Kokomo City is not a real place. It’s more like a state of mind, invented by director D. Smith, who is Black and trans, to describe the space that her sisters occupy in the world. Theirs is an identity that is barely understood by the public and frequently misrepresented by the media, but is here defined by a handful of tell-it-like-it-is trans sex workers who offer snappy, whip-smart insights into their lives, dreams and the down-low dudes who adore them. In Smith’s short, salty micro-budget doc, the t-girls spill the tea, totally reframing the conversation.
A singer-songwriter who produced for the likes of Lil Wayne and Katy Perry, only to see her livelihood dry up when she transitioned, Smith still thinks in terms of music. During the course of shooting this film, the self-taught director stumbled across a nearly 90-year-old recording called “Sissy Man Blues” from all-but-forgotten Black crooner Kokomo Arnold.
A singer-songwriter who produced for the likes of Lil Wayne and Katy Perry, only to see her livelihood dry up when she transitioned, Smith still thinks in terms of music. During the course of shooting this film, the self-taught director stumbled across a nearly 90-year-old recording called “Sissy Man Blues” from all-but-forgotten Black crooner Kokomo Arnold.
- 1/27/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Editor’s note: This review was originally published at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Magnolia Pictures releases the film in theaters on Friday, July 28.
D. Smith knows how to make a person stand up and pay attention. From the rollicking opening scene of “Kokomo City” — her luminous documentary portrait of four Black trans sex workers which she shot, edited, and directed — it’s clear the terms are being set by a visionary artist who just happened to funnel her interdisciplinary talents into filmmaking for this particular project. How lucky we are that she found this medium.
“Kokomo City” may be her filmmaking debut, but this songwriter innately understands the rhythms and beats that make compelling cinematic storytelling. You can see it in the staccato contrast of light and dark in her elegant black-and-white photography. You can hear it in the unexpected needle drops and deep-cut tracks, and you can feel it...
D. Smith knows how to make a person stand up and pay attention. From the rollicking opening scene of “Kokomo City” — her luminous documentary portrait of four Black trans sex workers which she shot, edited, and directed — it’s clear the terms are being set by a visionary artist who just happened to funnel her interdisciplinary talents into filmmaking for this particular project. How lucky we are that she found this medium.
“Kokomo City” may be her filmmaking debut, but this songwriter innately understands the rhythms and beats that make compelling cinematic storytelling. You can see it in the staccato contrast of light and dark in her elegant black-and-white photography. You can hear it in the unexpected needle drops and deep-cut tracks, and you can feel it...
- 1/26/2023
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Invasion is coming to Dublin for the May bank holiday weekend, in Citywest. Experience life size crafts, movie props, Stormtroopers and more amazingly costumed characters than you can shake a lightsaber at. Besides that check out the memorabilia and merchandise stands, get your photo taken in the Death Star throne room, partake in huge Q&A’s. And there’s more! Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) makes his first Irish appearance. Joining the original owner of the Millennium Falcon will be James Arnold Taylor (see the video below), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett), Mike Edmonds (Logray and Jabba puppeteer) and Will Sliney (artist and animator). We have some family passes up for grabs (2 adults + 2 kids) for Invasion Dublin. To enter, fill out the details below…Comp closes May 3rd Loading...
- 4/26/2012
- by noreply@blogger.com (Vic Barry)
- www.themoviebit.com
Last week’s episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, “Brothers,” featured a canon-shattering revelation: Darth Maul had survived being cut in half by Obi-Wan Kenobi and was hiding out on the garbage planet Lotho Minor. His reentry into that galaxy far, far away is one of the creepier things we’ve ever seen from the Star Wars saga, not just because of the spider legs Maul’s somehow conjured for himself from the dark side of the Force, but because his shattered mental state hinted at the deepest, murkiest kind of psychological darkness.
Who better to play that than Sam Witwer?...
Who better to play that than Sam Witwer?...
- 3/16/2012
- by Christian Blauvelt
- EW - Inside TV
In Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace Darth Maul said, “At last we shall reveal ourselves to the Jedi. At last we shall have revenge.” Well, that didn’t quite work out, did it? At least not then, and certainly not because of the tattooed Sith Lord. Sure, Maul killed the preachy Qui-Gon Jinn, but he in turn got cut in half by Obi-Wan Kenobi.
In last week’s episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, however, it was revealed that Maul survived the aforementioned vivisection, though he was left a broken shell of a Sith, incoherently muttering...
In last week’s episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, however, it was revealed that Maul survived the aforementioned vivisection, though he was left a broken shell of a Sith, incoherently muttering...
- 3/14/2012
- by Christian Blauvelt
- EW - Inside TV
Who’s legless, horned, and red and black all over? Darth Maul, of course!
EW first reported in October that The Phantom Menace’s fearsome, tattooed Sith Lord survived his vivisection at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi and would be making his vengeful return to that galaxy far, far away on The Clone Wars’ March season finale. Now he’s getting the big screen treatment once again. Starting today, a special teaser of Maul in his raging animated form will play before screenings of Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace 3D in AMC, Cinemark, and Regal theater chains,...
EW first reported in October that The Phantom Menace’s fearsome, tattooed Sith Lord survived his vivisection at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi and would be making his vengeful return to that galaxy far, far away on The Clone Wars’ March season finale. Now he’s getting the big screen treatment once again. Starting today, a special teaser of Maul in his raging animated form will play before screenings of Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace 3D in AMC, Cinemark, and Regal theater chains,...
- 2/10/2012
- by Christian Blauvelt
- EW - Inside TV
Join EW.com tonight for a live chat with Star Wars: The Clone Wars star James Arnold Taylor, who will take your questions on viEWer from 7:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Et and provide running commentary for tonight’s episode.
James is best known to Clone Wars fans for voicing the animated incarnation of Obi-Wan Kenobi for both the hand-drawn and CGI incarnations of the series, as well as in numerous Star Wars videogames. And, by the Force, has this ever been a doozy of an arc for Obi-Wan on The Clone Wars or what?
Last week,...
James is best known to Clone Wars fans for voicing the animated incarnation of Obi-Wan Kenobi for both the hand-drawn and CGI incarnations of the series, as well as in numerous Star Wars videogames. And, by the Force, has this ever been a doozy of an arc for Obi-Wan on The Clone Wars or what?
Last week,...
- 1/27/2012
- by Christian Blauvelt
- EW.com - PopWatch
A galaxy far, far away become more and more vivid with each season of the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars series. Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner Home Video have wrapped up season three of the show in a four-disc set with all twenty-two episodes and special features including cast and crew interviews and extensive deleted and extended scenes. Check out the official press release below:
Explore The Farthest Reaches Of The Galaxy With
Star Wars: The Clone Wars On DVD And Blu-ray!
From Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner Home Video, Four-Disc Set Includes All 22 Action-Packed Episodes,
Along with Cast & Crew Interviews and Extensive Deleted/Extended Scenes
San Francisco, Calif. (June 20, 2011) – Pull back the starry curtain and reveal the secrets of the galaxy – with Star Wars: The Clone Wars™ The Complete Season Three, coming to DVD and high-definition Blu-ray Disc on October 18th from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner Home Video. Featuring stunning...
Explore The Farthest Reaches Of The Galaxy With
Star Wars: The Clone Wars On DVD And Blu-ray!
From Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner Home Video, Four-Disc Set Includes All 22 Action-Packed Episodes,
Along with Cast & Crew Interviews and Extensive Deleted/Extended Scenes
San Francisco, Calif. (June 20, 2011) – Pull back the starry curtain and reveal the secrets of the galaxy – with Star Wars: The Clone Wars™ The Complete Season Three, coming to DVD and high-definition Blu-ray Disc on October 18th from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner Home Video. Featuring stunning...
- 6/22/2011
- by Lillian 'zenbitch' Standefer
- ScifiMafia
Batman: The Brave and The Bold
Season One, Part Two
DVD
Starring: Diedrich Bader, John Dimaggio, Will Friedle, James Arnold Taylor
Warner Home Video
Released date: March 15, 2011
Finally, the second part of Batman: The Brave and The Bold Season One has hit store shelves, and I couldn't be more thrilled. Previously, I mentioned how much I love this show, but my love for the show didn't really develop until the second half of season one. This is really when the show came on my radar, so I'm excited to finally get my hands on this DVD.
This DVD set features some incredibly awesome team ups and voice acting that will make any geek's heart beat just a little faster. Some of the dream teams that we see are Batman teamed up with Etrigan The Demon, and Sherlock Holmes in "Trials of the Demon!", Batman and a depressed Aquaman in "Mystery in Space!
Season One, Part Two
DVD
Starring: Diedrich Bader, John Dimaggio, Will Friedle, James Arnold Taylor
Warner Home Video
Released date: March 15, 2011
Finally, the second part of Batman: The Brave and The Bold Season One has hit store shelves, and I couldn't be more thrilled. Previously, I mentioned how much I love this show, but my love for the show didn't really develop until the second half of season one. This is really when the show came on my radar, so I'm excited to finally get my hands on this DVD.
This DVD set features some incredibly awesome team ups and voice acting that will make any geek's heart beat just a little faster. Some of the dream teams that we see are Batman teamed up with Etrigan The Demon, and Sherlock Holmes in "Trials of the Demon!", Batman and a depressed Aquaman in "Mystery in Space!
- 3/27/2011
- by MK2Fac3
- Geeks of Doom
The second half of Batman: The Brave and the Bold’s first season continues down the path it started on in the first collection I reviewed. The format remains the same: Batman teams up with a less popular and often obscure DC hero every episode, with short pre-opening title vignettes to introduce some of the more esoteric characters from DC’s catalog. Heroes like Kamandi and Dr. Fate debuted in short vignettes in the previous set, only to then star in the main stories in these episodes.
Also retained is the show’s schizophrenic treatment of the Caped Crusader, flip-flopping between the grim crimefighter and the chummy superfriend from one episode to another. Sometimes within the same episode.
The Brave and the Bold’s primary take on Batman as voiced by comedian Diedrich Bader is of the lighter Adam West variety, in contrast to the Kevin Conroy voiced uber-serious badass...
Also retained is the show’s schizophrenic treatment of the Caped Crusader, flip-flopping between the grim crimefighter and the chummy superfriend from one episode to another. Sometimes within the same episode.
The Brave and the Bold’s primary take on Batman as voiced by comedian Diedrich Bader is of the lighter Adam West variety, in contrast to the Kevin Conroy voiced uber-serious badass...
- 3/23/2011
- by Arya Ponto
- JustPressPlay.net
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Episode 18, 19 & 20 – The Citadel, Counterattack & Citadel Rescue
Written by Matt Michnovetz | Directed by Kyle Dunlevv & Steward Lee
“With help from R2-D2 and a squad of captured battle droids, an elite team of Jedi and clone troopers led by Obi-Wan and Anakin attempt to free a captive Jedi general, Even Piell, from an impenetrable prison. Despite orders to the contrary, Ahsoka Tano tags along, though she proves indispensable when the infiltration mission begins to evolve. Piell and his fleet officer, Captain Tarkin, as liberated from their cells, but now the fugitives must escape the Citadel itself.”
I think this has been the best arc of episodes this season, with the 3rd episode Citadel Rescue being the best out of the three as it’s jam packed with action and tension. Anakin and Obi-Wan lead the escaped prisoners across Lola Sayu’s volcanic landscape, whilst pursued by...
Written by Matt Michnovetz | Directed by Kyle Dunlevv & Steward Lee
“With help from R2-D2 and a squad of captured battle droids, an elite team of Jedi and clone troopers led by Obi-Wan and Anakin attempt to free a captive Jedi general, Even Piell, from an impenetrable prison. Despite orders to the contrary, Ahsoka Tano tags along, though she proves indispensable when the infiltration mission begins to evolve. Piell and his fleet officer, Captain Tarkin, as liberated from their cells, but now the fugitives must escape the Citadel itself.”
I think this has been the best arc of episodes this season, with the 3rd episode Citadel Rescue being the best out of the three as it’s jam packed with action and tension. Anakin and Obi-Wan lead the escaped prisoners across Lola Sayu’s volcanic landscape, whilst pursued by...
- 3/13/2011
- by Baron Fornightly
- Nerdly
Tune in alert for the best animated drama on TV, Cartoon Network's "Star Wars: The Clone Wars." Portraying both Hero and Villain, veteran voice actor James Arnold Taylor faces off against himself in an all-new episode of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars." Having freed the prisoners, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker search for a way out of the impenetrable Citadel prison. The brutal warden has more traps, perils and pitfalls in store for them, however, and the heroes must overcome their own differences in order to escape. After surviving their own daring break-in, it.s time for a .Counterattack. . the second chapter of a thrilling three-part storyline, airing at 8:30 p.m. Et/Pt Friday, March 4 on...
- 3/1/2011
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
Back package art thats just been released: Front cover art if you haven't seen it yet: Starring: Diedrich Bader, Zachary Gordon, Dee Bradley Baker, Corey Burton, Xander Berkeley, John Dimaggio, Greg Ellis, Kari Wahlgren, Loren Lester, Pat Musick, James Arnold Taylor and the DVD second part of season one is released March 15th 2011 from Warner Home Video. LEEE777 - I think this animated show is a little gem for big and small kids everywhere.
- 1/7/2011
- ComicBookMovie.com
I admit that I'm not a big Star Wars fan but I'd heard such good things about the Clone Wars TV series that I was keen to see what sounded like a cool animated take on the film franchise. Warner Home Video’s recent release of The Complete Season Two on Blu-ray (and DVD) provided a welcome opportunity. The Clone Wars was not entirely what I expected or hoped for but there are several things about it that impressed. Unfortunately its principle failings are the same ones that afflict the film franchise that it is meant to complement (especially Episodes I to III) . The result is an entertaining but dissatisfying sci-fi series that has yet to live up to its full potential.
The so-called Expanded Universe of Star Wars offers an opportunity to explore not only the extraordinarily rich mythology established in the six films but also alternative ways of presenting it.
The so-called Expanded Universe of Star Wars offers an opportunity to explore not only the extraordinarily rich mythology established in the six films but also alternative ways of presenting it.
- 11/17/2010
- CinemaSpy
Our friends from Upbeat have given us this new video where we have a look at what we might expect from season two of Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season Two with interviews with the stars and creators of the TV show.
The interviews conducted are with Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano), Dee Bradley Baker (Clone Troopers), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), and director, Dave Filoni.
Synopsis: Relive the intergalactic excitement and feel the Force like never before with Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Complete Season Two, coming to DVD and Blu-ray 15th November from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner Home Video. Featuring cutting-edge animation and a host of special bonus materials, the comprehensive collection explores the farthest reaches of “a galaxy far, far away” with all-new adventures set against the spectacular backdrop of the Star Wars universe.
Clone Wars Season 2 is released on DVD and Blu-ray 15th November.
The interviews conducted are with Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano), Dee Bradley Baker (Clone Troopers), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), and director, Dave Filoni.
Synopsis: Relive the intergalactic excitement and feel the Force like never before with Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Complete Season Two, coming to DVD and Blu-ray 15th November from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner Home Video. Featuring cutting-edge animation and a host of special bonus materials, the comprehensive collection explores the farthest reaches of “a galaxy far, far away” with all-new adventures set against the spectacular backdrop of the Star Wars universe.
Clone Wars Season 2 is released on DVD and Blu-ray 15th November.
- 11/10/2010
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
James Arnold Taylor is a film, TV and video games voice-over artist. He has worked on hundreds of projects, including a large number of film spin-offs for the gaming world and such well-know franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (as the voice of Leonardo in both the video game and for 2007’s animated feature). He’s also cropped up in cartoon favorites like The Spectacular Spider-Man, Scooby Doo and Batman: The Brave and the Bold
He’s currently the voice of Obi Wan Kenobi in The Clone Wars cartoon, the third season of which premieres on Sky Movies HD on 23rd October.
HeyUGuys recently spoke to him at his home studio in La and were pleased to discover that his passion for the material is partly derived from the fact that he’s a huge fan of the world he works within.
HeyUGuys: How does it feel to be part of the Star Wars universe?...
He’s currently the voice of Obi Wan Kenobi in The Clone Wars cartoon, the third season of which premieres on Sky Movies HD on 23rd October.
HeyUGuys recently spoke to him at his home studio in La and were pleased to discover that his passion for the material is partly derived from the fact that he’s a huge fan of the world he works within.
HeyUGuys: How does it feel to be part of the Star Wars universe?...
- 10/18/2010
- by Adam Lowes
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Season 1 (Part 1)
DVD
Starring: Diedrich Bader, John Dimaggio, Will Friedle, James Arnold Taylor
Warner Home Video
Released date: August 17, 2010
Batman: The Brave and the Bold is one of my favorite animated TV shows of the past few years, so for me, it's really exciting that Warner Home Video and DC Comics have released the first part to the first season on DVD on a two-disc set. Season One of Batman: The Brave and The Bold took a refreshing look at The Caped Crusader for kids and fans alike by teaming him up with a cast array of DC Comics characters including The Red Tornado, Green Arrow, The Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes), Robin, Aquaman, and many others.
The creators of the show took the recent dark tone of the of the 1990s and 2000s and turned it on its head by brightening the character up through animation style,...
DVD
Starring: Diedrich Bader, John Dimaggio, Will Friedle, James Arnold Taylor
Warner Home Video
Released date: August 17, 2010
Batman: The Brave and the Bold is one of my favorite animated TV shows of the past few years, so for me, it's really exciting that Warner Home Video and DC Comics have released the first part to the first season on DVD on a two-disc set. Season One of Batman: The Brave and The Bold took a refreshing look at The Caped Crusader for kids and fans alike by teaming him up with a cast array of DC Comics characters including The Red Tornado, Green Arrow, The Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes), Robin, Aquaman, and many others.
The creators of the show took the recent dark tone of the of the 1990s and 2000s and turned it on its head by brightening the character up through animation style,...
- 9/3/2010
- by MK2Fac3
- Geeks of Doom
LucasFilm Animation has outdone themselves. With the use of “enhanced technology and improved production pipelines”, every new episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars this next season brings a mini-movie from the Star Wars universe directly to your television screens.
Check out this behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming third season of The Clone Wars with the voice cast: Dee Bradley Baker (voice of the Clones), Matt Lanter (voice of Anakin Skywalker), James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi), and Ashley Echstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano).
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Behind The Scenes of Season Three
Don’t miss the theatrical quality animation and jaw-dropping action of season three! Star Wars: The Clone Wars will be hitting your television screens with a special one-hour, season three premiere event on Cartoon Network, Friday, September 17, 2010 at 9pm Et/Pt.
Check out this behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming third season of The Clone Wars with the voice cast: Dee Bradley Baker (voice of the Clones), Matt Lanter (voice of Anakin Skywalker), James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi), and Ashley Echstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano).
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Behind The Scenes of Season Three
Don’t miss the theatrical quality animation and jaw-dropping action of season three! Star Wars: The Clone Wars will be hitting your television screens with a special one-hour, season three premiere event on Cartoon Network, Friday, September 17, 2010 at 9pm Et/Pt.
- 9/1/2010
- by Lillian 'zenbitch' Standefer
- ScifiMafia
Chicago –It’s often surprising what the powers that be decide will be pushed as the next superhero property but one of the biggest of the moment is clearly “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” the Cartoon Network series that will be the focus of an upcoming video game, toys now available at McDonalds, and last week’s DVD release of thirteen exciting episodes from the hit show.
DVD Rating: 3.0/5.0
Kids have it great nowadays. Sure, we had some good cartoons when we were young but the variety and overall quality doesn’t compare to what it’s been over the last decade or so. In the world of superheroes, great programs and movies have arisen from several of the most beloved DC characters including “Justice League,” “Teen Titans,” and a number of great DC Universe films.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold: Season One, Part One was released on DVD on August 17th,...
DVD Rating: 3.0/5.0
Kids have it great nowadays. Sure, we had some good cartoons when we were young but the variety and overall quality doesn’t compare to what it’s been over the last decade or so. In the world of superheroes, great programs and movies have arisen from several of the most beloved DC characters including “Justice League,” “Teen Titans,” and a number of great DC Universe films.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold: Season One, Part One was released on DVD on August 17th,...
- 8/23/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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