thank Hulu for giving me the extra push (i.e. the movie was expiring from my list) to watch this. I went in blind; only knowing that I had to have added this to my list because it had an interesting story...and I was right! The movie follows an Indigenous family in 90's Quebec and the discrimination they faced. While I am aware of some countries having their terrible past when it comes to Indigenous people like the U.S. and New Zealand, I had no idea that a similar problem happened in Canada. Seeing this movie through a child's point of view kept my interest to the very end. I was very invested in their fight and survival to the point that it made me upset. Canada isn't the polite utopia some of us think it is; they have and still have their flaws as well.
Wolf Man (2025, USA) | Rating: 3/5
I absolutely loved Leigh Whannell's take on the classic
Invisible Man and I had high hopes for his interpretation of this Universal Monster. It didn't quite hit the same highs, but it still managed to be enjoyable and engaging. I appreciate that he was trying to add his own mark on such a classic movie which I have seen. I enjoyed the point of view we were offered, the subplot with the family dynamics, and creative visuals of the titual character's transformation. I wasn't disappointed like some of Whannell's fans, but I will admit that I didn't enjoy it as much as the previous Universal remimagining or even his underrated gem
Upgrade. Although, I do look forward to rewatching it with a slightly new prespective.
Under the Shadow (2016, UK) | Rating: 3.5/5
I don't watch too many Farsi movies, especially horror ones, so this was a fun little ride. This movie brought some interesting war/political elements and mixed it with some Middle Eastern folklore. While watching this movie, certain beats and imagery reminded me of
Dark Water and
The Babadook. I enjoyed the execution of a mother and daughter trying to survive not only a hostile environment due to war, but through a malevolent spirit tormenting them in a place that should be safe and comforting.
Marwencol (2010, USA) | Rating: 3.5/5
After watching
Welcome to Marwen in 2018, I saw the streaming service Kanopy highlighting this documentary. Fast forwad some years later, I finally decided to watch it while I was cleaning my room. While this wasn't an ideal room cleaning movie, it was fascinating to hear and watch the real story of Mark Hogankamp which Steve Carrell portrays in the movie adaptation. Not only does this little documentary delve into Hogankamp's backstory and struggles, it also explores his hobby of recreating his life and the prominent people in it through various dolls. While a veteran collecting and repurposing dolls might seem odd, his story easily garners sympathy and understanding from its viewers. Eventually, I would love to rewatch the movie version to fully connect the dots between these two mediums.
Bones (2001, USA) | Rating: 2/5
A movie I've heard of, but never had the desire to watch it. Only reason I took the time of day to check it out was because a co-worker recommended it to me. So, I used this film as a challenge entry. So...the movie was definitely of its time and was amusing because of that. It was nice to see something else Katherine Isabelle, Bianca Lawson, Khalil Kain, and Pam Grier was in. As for the main attraction, Mr. Snoop Dogg...he exists. My expectations were very low going in and they were met. It's a very 2000s movie that revolves around this feared pimp persona Snoop has played around with in his past rap career. I don't feel like I missed anything not seeing it as a kid, but it was better than
Blood Pageant.
Nicole (2019, USA) | Rating: 3/5
I'm guilty of judging a movie by its cover and I honestly thought this would be a low budget horror that's laughably bad or simply forgettable. I was proven wrong, which is nice to find out. This was more of a dark comedy of a young woman on a date that goes completely wrong in the most interesting and darkly hilarious way. It's a very simple movie and the choice to film it in black and white kinda enhanced the experience in some way. I don't know what the budget was, but I felt like this simple story was pretty effective. It wasn't anything mindblowing, but sadly there's not too many horror movies with Black casts that aren't goofy, for lack of a better word. Definitely give this movie a watch if you're looking for something not too scary, but still horror.
Liberated: The New Sexual Revolution (2017, USA) | Rating: 3/5
I'm always intrigued by documentaries about sex and how we interact with the subject matter. This was a documentary that followed a bunch of college kids on spring break and their views on hook-up culture and the like. It does have some talking head moments with some experts in between the footage of college dudes being college dudes. *rolls eyes* It does scratch a little more than the surface when it comes to sexual assault situations that happen during these "liberating" trips. While you don't always have to like the subjects you follow in documentaries, it does help a little bit or at least understand their thinking in some kind of sympathetic way. The documentary does display the misogyny and raunchiness that we already know, but it doesn't say enough about it and how to counteract these behaviors. I wasn't upset watching it like some Letterboxd users, but simply indifferent. It definitely could've said more about the consequences or offer ways to unlearn certain behaviors.
Beloved (1998, USA) | Rating: 3.5/5
Although I haven't reviewed it here, I had a feeling this movie would give a similar atmosphere to Eve's Bayou. It's a Black film that I've heard throughout my life as an important one to watch in Black Cinema. This movie is based on Toni Morrison's novel of the same title and I can't compare the two here at the moment as I haven't taken the time to read it. My co-worker, who was reading it at the time I saw this movie, did mention a little confusion with the flashback scenes presented in the movie, which gives me a little idea that both mediums have similarities. Perhaps one day, I can give a proper comparison. For now, I can say that I do somewhat understand why people considered this movie a little on the disturbing side. At the same time, I feel like a lot of movies of this era really delved into the trauma of the time period and that can be a lot sometimes. The acting was very convincing and the story definitely kept me invested, despite the lengthy runtime. There were a couple moments where I hope the book expands on as the movie did make a few details a bit confusing with its presentation. I'm really glad I finally took the time to watch this movie for the first time during Black history month; it made me a little more interested in reading the source material.
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