Alwnva Reviews

You People (2023)

I wanted to like it

[5/10 · 29 January 2023]

I really wanted to like this movie. Amazing cast. Interesting and timely ( kind of) premise. Boy meets girl. Realizes love isn't enough. Meeting families can be hard work. Addressing stereotypes and racial animosity, are introduced but not satisfactorily dealt with. This movie was extremely poorly executed. And could have used another rewrite.

I didn't think it was possible to make Eddie Murphy unlikable and boring. Well, if they succeeded at anything they achieved this honor. More time should have been given to resolving family differences. And if you are going to bring up a controversial subject, deal with it in full or leave it alone.

After giving it some thought I've assigned the blame to the director. It feels over directed. Eddie's character was arrogant and disrespectful. He should have been snarky and ironic. Nia Long's character was under developed.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus Is the one stand out. I looked forward to her showing up.

This is perhaps the lowest rating I've ever given a movie.

The Best Man: The Final Chapters (2022)

Final chapters? Need a Prologue

[10/10 · 15 January 2023]

So, every once and a while you get a group of friends that are completely well rounded. To be able to catch up with friends throughout the years is a treat. It's satisfying to celebrate black culture. I do appreciate that the characters have layers and dimension. I know someone like each of these people. Music is an essential part of black culture and they have the soundtrack for this saga just right.

I cannot accept that this is the end. I don't have a favorite character. I don't have a favorite scene or episode or movie. I just love my group of friends. So, I'm gonna say we need a prologue.

The Woman King (2022)

Don't listen to the haters

[9/10 · 20 September 2022]

The Woman King is bound to be a classic. It is sad to me that in our country is so polarized right now that anything with an ethnic twist is deemed bad before it even gets started.

Viola Davis is a force of nature. She leads this film like her character lead the soldiers she supported. The story may be triggering to some. But it is a story that needed to be told.

He fight scenes are electrifying. Extremely well choreographed and and executed. The casting is amazing. Davis is not the only standout here. Thuso Mbedu, star if The Underground Railroad, puts forth another strong performance. Lashana Lynch and Sheila Atim do as well.

Uncoupled (2022–2023)

It's watchable...but it's no sex in the city

[6/10 · 10 August 2022]

So I was prepared for it to be campy. Wasn't disappointed there. Tisha Campbell was a delight. And Marcia Gay Harden was funny. Interestingly enough, the straight women were more on point than the gay men.

The plot line was very predictable. Perhaps a couple more episodes would have allowed for more character development. Like a bit more of a backstory on the couple that broke up??? To be honest, I never cared about them breaking up because I never saw them in love. They just seemed mismatched from the beginning. I will stop there before I get into spoiler territory.

Soooo, watch it when there is nothing else to watch.

B-Boy Blues (2021)

Iconic Book...Nice Update in Movie Version

[9/10 · 1 July 2022]

This was an iconic book in my early gay life. So I was both excited and terrified when the announcement came that B Boy Blues would become a movie. Within the first 10 min my fears were laid to rest. What was most important to me was that they got the tone of the black gay experience correct. Jesse Smollet got that right! This feels like a gay version of Insecure.

It's a good directorial debut. He needs time to develop his style and vision. The casting of both Mitchell and Raheem (I've had a crush on Thomas Mackie since his days in the web series Triangle) was perfect. Their chemistry was perfect. Brandee Evans steals every scene she's in just like she does in P Valley. I cannot wait to see what's next for her.

Reading that book was like a fairytale in my early years. There are way to few movies featuring black gay men. Thank you BET+ for releasing this on your platform. As for the low reviews. Ignore them! Whether you are lgbt+ or an ally this is a good movie to get exposure to the black gay lifestyle.

Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel (2022 TV Special)

Therapeutic Comedy

[10/10 · 16 April 2022]

Reviewed as a 10 because of the shows intense honesty. If you go into it thinking it's a typical comedy show you will be disappointed. At the core of the best comedy performances is the ability to be transparent and finding the irony in that honesty. Uncovering our lives will make you laugh and cry at the same situation. Carmichael found that sweet spot. I left it feeling like it was more of a discussion or TED Talk than a king of comedy, and that's ok.

The Underground Railroad (2021– )

Must see tv

[9/10 · 20 May 2021]

Barry Jenkins does what he does best! Beautiful cinematography, amazing score, excellent casting and acting, the pace is deliberate (if not a bit slow). Stand out episodes South Carolina, Fannie Briggs (for the cinematography), Indiana Winter (whew). I love that there aren't any standout stars to distract you as well....that being said you will see a lot for this cast in the future. I definitely recommend but I don't think you should binge it. The subject matter is heavy and you need to allow time to absorb the subtle details.

The Underground Railroad: Chapter 7: Fanny Briggs (2021) Season 1, Episode 7

Entry for Best Cinematography.

[10/10 · 16 May 2021]

So we know that Barry Jenkins and James Laxton can make a beautifully crafted film. This episode is a masterclass on cinematography. I've seen a few of their signature shots in the series but this mini episode in my estimation is the most beautifully executed in the series and maybe in all of television.

Living Out Loud (1998)

Deserves more attention

[10/10 · 19 October 2020]

I loved this movie from the very first time I saw it. And it has become one of those Movies I could watch at any given time. When I think about how it feels to live in New York, this movie gets it right. Jazzy, sexy, eclectic, and unpredictable.

Lovecraft Country: Whitey's on the Moon (2020) Season 1, Episode 2

Predictable reviews

[9/10 · 31 August 2020]

I'm not sure why I continue to use Imbd. The user reviews are race based. Just like with Watchmen if there are any hints of racism the reviewers pan the show. I will admit I was thrown off a bit by the twists and turns. But i signed on to be challenged a little. The acting continues to be amazing and the art direction is beautiful. I don't know much about the genre but 2 episodes isn't enough to say the show has no direction. I will give it time to develop because Jj Abrams is know for telling a complex story and making it pay off (Lost, Alias). People accept some of the racial aspects and just take the journey.

Homecoming (2018–2020)

A great yarn

[9/10 · 25 June 2020]

I liked season 1 even though it was a bit slow moving. I get that was on purpose. I LOVED season 2. The pace was better. Both seasons have great acting. Janelle Monet was ferric! And I will watch Stephan James in anything.

Clemency (2019)

Alfre Woodard was robbed

[9/10 · 14 June 2020]

Alfre Woodard was robbed. There is no reason that this performance wasn't nominated for an Oscar. Her quiet pain is palpable. I find it tragic that more quality movies like this don't get more attention. Strong performances all around. Aldis Hodge is a rising star. Keep your eye on him.

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

This is Art. And Delroy Lindo is AMAZING

[9/10 · 13 June 2020]

Some movies you have to accept as art and thus you cannot review them for the technical aspects of the movie. That's not to say that this movie fails technically. But it excels at making you feel. The tone and chaotic nature of the movie are so consistent it had to be intentional. As I watched an early scene in the movie I said to myself Delroy Lindo is AMAZING. But I thought this was just a good scene at the time. It felt like it came out of nowhere and yet so intense and genuine and uncomfortable and extreme. I had no idea that he was just clearing his throat. For years I've said Mr Lindo was an under appreciated actor. This performance deserves attention. I will loose all respect for the Academy if he is not nominated and does not win best actor. This movie does what art is supposed to do. Make you feel.

I Am Not Your Negro (2016)

History isn't in the past it's in the present

[10/10 · 11 June 2020]

Unfortunately, this movie is just as relevant today as it was when it was made 4 years ago and as the time it primarily represents. I weeper as I watched it because it forced me to deal with the reality of what America is, really. As difficult as it is to watch please do so. What struck me the most is how America keeps repeating the same mistakes. We must face the reality of America and grieve that reality. Until then we will repeat this yet again

Precious (II) (2009)

The hardest movie I've ever watched.

[10/10 · 23 May 2020]

I've never cried so much in one movie. The casting, acting, direction all in point. Cannot watch again to determine the technical merits. Pay attention because you won't want to see again. (That's a complement)

The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel (2020 TV Movie)

Praise worthy

[9/10 · 13 April 2020]

Aunjanue Ellis is the most underrated actress in Hollywood! She turns out great performance after great performance. The movie as a whole was entertaining and educational. I had no idea of the turbulence they endured. My only criticism would be I wish that there was more music. The music is what made them stars. But I won't end on that note. The casting was spot on. KeKe did her mom proud and Amber Riley was on point as Denise. Well done to all!

Watchmen (2019)

Destined to become a cult classic

[10/10 · 18 December 2019]

Every once in a while there comes a show that is so layered and meaningful that it will be loved by many and discussed for years. The Watchmen is that show. Smart, sexy, romantic, intriguing, beautiful, ambitious, clever, cunning are a few adjectives. I refuse to define it because definition is the death of discovery. What I will say is watch it.

Undercovers (2010)

Needed more time

[7/10 · 16 December 2019]

This show was pretty good. Never found its audience.

Watchmen: A God Walks into Abar (2019) Season 1, Episode 8

Abar

[10/10 · 11 December 2019]

Ok I read the title of each episode a million times and never caught the play on words. As with all of the aha moments in this show all the clues are right in front of you and you never see them. This show has cemented its place in my top shows of all time.

Watchmen: An Almost Religious Awe (2019) Season 1, Episode 7

Just wow!

[10/10 · 2 December 2019]

What a smart show. So many things I never saw coming.

American Son (2019)

You all get this was a play, right

[8/10 · 22 November 2019]

I have to disagree with many of the reviews for this movie. I wasn't great but it wasn't unnecessary. This was a Broadway play, which explains why the story seems without depth. The lack of perspective adds to the tension. You only know what you bring with you to the room and what the police slowly tell you. What I did notice is that many reviewers hate racially charged topics. This is why we cannot seem to heal from them in this county. We've got to be able to face the ugly little truths.

Watchmen: If You Don't Like My Story, Write Your Own (2019) Season 1, Episode 4

Almost mid season

[10/10 · 12 November 2019]

As a rule I don't write reviews or rate series television until I've seen an entire season. This review is more about the show to this point than this episode (which I liked a great deal). For those who have trolled this show I say maybe this genre isn't for you. Maybe a show that requires you to suspend disbelief or extend your imagination is a lot to ask. Perhaps entertainment should come easy and be a passive sport. I am a neophyte to the watchmen world, like many of you. Being thrusted into this world didn't scare me away. Ive taken the deep dive. Challenged the way I look at things. Researched the show. Rewatched each episode. Sooooo, so far I love it. I can't wait to see what comes next. I look forward to rating the series and writing that review.

David Makes Man (2019– )

Love it!

[10/10 · 28 September 2019]

Great character development across the board. I feel like I know each character. I hope this show finds its audience. It takes its time and OWN should allow it to do just that.

The Movies (2019)

Love and Hate

[10/10 · 25 July 2019]

I actually loved this series. Why do I hate it too? Because it served as a reminder of all the movies I've missed or want to see again. I hate the fact that I don't have the time to see each one. This was truly a love story to the movies.

Chernobyl (2019)

Snooze fest

[5/10 · 26 June 2019]

Meaning no disrespect to the many who died as a result of the lies and inaction during this event, this mini series bores me.