Category Archives: FIlm

17Mar/23

A Snowy Day in Oakland: Loretta Devine and Nicole Ari Parker Discuss Mental Health

March 17, 2023FIlmA Snowy Day in Oakland, Black community, black culture, comedy, Dapper Dr. Feel, Deon Cole, Loretta Devine, mental health, Nicole Ari ParkerDapper Dr Feel

Some of us in the Black community were taught that therapy was for people who were either batsh*t crazy or very wealthy (we call that “eccentric”). For everything else, you could talk to a family member on the porch or Pastor Curtis after Sunday service. Nowadays, it is not unusual to seek therapy. That is a stigma to which we’re more than happy to say farewell. The new film A Snowy Day in Oakland explores the hesitation and the process of getting treatment in the Black community. Two of its stars, Nicole Ari Parker and Loretta Devine, were kind enough to discuss with Taji Mag about the film and how they manage their own mental health.

Dapper Dr. Feel (DDF): Can you tell us a little bit about A Snowy Day in Oakland and a little bit about your character, Jeanette?

Loretta Devine (LD): A Snowy Day in Oakland is really a dramedy. I’m sort of like the comic relief in the show. I’m sure you’ve probably met people in your community that are a little like her. Lol! She’s a gossip. She barely does her job, but the way she carries on you would think she was doing more than her job. She is in everybody’s business. I think she might be reading their mail. She is nosey; she’d tell them she didn’t open it and glue it back together. She’s the busybody of the community, but I think every community is blessed that they have at least one person that is all up in everybody’s business. So they’ll tell you if somebody comes by somebody’s house. She’s a little over the top compared to everybody else who seems so normal. I have to admit, when I watched it I was like, “Oh my God, pull out, Loretta, pull out!” But that’s what the director Kim Bass told me to do.

DDF: Yeah. I can definitely relate. My life was like that. That’s why I was cracking up the whole time. I was like, “Man, I know somebody just like that”… I’m not gonna say who.

LD: They know you’re talking about them.

DDF: I know, and they’ll see this and call me after seeing this video.

DDF: Nicole, why are people opening up to Latrice? Everybody seems to resist her at first but then ends up on her couch opening up to her.

Nicole Ari Parker (NAP): I think she has to earn their trust. With her capacity to listen, I think it helps. Even if she isn’t from that particular moment in their lives, she seems like a fancy lady coming in. I think she calmly lets them know that they’re in a safe space, then has the patience to listen, and then is strong enough to give it back to them in a way that makes them think and talk more about what it is that’s affecting them. Because we hold everything close to our chest, a good therapist really lets you know it’s okay to honor what’s going on inside of you and to verbalize it. You can ask for help. So I think that’s a great message in the film. It’s a gentle but still compelling message.

DDF: Loretta, your character Jeanette seems to have a unique relationship with Dr. Monroe. She reads her very well. Can you describe the relationship between your character Jeanette and Dr. Latrice Monroe, played by Nicole Ari Parker?

LD: Well, you know, it seems like this movie title tells you a lot about what the movie’s about. Initially, it was called “Head Shop“. We started production in 2017. That was way before the pandemic. And what we’ve gone through since then with being shut down for three years, and we’re just now coming out…I think now everybody does need therapy.

My character thought the couch was the trick, which had nothing to do with the doctor and her knowledge. She figured “the therapist is constantly asking questions…, so I’m gonna just sit here and answer questions, but when I go to Jesus, I ain’t gotta do all that.” So I think she came in initially knowing everything [she could find out] about the doctor. But eventually, she realizes that therapists need therapists as well. This is when the movie really gets interesting. Anything she knew about the doctor, she passed it back to the community. I’m trying so hard not to tell too much so people won’t be saying “Well, I don’t need to see the movie because she already told me everything that’s gonna happen.”

DDF: We see Jeanette slowly get Latrice to open up. What do you think makes her open up to Ms. Jeanette?

NAP: Well, I think Loretta could get anyone to hand over the secret code. She’s just so brilliant! And I just think the writer/director, Kim Bass, really wanted to show all facets of everyone’s healing process. So he wrote those kinds of moments in which everyone gets a revelation.

DDF: How do you manage your mental health? Do you pray, exercise, etc.?

NAP: That’s a great question! I have a lot of different ways of managing life’s obstacles, but I’ve started with my self-esteem. Meaning if I am in pain, I say I’m in pain. I no longer swallow it right away because of shame, fear, or [being unsure of] who I can tell this to. I honor that this is an opportunity to heal something. I don’t let it break me anymore, but I also say, “Okay, this is a particular issue I should take to my therapist. After I’ve talked to my therapist (or even before I’ve talked to my therapist), I also say to myself this is also an issue I should pray for. If it involves another person, I now have the words to express that to them and I don’t hold it in anymore. It doesn’t mean there’s confrontation when I let it out, but there are steps to honoring the process of healing. Sometimes a bubble bath, candles, and meditation music are mixed in there too. So it’s a lot of different modalities, but it starts with honoring the identification of something [being] amiss, [accepting that] something is not right.

LD: All you have to do to manage your mental health is to believe everything’s fine. Lol! Everything is everything. It is what is. You know, I stay busy all the time. I’m a workaholic, which may be why I probably need therapy. I also have a lot of activities that I love to do. I love knitting, crocheting, making gowns, and making jewelry. So I think you have to fill your life up, you know? That’s how you maintain your mental health. Keep it full. Plus, I lived alone for a long time, so I had to figure out how to entertain myself if there was nobody there to consider me. When people came over, I’d say, “I wish they’d go home ’cause I could be doing stuff I want to do. I could’ve made a whole evening gown and ate my food while they sat there talking.” That’s how I maintain my mental health. So don’t ask me any more hard questions, ok? Lol!

DDF: I can’t ask you any hard questions??

LD: You can ask me hard questions.

DDF: You’ve done everything from this character to your character in Spell; how do you manage to get these phenomenal roles?

LD: Did you like Spell?

DDF: I did. I was like, whoa! I was impressed.

LD: It was shocking. DL Hughley wished it on me. During an interview with me, he said, “I’m so tired of seeing you play nice. I know you ain’t that damn nice. I hope you get an evil character.” And just after he said that, about a month later, I got the offer to do Spell. But with me and the stuff that comes to me, it ain’t nobody but God. See, God and I, we are close, we are like this (gestures closeness).

DDF: Loretta, I’ve been waiting to ask you this question for years. In Waiting to Exhale, your character, Gloria, gave her neighbor a plate full of food. Gloria made the greens, cornbread, yams, etc. So what does Ms. Devine want on her plate?

LD: You know, it depends. If you were going past Phillips, you could gimme some ribs and barbecue. You can bring me some of those tacos if you go by Bill’s Tito Taco. If you go by the Serving Spoon, [I’ll take] food from there. If you go to the Spanish restaurant, you can bring me some margaritas.

DDF: Nicole, I will tie in one of your other characters. We saw in The Best Man: Final Chapters, Xiomara goes off the rails after Quentin (played by Terrence Howard) breaks up with her. If Xiomara was a client of Latrice, what would happen?

NAP: Latrice might not let her (Xiomara) bring the sage into the office but I think Latrice would have Xiomara do the talking and see where all this came from, all the multiple personalities.

DDF: What do you think people will get from this film?

NAP: The belief in love again and joy and the trust in reaching out for help and talking about it if you need to.

A Snowy Day in Oakland is a dramedy that explores therapy and mental health in the Black community. The characters are good representations of people I’ve come across in my community growing up, making the film funny and relatable. It resembles movies like Barbershop or Friday, but with less exaggerated scenarios. There are some profound messages in this film that I think people will connect with and hopefully serve as a reminder that everyone needs help and shouldn’t be afraid to ask for it. A Snowy Day in Oakland will be released in theaters on March 17, 2023.

Directed and Written by Kim Bass

Starring Loretta Devine, Nicole Ari Parker, Keith David, Kimberly Elise, and Deon Cole.

02Mar/23

Creed III is a Strong Directorial Debut For Michael B. Jordan

March 2, 2023FIlmblack creative, black culture, black excellence, black love, boxing, creed, Creed3, Jonathan Majors, Michael B Jordan, Rocky, Ryan Coogler, sport, tessa thompsonDapper Dr Feel

Creed III Stars: Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed (who is also the film’s director), Jonathan Majors as Damian Anderson, Tessa Thompson as Creed’s wife (Bianca Creed), Mila Davis-Kent as Amara Creed, and Phylicia Rashad as Mary-Anne Creed.

Synopsis: Adonis Creed’s (Michael B. Jordan) life has flourished both professionally as a Boxer and personally. An old friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), re-emerges after a long stint in prison, eager to live the life he always wanted as a boxing champion. The two former friends engage in the fight of their lives which is more than a boxing match; it is a fight to overcome their pasts.

Why Creed III is Worth Your Time?

Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut is nothing short of phenomenal, especially with the film being the trilogy to one of the biggest movie franchises of all time. It’s apparent that this was a passion project for Jordan as he was able to craft this great film carefully. During a recent press conference, he mentioned he’d had scenes that were all but ripped from his fingers and left on the cutting room floor, but he didn’t let that jeopardize the film’s quality. I can confirm that this project was well-paced and that the film’s tone was consistent from beginning to end.

There were rumors of former Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder appearing as the son of James “Clubber” Lang in Creed II a few years ago, which would’ve been decent provided the right script; but I am glad this particular Creed spinoff franchise was brought to life. Much kudos to the writing team of Zach Baylin (King Richard writer) and Keenan Coogler (Ryan Coogler’s brother) for putting together a story with characters compelling enough to add quality to the Rocky franchise.

The underdog storyline, which the Rocky franchise is known for, fits well into this story because we see Damian Anderson go from serving time in prison to his pursuit of living his dream as a Champion. We also see Creed’s rise from being a retired Champion to fighting his former best friend, the current Champion. Both characters must not only fight their opponent in the ring but also fight their own internal battles.

I feel like Creed III offers more depth than the more recent Rocky films because even though you have a designated antagonist and protagonist, you really can’t instantly side with Creed. You understand why Damian is the way he is; honestly, he very convincingly reflects those who have struggled with a complicated past and have had to overcome major life obstacles. I can see Ryan Coogler’s fingerprints all over this script because it’s quite similar to Black Panther‘s ruthless Kilmonger character in that you understood and almost couldn’t blame him for his actions or way of thinking.

There is a lot of American Sign Language representation in this film. With Creed and Bianca’s daughter being deaf, we see excellent attention to detail depicting what the environment would be like and how families interact with someone who is hearing impaired. Also worth a mention is Mila Davis-Kent as Creed’s adorable daughter, Amara Creed. We get a glimpse of how Creed’s actions affect his relationship with his daughter. We even see her passion for boxing showcased. Can we see how her storyline plays out when she finally puts on the gloves? That would be fun to see. Although her screen time is limited, Davis-Kent’s charisma is undeniable.

The Characters

One of the surprising elements of the film was that it is an origin story for Adonis Creed, exploring his growth from a troubled teen to the man we see today. This is accomplished seamlessly without dragging the cinema or stealing focus from the storyline. The film carefully weaves in the character’s past while dealing with actions that will undoubtedly impact his future, leading to a conflict you’re unsure if he’ll win.

The chemistry remains strong between Jordan and Thompson. They create a relationship that appears to have stood the test of time and survived the pressures of their careers. There are moments in the film where Creed is standoffish and wants to shut his family out, but the presence and voice of Thompson creates a clear path of communication, allowing Creed to be vulnerable and honest with her. Creed III shows Bianca as not only Creed’s other half but also as the glue that holds the family together.

It’s worth stating again how Mila Davis-Kent as Amara Creed was so adorable and charismatic. The moments with Jordan were like watching a genuine love between a daughter and father. Davis-Kent not only stole focus during her screen time, she respectfully represented the American Sign Language community (ASL), normalizing the community and giving attention to many small details providing a sense of authenticity appreciated by ASL and non-ASL viewers alike.

Jonathan Majors once again puts on a robust and touching performance as Damian. He makes you hate the character at moments, and sometimes you even feel sorry for him. After serving so many years in prison and feeling abandoned by Creed after receiving no contact from him and watching him live the life he planned, Damian wants his opportunity. There is just so much the character must learn and let go of, but cannot because of his haunting prison experience. Damian reminds me of Killmonger, as his actions are driven by hurt and disappointment, making him a compelling character. Being a former Golden Gloves Champion and boxing prodigy, Damian believes his dreams are still possible. When asked where Majors got the inspiration for this role, he mentions that he watched the previous Creed films and gave much credit to his stepfather. He explained, “My stepdad was locked up 15 years before he got with my mom and then raised me.” Majors also said “Like, I was the kid that was trying to make sure Dad got home on time before the parole officer got to the crib. And I watched it. You know, I watched that happen. My stepdad tried out for the Dallas Cowboys. I’m from Dallas. And almost made it to the Cowboys. He was in the second round. I watched that inspiration. I watched that hustle. You know, I watched that dream that he had”. Majors, a friend of producer Ryan Coogler, also consulted him.

Videography and Sound

I saw Creed III on Imax, of course, which was well worth it because I heard and felt every punch that was delivered during the fight scenes. The sound design in this film made me feel like I was in the match, and there were a few times I physically reacted to the punches. Especially when Michael B. Jordan takes a particular punch in the solar plexus in the third act. I really felt like I couldn’t breathe for him. There are other moments in the film where the sound design helped enhance the action and tension between the boxers.

With Jordan’s direction, the film is visually appealing with anime and The Matrix-influenced angles that help the audience stay engaged during the matches. When a boxer sees an opening, the camera allows you to see it as well, so when the punches land, you understand why it is so effective.

Jordan utilizes his skills not only when the characters are boxing, but also when he shares conversations with his wife, daughter, and Damian. I love the scenes where he places the characters in front of the giant Apollo Creed painting he has in one of his rooms, representing their passions as fighters. It also shows that Creed has forgiven his father.

The Takeaway on Creed III

This emotional and action-packed sequel is well-written and has a phenomenal cast. The film highlights male trauma, growth, forgiveness, and healing. Even if you disagree, you’ll still feel connected with the characters and understand their actions. It is a must-watch that could be shared with family and fans. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself cheering during fight scenes or even holding back tears.

15Feb/23

Jonathan Majors: The Undoubted Star of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

February 15, 2023FIlmAnt-Man, Ant-Man 3, Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania, avengers, Dapper Dr. Feel, Jonathan Majors, Marvel, Paul Rudd, taji magDapper Dr Feel

Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror in Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

Where to find: In Theaters

Rating: PG-13

Time: 124 minutes

Release: February 17th

Synopsis: Scott Lang and his family find themselves in the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible. Jonathan Majors joins the franchise as the powerful and new baddie, Kang the Conqueror.

Starring: Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, Hope Van Dyne/the Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors), Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), and Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton).

What is the Film About?

There has been much anticipation for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, especially with the announcement from Marvel that Jonathan Majors would play Kang the Conqueror, the newest threat to the Avengers. This 3rd installment of the Ant-Man series presents an interesting storyline while setting up a great introduction to the film’s protagonist (whether this is evident to the viewers or not is another question…keep reading for my full opinion of the flick). This film goes into great detail about Scott Lang and his family’s life after saving the world from Thanos and reversing the blip felt around the world. It does make sense where Lang’s head would be, which is borderline basking in the celebrity of being an Avenger. This hightened level of confidence does set him up to emerge anew once the final battle takes place. This “epic” battle with Kang the Conqueror is the height of the film and is honestly what we all came to see. Will Ant-Man emerge victorious or will we see the end of this [mini] hero? Given Marvel’s recent propensity to send fans on an emotional rollercoaster by taking out our beloved heroes, it could truly go either way! I’ll let you see for yourself.

Now, as promised, my opinion of this most recent Marvel release…it’s a miss! There are so many moments of potential for this to be a great film, but it just…well…missed! The storyline, outside of the much-anticipated battle, hurts the film. Also, instead of the hilarious voice-over storytelling of Luis, played by Micheal Pena (which we so loved), the film has voiceovers by Lang which are merely serviceable and nowhere near as funny as Luis’. And finally, I didn’t appreciate the twist at the end when…you thought I was going to ruin it for you, huh? NOPE.

Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man and Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror in Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2022 MARVEL.

The Characters

Many wondered why the film does not announce Michael Pena and the rest of the crew. This particular storyline would not have been a good fit for Scott Lang’s previous crew. With the introduction of multiple new characters this time around, it just would’ve been too much; especially on top of the already awkward moments of random pointless commentary.

Although this project has some great actors portraying these characters, the talented cast is only as good as the script would allow. For example, William Jackson Harper’s character (Quaz) has the potential to be important to the storyline, instead he is used as comic relief. M.O.D.O.K’s (Mechanized Organism Designed Only for Killing) potential suffers the worst out of all the characters as its origin is quite creatively plausible, but unfortunately also ends up just being comic relief.

Paul Rudd provides some laughs throughout the movie…then again he’s Paul Rudd. Did we expect anything else? The relationship with his daughter feels genuine, and the current state of Rudd’s Scott Lang is fitting. These circumstances allow the character some room for growth, but, Marvel unfortuntely fumbles the oportunity. Even with his performance, Ant-Man 3‘s tone is so off that it’s hard to overlook.

Kathryn Newton as Cassie has a lot of screen time which is good since her character is likeable. It’ll be interesting to see what role her character will play in the rumored Young Avengers.

Michelle Pfeiffer, as Janet Van Dyne, had me pondering many questions. The most pressing to me is why she hadn’t spoken of her time in the Quantum Realm. In the trailer, she clearly knows the dangers, but fails to discuss them with her family. An explanation of this does not seem convincing, especially once the viewer finds out what happened during her time in the realm.

The obvious standout of the movie was Majors as Kang. He put on a phenomenal performance per usual, making Kang a character that fans will love to hate. Major’s tone, expressions, and body language serves to create a worthy adversary. Kang is cerebral, scholarly, poetic, manipulative, and offers something anybody would find hard to refuse…time. He will undoubtedly pose a significant threat to the Avengers with his technology and his ability to manipulate multiple time lines.

Jonathan Majors as Kang The Conqueror in Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2022 MARVEL.

The Visual Effects

Visually, the Quantum Realm does have some intriguing environments, but what wears on the novelty of the effects is that it’s been done before! At times, the scenes resemble those of Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness or previous transitions into microworlds that have occurred in prior Ant-Man films. But I guess it’s hard to continuously evolve and create unique worlds after having done it so many times. A few creatures look unique, like giant fluorescent amoebas and living buildings. It is noticeable, as expected, that Marvel did not go the cheap route on the effects. A detail even more noticable while watching the film in IMAX.

(L-R): Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, Kathryn Newton as Cassandra “Cassie” Lang, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne/Wasp in Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

Worth Noting

Be on the lookout for plenty of easter eggs that tie into films for the upcoming Phase Four of the MCU. I won’t give any spoilers, but you’ll really have to look (or maybe even give the movie a second watch) in order to catch these. And YES, there are some post-credit scenes.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania serves less as a sequel in the Ant-Man franchise and more of an origin story for Kang the Conqueror. One must wonder if Marvel can use the talent of Majors and the many exciting stories of Kang (from the comics) to create a Phase 5. Ideally, this would propel the MCU into a stratosphere in which viewers aren’t developing comic book movie fatigue. Marvel has been known to surprise its fans…let’s see where they go with this!

05Feb/23

“Causeway” is Brian Tyree Hill’s Best Performance

February 5, 2023Culture, FIlmA24, AAFCA, academy awards, black excellence, Brian Tyree Hill, Dapper Dr. Feel, Films, Jennifer Lawrence, movie, taji magDapper Dr Feel

Brian Tyree Hill as James (Photo courtsey of Apple TV)

Where to Find: Apple TV Plus

Rating: R

Release: November 4th, 2022

Run time: 94 minutes

Synopsis:

A young soldier (Jennifer Lawrence) struggles to adjust to life back in New Orleans after a traumatic war injury. Her life changes when she meets a local mechanic (Brian Tyree Henry), and they form an unlikely bond.

What is the film about?

Whenever I hear that Brian Tyree Henry is attached to a film, I expect the film to do well and that he will put on a powerful performance. In Causeway, he does just that; this time, his performance is complemented by co-star Jennifer Lawrence. The film hardly wavers from its sad and uneasy tone, making the joyful moments more impactful. The director uses the environment of a Louisiana neighborhood (a sort of character in itself) to serve as the foundation from which Lynsey,played by Jennifer Lawrence,is trying to escape, the worn-down houses and cluttered areas. In contrast, James (played by Henry) tries to get her to see the beauty in the area, the beauty in the people, and the beauty in the little things that bring her happiness instead of re-enlisting.

It’s evident Lynsey is emotionally (and permanently) troubled by a terrible army accident. Lawrence’s performance is compelling and draws out compassion from the audience. There are moments where we see Lynsey desperately trying to adjust to life outside of war, but she can’t shake what she is programmed to do. You can’t help but want to hug her and let her know everything will be okay. Although she struggles deeply with herself, it’s apparent she has a kind heart and doesn’t hesitate to show compassion to others. We sadly watch her struggle with severe anxiety. Water keeps her calm, which is why she gets a job as a pool cleaner because, outside of war, that is all she knows. Water is known to have a calming effect on the body. Still, its usage in Causeway appropriately represents vulnerability, as this is the only time Lynsey isn’t consumed with anxiety. The onscreen chemistry between Lawrence and Henry is powerful, as their relationship feels very organic and authentic. The relationship between Lynsey and James is less romantic and more about companionship, but there is a longing sense of love just below the surface.

This is one of Henry’s most powerful performances. He makes the James character likable and compelling but also flawed. He tries to get Lynsey to embrace her insecurities and shortcomings, which makes James even more endearing. From his walk to his facial expressions, James can show Lynsey he is a big guy with an even bigger heart. Henry’s performance is applaud-worthy, and it’s no surprise he is nominated for a Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Director Lila Neugebauer and the screenwriters accomplish the goal of highlighting mental health. After watching this film, you will understand some of the struggles soldiers face both off and on the battlefield.

Brian Tyree Hill and Jennifer Lawrence (Photos Courtsey of Apple TV)

Final Thoughts

Causeway is an emotional film highlighting the negative effects of PTSD and how people around those who suffer from it are also affected. Not since The Hurt Locker (2008) have I seen such a memorable film displaying a veteran’s struggles to readjust to society and everyday life. The emotional performance by Brian Tyree Hill has earned him several nominations and wins, including the African American Film Critics Association award for Best Supporting Actor,Causeway is worth watching on Apple TV Plus.

03Feb/23

**Actress Lacretta Talks Night Court and Her Love For Gaming**

February 3, 2023Culture, FIlmBlack Girl Magic, comedy, Dapper Dr. Feel, gaming, Lacretta, NBC, Night Court, taji magDapper Dr Feel

NIGHT COURT — “Pilot” Episode 101 — Pictured: Lacretta as Gurgs — (Photo by: Jordin Althaus/NBC/Warner Bros. Television)

Back in the 90s, I remember this show and especially its distinctive theme song with its upbeat tempo and saxophone-laced tune, it was Night Court. It usually meant it was almost bedtime for me. It featured a cast of colorful characters: a judge who performed magic tricks (Judge Harry, played by Harry Anderson); a bald, physically imposing but friendly bailiff (Bull, played by Richard Moll); and a no-nonsense, quick-witted bailiff named Roz (played by Marsha Warfield). Now the 2023 Night Court features a host of new characters besides prosecutor Dan Fielding (played by John Larroquette). The show has a new bailiff, Donna “Gurgs” Gurganous (played by actress Lacretta). The actress took time from her busy schedule to talk with Taji Mag about her role on the show, her castmates, and even her love for gaming.

Dapper Dr. Feel (DDF): I wanted to start by asking, how in the heck did you fall out of your hammock on New Year’s Eve?

Lacretta: So, I’m still kind of in shock with everything happening, right? Even though I’d been part of the Night Court project this whole time, I was trying to talk to my viewers about it. So I was like, “You know, let me just go upstairs to the roof and just kind of chill out for the night.” I got a little bit ahead of myself and instead of putting one leg into the hammock first and then the other leg, I decided to put both legs into the hammock and promptly tipped myself out of it. I scraped my toe on the wall, which was not a pretty picture. After I got myself all cleaned up, I went back up to the roof with a cocktail, and then I sat in a chair like a proper lady.

DDF: Bet you won’t make that mistake again. Tell me, what was your reaction when you got the role and how did you prepare for it?

Lacretta: I gravitated to and responded to the weirdest moments in cinema because I wanted to capture a little bit of Richard Mall. I felt I had to pay homage to him and the other bailiffs on the show.

I know altogether there were four different bailiffs. The first two, unfortunately, passed away at the end of their season. The other two were the most iconic for me (Richard Mall as “Bull” and Marsha Warfield as “Roz”). I had to pay homage to both of them.

Um, so as I was saying, for certain parts in the script, weird moments in cinema like from Orient Express and from Are You Being Served and Keeping Up Appearances (both British comedies) just kind of popped into my head and I just allowed myself to release. And then when I got the call that I had booked it, I was actually laying on the floor with my feet up because my ankle was a little puffy and I was trying to recirculate that blood. I got a text message…”oh my God, congratulations on Night Court being picked up” and I was like “What do you mean?” And my friend said “You guys got picked up!” I sat up so fast that I saw stars and got a little dizzy. I just had to text all my friends the good news.

I continued with the person that gave me the good news and said, “Well, did you check the date on the article?” He was like “yeah, it came out in Hollywood Reporter 10 minutes ago. Y’all got picked up by NBC!” Tears started rolling down my face and snot was coming out of my nose, I started hyperventilating. It was really bad. But I love that the person who called me and let me know was actually one of the writers/creators for Disaster, which is where I made my Broadway debut.

DDF: “Gurgs” seem to have the best chemistry with “Olivia” (India de Beaufort). Who do you think your character has the best chemistry with?

Lacretta: Yeah, I think it’s all different, but I spend a lot more time with India de Beaufort and Kapil Talwalkar who play “Olivia” and “Neil” [respectively] in the series.

Outside of work, I definitely spend a lot more time with Kapil because we’re both gamers. So we call each other and check on each other more often, but it just kind of trickles down. What I love about it is that we’re very much a family. And with family, you don’t always talk to your cousins, you don’t always talk to your aunties, but when you do get together, you know that this is blood…this is family.

DDF: When I first heard about you getting this role as the new bailiff, automatically the character “Roz” popped into my head. How would you say “Roz” and “Gurgs” are similar and how are they different?

Lacretta: We’re both very grounded. We both have our moments, she more so than I. Where we differ: my character is a lot more playful than “Roz”, but she did have her moments. I was telling someone before that there’s a beautiful episode that I just kind of stumbled upon of “Roz” teaching “Dan” how to ballroom dance. There’s a moment where they’re sitting at a table in the cafeteria. They’re just kind of chatting when he says something along the lines of “You know, I came to your apartment and I stood outside your door” and she replied “Yeah, I know. But you know, there could never be anything between us right?” It was just a lovely episode and I loved to see that interaction between the two of them because they are such polar opposites. It’s just such smart writing on this show from then until now that I’m just…I can’t wait to see what happens with it.

DDF: Now, since you are a gamer, if you can make “Gurgs” a downloadable content character, what game would you put her on?

Lacretta: Oh, Saints Row! What!? Especially in this new incarnation which I still haven’t finished. But in the new incarnation of Saints Row, my character very much looks like her except for the piercings. That’s the only difference. What else would I put her in? I would put her in High On Life, which is a new game with a lot of the voices from Rick and Morty. That would be kinda interesting. That game’s crazy and so funny. That was a good one. And then I mean everybody wants to be a Fortnite avatar. I wanna be on Fortnite.

DDF: What do you think people will get from this revamped version of the 80s/90s classic?

Lacretta: I hope that they get a sense of nostalgia. I hope that they find joy while watching this new Night Court and find a moment to escape from the stress that’s going on in the world right now. In a world of uncertainty, what’s for sure is that for at least 20 minutes out of our half-hour slot, you’re going to be laughing and you’re gonna be able to step away from what you’re dealing with.
Watch Lucretta as the charismatic bailiff “Gurgs” and her castmates on Night Court on NBC. The sitcom has just been renewed for a second season.

17Nov/22

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever…One of the Best Films of 2022

November 17, 2022Culture, FIlm, NewsBlack Panther, Dapper Dr. Feel, Felipe Patterson, Marvel, taji mag, Wakanda ForeverDapper Dr Feel

Wakanda Forever is a very emotional film; the feelings started to boil up within the first six minutes (so make sure you’ve got your popcorn ready before the movie starts, you don’t want to miss a second). It’s no surprise that Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa would die in this film because Marvel had made it clear that they would NOT be recasting Boseman’s role. Nothing hit harder than when the infamous Marvel introduction appeared sans music with various cutscenes of Boseman. I’ve seen the film twice, once with other critics and once with a crowd of people; both times, I could hear sniffling and see tears falling from many an eye. Hell, I even got misty-eyed during my first screening. If you have not yet seen the film, (1st of all, shame on you for missing opening weekend) be prepared to bring tissues or wear an ugly shirt to cry on. Wakanda Forever not only pulls on the heartstrings but also has some of the best action scenes I’ve seen in the MCU with a nice helping of humor sprinkled in here and there. This film was also incredibly well-directed. Next, allow me to go into more detail about this incredible Ryan Coogler-helmed project.

Storyline

I was concerned about how Ryan Coogler would make this film work with the characters rumored to appear and how Wakanda would face one of its biggest threats without its biggest hero. Coogler did not disappoint and actually made me appreciate him as an artist even more. Let’s start with the way that T’Challa’s death was handled. It kind of mirrored reality; in the film, we discover that Shuri was unaware of her brother’s ailment until it was too late. We all felt Shuri… at least I did when I discovered that Chadwick had passed away without warning. Although Shuri had saved him and many other MCU characters in the past, she could not help her brother due to the lack of resources…the heart-shaped herb. I felt quite connected to this character because I lost my brother six years ago this very month. To feel as helpless as Shuri is nothing short of heartbreak.

Something else I noticed about Shuri was that she had difficulty grieving the loss of her brother, like some of us do, and it wasn’t until the very end of the film that she was able to deal with that. This is not unlike how some people of color take a long time to get help dealing with grief and mental health. The film interestingly (and quite surprisingly) explores her rage and need for retribution by reintroducing her to Michael B. Jordan’s Kilmonger after she ingests the synthetic heart-shaped herb she created. I was not surprised because as Kilmonger is a wildly compelling and rage-filled Marvel villain, Shuri (in a display of similar rage) had mentioned earlier that she wanted to burn everything after her brother’s loss. One can clearly see the parallels.

Shuri’s issues seemed to also parallel Namor’s as he had lost his mom at an early age and hadn’t properly dealt with that devastating loss and all the feelings that came with it. His anger drove him to hate colonizers and “land people” outside of Wakanda.

The origin of Namor and the Talokan as told in the film was, in my opinion, a way better story than what was depicted in the comic book. It gave Namor more motivation to be angry after seeing his people who remained on land abused and enslaved once he returned to bury his mother at the very place she had called home.

I am a Riri Williams fan because she is a young, Black, highly intelligent character my nieces can look up to. I felt her involvement in this story was necessary. Her ability to build a machine that could locate Vibranium underwater was invaluable. So much so that her idea was stolen by her professor with the intent to make a profit…hmmm, sounds like something that could happen in real life!

This time, Wakanda kept its quarrels within its country’s borders and did not allow for spillage into America or any other place like it did in the first film. I appreciated this because it stayed true to the comic, just like when Namor and his warriors attacked Wakanda and flooded its citizens. I must say that part hurt my heart, but I knew it was coming.

Angela Basset Oscar Buzz

There is already Oscar buzz surrounding Angela Basset for her role as Queen Ramonda; she deserves at least a nomination if not more. Her expression of pain from the loss of her family is heart-wrenching. She has been through more than most could handle starting with the murder of her husband, her kids being snapped away by Thanos then brought back to only be taken away again. That’s enough to drive anyone insane! On top of that, she STILL had to deal with the greedy members of the United Nations (UN) while trying to run a country with the threat of Namor. Whew! Talk about carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders…nicely toned shoulders, I might add. Outside of Basset being a phenomenal actress, the other cast members also performed amazingly. You would think, with such a large cast, at least one person would compromise the film, but no one underperformed.

Beware of the Talokan

For a moment there, I thought I was watching a horror film about Namor and the Talokan warriors wiping out Americans at sea. The singing Talokans hypnotizing the ship’s inhabitants to walk to their drowning death was surprising and had me thinking “What an awful way to die, but what an awesome war tactic!” The Talokan weapons were so creative, especially the water bombs that obliterated everything around them.

Namor was a fierce warrior, and Attuma (although not as powerful as Namor) was just as punishing as he was in the comics. The production notes mention that Namor is as strong as Thor and the Hulk, and man did it show. My man was tossing helicopters like little dice.

A Soundtrack That Moves You

Of course, the soundtrack for this film was fire! When “They Want It, But No” played in the background as the Dora Milaje was going to work on the soldiers, I was all for the ass whoopings they were handing out. Burna Boy’s emotional “Alone” track adds to the somber mood of the characters dealing with loss. And Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” at the end was a tribute to the legend, Chadwick Boseman.

Ruth Carter’s Costumes

The award-winning costume designer once again displayed her talents with beautiful designs for both the Wakandans and the Talokans. The intricate detail put into the Talokan costumes was beautiful in color and detail. In my interview with Mabel Cadena, she explained, “Well, it was huge because on the one hand, I thought, ‘This is beautiful, amazing, and I’m a Latin American woman playing a superhero in this movie’. On the other hand, I was like ‘This is very heavy’! I’d never worn something so heavy and needed to be able to move so fast”.

Final Thoughts

I know Rotten Tomatoes currently has Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at a critic score of 84%, but the film is more accurately reflected by the audience score of 94%, in my opinion. The fact that the film was able to use grief and mental health as part of the plot (which is vital for characters who are Black and Brown) and made it work in the Marvel Universe is a big accomplishment. The film also answered many questions I had about the fate of some characters. This is hands down the best MCU film/project to come out this year, and I can honestly say it’s in my top 5 favorite MCU films of all time. I was also surprised that the post-credit scene showed T’Challa had a son with Nakia (played by Lupita Nyong’o), whom she raised in Haiti. This will add even more interest to the future of Wakanda as the new prince learns to eventually become king. Finally, let’s give a round of applause to the women in the film who drive the story and show ultimate strength not only physically, but in their relationships as well. Overall, Wakanda Forever is one of if not the best Marvel films of 2022. It focuses on grief, forgiveness, family, and lastly a tribute to Chadwick Boseman that is worth watching.

Directed by Ryan Coogler

Starring Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o, Tenoch Huerta, Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena, and Alex Livinalli.

19Oct/22

We Were Warned About Don’t Worry Darling… I Should Have Listened

October 19, 2022Culture, FIlmDapper Dr. Feel, Don't Worry Darling, KiKi Layne, taji magDapper Dr Feel

Kiki Layne as Margaret and Florence Pugh as Alice
Photos courtsey of Warner Bros

Synopsis: A 1950s housewife living with her husband in a utopian experimental community begins to worry that his glamorous company could be hiding disturbing secrets.

Starring: Olivia Wilde, Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Olivia Wilde, Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne, and Chris Pine.

During the trailer for Don’t Worry Darling, we can see the character Margaret, played by KiKi Layne, shoving a hand from her face. Indicating she is not feeling what is going on and that something isn’t right about the neighborhood they live in. She was warning Alice, played by Florence Pugh, but after watching the film, I thought, “ Why didn’t I listen to Margaret before finishing the movie? Because Don’t Worry Darling showed promise with its star-studded cast, a budget, and lots of money put into marketing, it did not meet the mark. I’ll just have to go down the list of what went wrong with this film.

First, I liked the videography, and the visuals were stunning. The moments where the lead character, Alice, experiences random experiences like drowning a body of water out of nowhere or being smushed by an imaginary wall. Or even the haunting images of the ghastly-faced dancers in her visions, all are what lured me to the film and kept me interested as to whether this was in her mind or was this all just an alternate reality. Either way, these scenes were something cinemas lovers would go crazy for…if it weren’t for the plot.

Florence Pugh as Alice
Photos courtesy of Warner Bros

Here is where the movie falls short. From the first act, I felt that something was off and that Alice would eventually have to face whatever reality or intriguing plot reveal was to come. Instead, the audience was duped by a rushed third act. Even the performance of Chris Pine as Frank, who was set up to be an influential cultish leader, is wasted when you find out the truth about the almost perfect life of these characters. Harry Styles’s performance was subpar and less convincing as the story progressed.

There were some beautiful wide-shot scenes in the desert and of the perfect neighborhood where most of the story takes place. The transition from the dark and browns colored environment to the colorful scheme of the clothing, cars, and houses was appealing, making me feel the story took place in the 1950s. Two of the other things I loved about the film was the music selection, which they played during the special NYC screening I attended. The costume design felt vintage, making the character fit the era they modeled their existence after.

With all the actors involved in this project, one would expect a lot of great performances; unfortunately, the film’s best performance was by Pugh due to the suffering plot. She was very convicneing in her performance, especially when the character felt her reality was blurred. KiKi Layne’s short screen time did stand out as her eyes were I need to tell the fear and concern she had about their existence. Harry Style was serviceable in his performance, I think he could’ve delivered a little bit better when he betrayed his wife, but besides that, he was not bad. All the other actors were decent and did not take away from the film.

Gemma Chan as Shelley and Florence Pugh as Lisa
Photos Courstey of Warner Bros

This film is a slow burn carried mostly by Pugh, but it just doesn’t turn out to be the film I expected, and I think many will agree. The film’s third act was so rushed and a mess that it looked like it went through a rough editing process. Don’t Worry Darling would have been a better film had there been a better payoff at the end. It makes me wonder if the outcome of this film led an all the media hoopla. This tells me that if a Black woman is warning you in a movie trailer, pay attention because it means someone will suffer, and this time it was the viewer.

Anyway, I would catch Don’t Worry Darling when it starts streaming because it’s not worth watching in the theaters. You can watch films like the Surrogates or Stepford Wives to fulfill your appetite for a good sci-fi domestic film.

30Sep/22

Hocus Pocus 2: More Diversity, More Surprises but Same Magic

September 30, 2022FIlmBette Midler, Dapper Dr. Feel, Disney, disneyplus, Felipe Patterson, Halloween, Hocus Pocus, Hocus Pocus2, Kathy Najimy, Nina Simone, Sam Richardson, Sarah Jessica Parker, taji magDapper Dr Feel

Whitney Peak as Becca, Belissa Escobedo as Izzy, and Lilia Buckingham as Cassie
Photos Courtsey of Disney

Starring: Whitney Peak, Sam Richardson, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy

Where to watch it: Disney Plus

Release date: September 30th, 2022

Synopsis: It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17^th-century sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve.

With the announcement of Hocus Pocus 2 streaming on Disney Plus, I didn’t have high expectations for the sequel. After watching the film, I discovered I was right. The movie was not bad; it had the same loveable antagonists, the Sanderson Sisters (played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy), along with a new cast of teenage heroes living in the current day. If you remember the first film as I do, you will feel the same magic (pun intended) as I did while watching this film.

I did like the introduction of the new characters and how the writer was able to connect them to the first film. The candle is the catalyst, and the book of magic is still what drives the story because of the contents it possesses…the secrets to how the sisters can become the most powerful in the world. The writer was able to give the book a more human aura, which is meant to be a big payoff in the end, and it comes close.

Sam Richardson as Gilbert
Photos Courtsey of Disney

New Characters Spoiler Alert

I have to give kudos to Disney for being cleverly inclusive in the film and adding some Black characters. Instead of characters of color being speckled throughout the film as extras, the movie has two Black characters playing huge roles. Gilbert, played by Sam Richardson, is the magic shop owner that witnessed the Sanderson Sisters’ last stint at wreaking havoc on the townspeople as a child. Then there’s Becca, played by Whitney Peak, one of the lead protagonists and an aspiring witch. She attempts to thwart the witches’ plans with her two friends Izzy (played by Belissa Escobedo) and Cassie (played by Lilia Buckingham). I won’t spoil why their roles are important, but I will say it is…..okay, I can’t help it! Y’all, we finally have a Black witch in the Hocus Pocus universe! Yes, Becca discovers she has the powers, and I am here for it! Will she defeat the Sanderson Witches? I’ll leave it up to you to find out, but all I know is I am happy.

The Sanderson Sisters, once again, keep the same chemistry and evil attitude as they did 30 years ago. They weren’t over the top, nor did they underperform. Bette Midler’s voice is about the same. Although I was not as excited with the “One Way or Another” performance by Blondie, I enjoyed their performance of “I Put a Spell On You” by Nina Simone. No one can do it better than Nina, but the Bette Midler version was fun. Bette Midler does perform “The Witches Are Back”, a very fun song, with Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as background singers before the final credits roll. Speaking of the Sanderson Sisters, the little girls who play the younger versions of the sisters perfectly portrayed their adult versions. Especially young Winifred “Winnie” who immediately caught my attention as she was very charismatic and clearly has a lot of talent.

Costumes and CGI

I was happy the film looked like it used more practical effects than CGI. I think too much CGI would’ve ruined the film. There was some concern, for me at least, that zombie Billy Butcherson (played by Doug Jones) would be CGI. But Billy was still clumsy and losing his head; with Doug Jones portraying the character, there’s no need for much besides costume and makeup because of his tremendous talent.

The costumes for the sisters and Billy look as good as in the original film. The first few minutes start off in the 1600s and I felt like I was transported back then with them. It is at this time we get to see the witch responsible for giving them their power when they were just some normal kids themselves. Because of this, I would not be opposed to a Hocus Pocus installment set entirely in the 1600s.

Hocus Pocus 2 may not have me clamoring for a rewatch, but it is still worth checking out for the nostalgia and same fun energy of the original. Kids will be entertained by the film and want to see the first one if they haven’t already. Fans of the original, who are now over 30, will be able to relive the experience of the Sanderson Sisters’ introduction to new technology. With a more diverse cast that moves the story forward, Hocus Pocus 2 is stream-worthy. The only issue I had with the film was the final act because it seemed a bit rushed. But you be the judge.

08Sep/22

Barbarian: An Unconventional, Jaw-Dropping Horror Film With an Ending That Will Piss You Off!

September 8, 2022Creative, FIlmBarbarian, Dapper Dr. Feel, Georgina Campbell, Horror, Justin Long, meme, scary, taji magDapper Dr Feel

Barbarian

Starring Georgina Campbell, Justin Long, and Bill Skarsgard

After watching the first trailer, I thought to myself, “How in the hell is this film going to turn out and what’s in the basement?” Given that Bill Skarsgård (who played IT, the clown) stars in the film, Barbarian looked like a horror film worth watching. Boy was I right! This film had a bunch of “What in the f*ck!” moments and some really scary stuff in it.

Let’s start off with Georgina Campbell: I give her two thumbs up as a horror protagonist. Her reactions to certain situations and actions are 100% believable and exactly what you’d expect. Campbell’s awkward chemistry with Skarsgard (Keith) in the Airbnb was spot on. I think two people would be awkward in this situation. With Skarsgard giving all sorts of creepy vibes, all I could yell at the screen is, “Tess baby, what is you doin’ baby?” but then Tess became warmer towards Keith as they both let down their guard and created a safe-feeling environment…well sort of.

I like that Tess was able to make smart decisions like most people would, such as not opening certain doors and staying out of certain areas. But you know it wouldn’t be a horror movie had she kept that same mindset throughout the whole film. Eventually, she let her curiosity get the best of her.

When asked about how she became a part of the film, Campbell said, “I’ve always really wanted to do a horror film, but I hadn’t come across anything that was right, that I really, really liked. I just loved it. I thought it was fantastic. Then I spoke to Zach, and he was very passionate and knew exactly what he wanted to do and just seemed like he knew what he was doing, and yeah, I was in.” Campbell was right about her selection because this is not your typical horror film; nor does it follow traditional film beats. Her character, Tess, had to figure out how to survive, have sympathy, and learn who to trust.

Outside of being creepy and awkward, Skarsgard straddles the line of trustworthiness. It works here because I couldn’t tell what the hell was causing the unusual activities in the house on that first night Tess and Keith stayed there. If you want a scary film, put Skarsgard in it! I think after IT, his performances will always fit this genre…or maybe it’s just something in his eyes.

If you remember Jeepers Creepers, then you should remember Justin Long’s classic clash with an evil demon. Long plays AJ, an actor involved in a rape allegation who needs more money to keep his lawyers on staff. I’m not holding back any words when I say that Keith is a selfish, opportunistic asshole. Long brings a lot of humor to the film as AJ. There were also some moments when I thought he was worse than the villain. With all the flaws of this character, you can’t help but feel bad for him. You don’t want to see him suffer at the hands of the murderer… until the very end when you’re ready for him to suffer the worst death imaginable. Now that’s what I call a switch-up!

Justin Long as AJ in 20th Century Studios’ BARBARIAN, exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

The set design was amazing. I give much kudos to the crew. From the Airbnb to the rooms in the basement, every environment helped set the tone for each scene. Especially when the characters ventured into the creepy basement, but I won’t give too much away. You’ll have to see for yourself.

I can not express how awesome the sound design was. For example, as a character walks down a dark hallway, you can hear their increased heartbeat as they approach an unknown area. It had my heart pumping fast. The multiple times the victims tried to evade the killer felt like a thrill ride in the theater.

Actress Georgina Campbell shares the same sentiments saying the experience was “just incredible.” She further explained, “The set design was just amazing. It was all set on a sound stage for the interiors. And just walking into the Airbnb, it was incredible because it looks just like an Airbnb would. It’s got that Airbnb feel, where everything’s probably from Ikea. It’s all not quite got a personality, really. But yeah, so I just thought that was amazing. And then once we go downstairs into the basement, it was very easy to get lost in the scenes because everything felt and looked really real.”

Director/Writer Zach Cregger’s flashbacks in the film were unique and provided enough information to know the motivation of the antagonist. It’s interesting how he developed the idea for this film. He explained, “I had read a book called The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker. There was a chapter primarily directed towards women, encouraging them to pay attention to these little minor red flags that men can give off in day-to-day situations. They can be very innocuous things that you might not notice. Things like complimenting you when it’s not necessarily appropriate or doing you a favor that you didn’t ask for or touching in a nonsexual way that’s not initiated by you, all these little things that seemingly don’t matter. He was basically saying [that’s] the gift of fear. It’s important to pay attention to these little red flags because you’re equipped with that to identify potential threats.”

Once the villain and its origin are revealed, the film heads into a series of chases, fights, and what the f*cks, but ends in an unexpected way. You’ll want to catch this film! And when you do, please leave a comment below on your thoughts.

Watch Barbarian on September 6th, 2022 in theaters everywhere.

25Jul/22

NOPE is a Yes, Jordan Peele does it again

July 25, 2022Culture, FIlmAfrica Jackson, Daniel Kaluuya, Jordan Peele, Keith David, Keke Palmer, NOPE film, Nope movie review, taji magAfrica Jackson

Ok that NOPE movie… I love horror films and I am especially excited when Black directors get the funding to fully realize their cinematic vision. A few great examples include Eve’s Bayou by Kasi Lemmons (she also starred in the original Candyman), Tales from the Hood by Rusty Cundieff, Demon Knight by Ernest Dickerson, and Black Box directed by Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour.

Alright, let’s get into NOPE.

What’s Up With The Monkey In NOPE?

The monkey in NOPE is not a Black man.

I repeat: the monkey in NOPE is not a Black man.

Some people will clumsily connect the killer chimp (Gordy) to enslaved Black people, but it’s not that deep. Gordy serves more as a way to illustrate the difference between the two strategies for dealing with the alien. Jupiter focused on his personal experience with Gordy, while OJ focused on the predator’s point of view. OJ cited various wild animals and their rules. (With a bear, you stand still; with a wolf, you make yourself big, etc.) Jupiter was more like the mayor from Jaws–his arrogance and greed led him to f*** around and find out.

My homeboy Derrick Weston Brown (and critically acclaimed poet/author) saw the film and had spoke interesting observations about nature that were on point. “What is the obsession with white people swimming with sharks and hugging monkeys? People always think they’ve got a lock on nature, but they don’t. It reminds me of that Richard Pryor joke about the jungle. Like OJ said in the movie, you have to understand your relationship to nature and make a deal.”

So Is The Movie About Race?

Now it’s a stretch, but if you wanted to make it about race you could. You could compare the UFO to white supremacy and say that taming structural violence (Jupiter’s approach to the UFO) leads to our destruction while understanding your oppressor and directly attacking its weakness accordingly (OJ’s approach to the UFO) is the only way to survive racism. You could comment on Angel’s FFFFFF coworker who is entertained by the predicament of the characters of color but never uses her privilege to offer support. *Insert reparations analogy*. With the erasure of Black jockeys and horse trainers through history, there could be an assertion that Peele is honoring Jerry Dixon Jr., Issac Murphy, and all the unnamed Black horse riders/racers/trainers.

For real, for real–NOPE is not about any of that. I’m cool with just enjoying this as a straight-up alien/SciFi horror film.

The Black Characters Don’t Die First

Black characters usually die first in mainstream horror films. We never get a chance to get attached to them or think too long about why their “urban” dialogue doesn’t sit right. Brown characters are absent altogether unless it’s a Robert Rodriguez flick. NOPE has a more diverse group of main characters than most in the genre without making the plot about race. In NOPE we get to see what would have happened if we weren’t immediately killed off. I know what yall are going to say: BUT NEWNEW’S DADDY FROM ATL DIED FIRST! First of all, put some respect on Keith David’s name. Second, that’s debatable. Chronologically that chimpanzee Gordy gave everybody the business on set back in the 90s when he went ape shit. OJ & Emerald’s daddy Otis Haywood Sr. (Keith David) died from falling metal debris which suggests the UFO had just eaten a bunch of people, most of whom were likely white based on the characters we see at Jupiter’s Claim and around town.

Peele offers a subtle homage to all those Black characters who never got a backstory. We get to imagine ourselves in these classic horror film situations. Instead of running extra slow and falling at the wrong time and camping out unprotected in the woods where sexually active teens get murdered every year, Peele’s characters have a lot more sense. Angel stays wrapped in tarp and barbed wire just before the creature takes him. OJ strategizes logically from the perspective of the predator using context clues. Even Lucky the horse had sense enough to stay in the cage at Jupiter’s Claim when the creature was on its way to act a fool at the show.

Like the homie Derrick said, “we’re at the point where we’ve had lots of Black firsts. Now we can just make movies and enjoy them.” That said, he also referenced a thought he had about Daniel Kaluuya’s character being named OJ escaping on a horse like the white Bronco OJ Simpson drove. I had to laugh a little because I still remember our elementary school teacher making us watch the trial. It was third or fourth grade and when he was found not guilty I was overjoyed. I didn’t fully understand the situation, but my teacher was big mad at the time. That same joy erupted when the dust clears at the end and we find out OJ survived. I loved seeing him on top of a Black horse named Lucky in his orange hoodie. What if more horror films ended with a Black protagonist surviving a battle against the antagonist? It would be a stoic slap to convention. That’s the gift that Jordan Peele keeps on giving. I will forever appreciate Peele’s Black characters making it past the opening credits and playing pivotal roles in the story.

Behind The Scenes

Ok, can we talk about the music though?

Most of us were introduced to composer Michael Abels in Get Out–Peele’s first groundbreaking feature film. That song Sikiliza Kwa Wahenga (meaning listen to the ancestors) perfectly foreshadows the dispatches from the Sunken Place meant to warn Chris of the danger he was in. We collectively gave him an approving head nod for his haunting remix of Five On It by the Luniz. His self-described gospel horror was simultaneously familiar and distorted. In NOPE we were blessed with his love for mixing contemporary and traditional sounds. Dionne Warwick’s rendition of Walk On By perfectly accentuated Otis’s developing theory about the UFO.

Now personally I would have loved more Black people on hair & makeup. Was Felicia Leatherwood not available? Issa Rae slays in so many natural styles so maybe she can help get on payroll for the next Monkeypaw film. That said, as a #TeamNatural member for three decades, I still loved seeing afros, kinks, and curls. So happy they didn’t have Emerald (Keke Palmer) looking like she was wearing one of those Amazon wigs. You know the ones that look like Ari Lennox in the photo but arrive in real life looking like “Ooh baby no, what is you doing”.

This the Last Thing Ima Say

I’m going to see the movie again this week. Heads up–if you see it in theaters, that Emmett Till movie is in the previews, but don’t worry–NOPE is not about Black trauma.

I didn’t know where this would fit in the article, but yall. The inconveniently timed nihilism of that weird camera guy made everybody in the audience throw up their hands in frustration. First of all–he showed up to a monster fight in a linen caftan and I will never forgive him for that. Between him and the TMZ reporter, I don’t know who I’m angrier with.

We’ve been bombarded with T’Challa-less Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailers. Some of y’all are plugged into the January 6th hearing. There’s always something in the news that reminds us how heavy it can be to exist in Blackness at times. Peele gives us a couple of hours to just watch a good movie. Best believe I’m going to see it in theaters again soon.

RIP Harambe.