Tag Archives: Jeffrey Wright

Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

AMERICAN FICTION (2023) The Things I Liked…

18 Comments

Besides the one or two moments when my impatient self wished for a slightly quicker pace, I have no real complaints about American Fiction.

Writer/director Cord Jefferson’s latest comedy/drama stars Jeffrey Wright, John Ortiz, Issa Rae and Sterling K. Brown. It is a story about a black American author who finally finds success but at a cost he didn’t quite foresee. Jefferson’s film truly delivers on its trailer’s promise; for it is funny, very smartly written, and well-acted. It also features one of the most super clear and cleverly constructed analogies I’ve ever heard; one that just happens to feature the Scotch Whisky brand Johnnie Walker.

American Fiction is ultimately a movie about race and how the topic shows up in the literary world. I’m not sure that this subject has been explored quite as thoroughly, hilariously and cleverly as it is in Jefferson’s movie. And since it’s a subject that affects many writers of colour (Jefferson included), it’s no wonder that he has referred to the film as “the greatest honour of my entire life, truly.” 

In addition to the aforementioned brilliant analogy, another key highlight is a wonderful scene where Wright and Rae’s characters have a highly engaging back-and-forth that I could have watched forever. 

If it wasn’t already super clear, I had a great time watching American Fiction, as did the two guests who joined me at a London screening in November. As such, when you’re in the mood for something good, and funny, watch American Fiction. Especially since as per the words of Jefferson himself: 

“I don’t intend this movie to be didactic. I didn’t intend it to teach any moral lessons or, scold anybody for anything. I wanted to make a movie for adults that allows you to think for yourself and allows you to have a good time.” _Cord Jefferson

American Fiction Release Dates: December 15th, 2023 (US); February 2nd, 2024 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving 

G

Comedy, Drama

AMERICAN FICTION (2023): New Trailer From Jeffrey Wright, John Ortiz, Adam Brody, Issa Rae, Tracee Ellis Ross…

18 Comments

Read my spoiler-free movie review of American Fiction (2023).

Cord Jefferson is the writer/director behind Jeffrey Wright’s latest film, American Fiction; a comedy/drama that follows a black author who finds himself propelled to the depths of hypocrisy in order to secure literary success.

I’m currently in a phase of leaning towards comedy films more than any other genre, and American Fiction looks just right.

I say bring on all the fun, silliness and this wonderful cast. I’m particularly excited about the author/agent dynamic.

Skyler Wright, John Ortiz, Tracee Ellis Ross and Sterling K. Brown, Carmen Cusack, Joseph Marrella, John Ales, Stephen Burrell, Nicole Kempskie, Becki DennisBecki Dennis also star.

American Fiction Release Dates: December 15th, 2023 (US); February 2nd, 2024 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving

G

Drama

MONSTER (2021): New Trailer From Jennifer Hudson, Kelvin Harrison Jr, John David Washington, Jeffrey Wright…

4 Comments
Monster (2021), Kelvin Harrison Jr, Netflix
Monster (2021), Kelvin Harrison Jr, Netflix

Starring Jennifer Hudson, Kelvin Harrison Jr and Jeffrey Wright; Monster follows the dramatic journey of a smart, likeable film student whose world comes crashing down after he’s charged with felony murder.

Directed by Anthony Mandler, additional key cast includes Nasir Jones, John David Washington and Tim Blake Nelson.

This movie has that Waves (2019) feel. Particularly the way that it’s about a young man with plenty of promise. One whose life suddenly takes a seriously tragic turn.

It was so comforting to see Wright’s face in this trailer. I look forward to learning more about his character’s experience of parenthood.

Rakim Mayers, Jharrel Jerome, Jennifer Ehle and Paul Ben-Victor also star.

Monster Release Dates: May 7th, 2021 (US), Netflix…

Happy Film Loving

G

Adventure, Animation, Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews

THE GOOD DINOSAUR (2015): There’s Something I Liked…

Leave a comment
The Good Dinosaur (2015), Arlo
The Good Dinosaur (2015), Arlo

It was my curiosity about the movie’s title that lead me to watch. I just had to know precisely what it is that makes a dinosaur good.

Directed by Peter Sohn and starring the voices of Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand and Maleah Nipay-Padilla, Disney’s The Good Dinosaur is a film about a very unlikely friendship. One between a dinosaur (Arlo) and a young human (Spot).

In terms of the  story elements, there unfortunately isn’t much that I haven’t already seen before in other Disney movies. Except maybe the period in time. Beyond the setting, the film sticks very closely to the Disney animated movie formula – which is good in some ways but mostly it just left me longing for difference. This I’m sure isn’t how the films most obvious target market feels, but such is the way, that only with time and experience can cliches be called out, first hand.

The Good Dinosaur (2015), Spot
The Good Dinosaur (2015), Spot

For me personally, unless a movie is really, really terrible, there’s usually something that stands out in a good way about it. Now, I definitely wouldn’t place The Good Dinosaur anywhere near the most memorable of Disney movies. However, I did enjoy the surprise of what unfolds soon after Arlo asks for help from the flying creatures, as I also did the cuteness of the ‘critter.’

The Good Dinosaur, It’s not the best, but see it if something really, truly  appeals.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Action, Adventure, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

JAMES BOND – WHY CASINO ROYALE (2006) Is ‘THE ONE’

11 Comments
James Bond (Daniel Craig), Casino Royal (2006)
James Bond (Daniel Craig), Casino Royal (2006)

Roger Moore was my favourite James Bond for a very long time. Mainly because he’s the star of the first Bond film I ever watched. However, absolutely everything changed when my dear Mr. Craig, Daniel Craig, came along.

I didn’t care that, at the time Craig was announced as the new Bond, most believed him to be the wrong choice. I was far too busy being excited about radical change was finally coming. Especially since, like many other fans, I had fallen out of love with what the franchise had become before Casino Royale.

Since Casino Royale is the very first James Bond book, one could surmise that, finally, audiences would get an insight into what it is that really makes 007 tick. The film certainly delivers in this regard and in several others, including all the elements that make for a great action movie. Namely, brilliant dialogue, to mention just one.

The unapologetic brute force of Craig’s Bond is a huge part of what makes Casino Royale such a memorable comeback for the franchise, and part of the reason why the film is my favourite Bond to date.

I will not drop any spoilers for those yet to watch the movie, but I will say this: ‘The first 20 minutes are brilliant, and you’ll be glad to learn that the rest of the movie continues, as such‘.

Have you seen it? If so, you know it’s the best, don’t you? Say it. Saay Ittt!

Happy Film Loving,

G