84 posts categorized "African American Cinema"

December 27, 2022

IS THAT BLACK ENOUGH FOR YOU ?!?

COLE SMITHEY

Groupthink doesn't live here, critical thought does.

This ad-free website is dedicated to Agnès Varda and to Luis Buñuel.

Get cool rewards when you click on the button to pledge your support through Patreon.

Thanks a lot acorns!

Your kind generosity keeps the reviews coming!

Cole Smithey on Patreon



ColeSmithey.comThorough as it is lean, Elvis Mitchell's telling of Black American Cinema is an essential documentary.

Straight up cinematic text book.

Mitchell's pitch-perfect narration takes the viewer on a heartfelt journey of Black film that volleys between personal interviews with Black Cinema artists, and neatly subtle editorializing.

You have to read between Mitchell's lines, and if you do, you'll find more treasure there.

ColeSmithey.com

This ex-film critic for the New York Times, knows his stuff inside out.

Elvis Mitchell's kind vocal delivery is silky smooth, a delight to hear.

ColeSmithey.com

It's great that this amazing film is released on Netflix, because it means that so many audiences have access to it.

ColeSmithey.com

You might want to keep a notepad handy to jot down a list of Black films you want to track down when this one's over.

Superbly written and edited, "Is That Black Enough For You ?!?" is about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on.

ColeSmithey.com

Thanks to its cool funk heavy soundtrack, you can feel the funk long after the movie ends.

Cheers baby, cheers.

Rated R. 135 mins.

5 Stars“ColeSmithey.com“

Cozy Cole

Cole Smithey on Patreon

April 23, 2022

BODY AND SOUL — THE CRITERION COLLECTION

COLE SMITHEY

Groupthink doesn't live here, critical thought does.

This ad-free website is dedicated to Agnès Varda and to Luis Buñuel.

Get cool rewards when you click on the button to pledge your support through Patreon. Thanks a lot pal! Your generosity keeps the reviews coming!

Cole Smithey on Patreon

ColeSmithey.comWriter-director Oscar Micheaux’s 1925 silent melodrama comes alive with a modern musical score by Paul D. Miller.

Add to this Jim Crow-era film’s inventive time-flipping structure, interracial familial underpinnings, a pair of identical twins (played by Paul Robeson), and you’ve got a hefty social study told from a visionary African-American filmmaker.

Paul Robeson gives a larger than life performance.

Wow.

ColeSmithey.com

The hard-luck story speaks to societal problems that still face America in the 21st century.

Screen Shot 2022-04-23 at 8.14.15 PM

"Body and Soul" is not a small cinematic gem; it is a magnificent diamond. 

Not Rated. 102 mins.

5 Stars

Cozy Cole

Cole Smithey on Patreon

March 23, 2022

DOLEMITE IS MY NAME

COLE SMITHEY

Groupthink doesn't live here, critical thought does.

This ad-free website is dedicated to Agnès Varda and to Luis Buñuel.

Get cool rewards when you click on the button to pledge your support through Patreon.

Thanks a lot acorns!

Your kind generosity keeps the reviews coming!

Cole Smithey on Patreon



ColeSmithey.comCraig Brewer's biopic valentine to the great Rudy Ray Moore is a romping hoot.

Eddie Murphy gives a joyful portrayal of the colorful quadruple threat actor, stand-up comic, singer, and film producer, Mr. Rudy Ray Moore (March 17, 1927 to October 19, 2008).

If only all biopics were half this much fun.

Kicks.

ColeSmithey.com

Whether or not you're familiar with Rudy Ray Moore, you'll have a great time discovering his inventive path to personal glory.

ColeSmithey.com

Rudy was one "mean motor-scooter."

Here's your proof sucka.

Rated R. 118 mins.

5 Stars“ColeSmithey.com“

Cozy Cole

Cole Smithey on Patreon

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