ayojerkinskarega Reviews

Loki (2021–2023)

Good show

[8/10 · 3 October 2021]

Production: Great script. The writing on this series is excellently nuanced. Good smooth editing. Excellent musical score. The Loki theme song matches the mysteriousness of the show. Solid sets, but sometimes you can tell that the characters are in front of a green screen. Also, during some of the fighting scenes you can tell when their stunt double is in. 9/10.

On screen: Great acting overall. Tom Hiddleston's performance is nuanced and believable as Loki. Additionally, Owen Wilson (Mobius), Sophia Di Martino (Sylvie), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Ravonna Renslayer) and Jonathan Majors (He Who Remains) performances are also fantastic. Solid cinematography. I can't get past how some scenes bookmark the actors are in front of green screens. 9/10.

Content/Impact: Kate Herron is the director of this series and she did a wonderful job. Hopefully, her work will help inspire other women to want more roles behind the scenes. Also, hopefully this will open doors for more production agencies to be open to hire more women directors. As you well know, Loki is the first LBGT+ character introduced into the Marvel Universe. Although this is good for diversity, the mentioning of his sexuality didn't really add anything to this particular story. Lastly, of course they make the boastful Loki black. This portrayal just adds on to the many stereotypes the media likes to portray black men. 6/10.

Overall: Good series with great performances that impacts the next phase of the MCU. 8/10.

The Suicide Squad (2021)

Bad Movie

[4/10 · 3 October 2021]

Production: Solid writing. Solid script, but at times, the film's tone is off. This is because the moments that are supposed to be serious and/or heartfelt are underdeveloped. Solid editing. One less "cool" slow motion shot would've been better. Also, again with the location font telling us where we are. When is that going to stop? It's like filmmakers think that the audience is too stupid to follow the story without them. 7/10.

On screen: The actors and actresses did all they could do with that undeveloped script and that was pretty good. They were believable for the most part. If the serious/heartfelt scenes were developed better, then the acting could've been better. Cinematography is good enough. 6.5/ 10.

Content/Impact: I really don't like Amanda Waller as a character at all in any of the DC mediums. Her character is a reinforcement of the sapphire Black Woman stereotype, more currently dubbed Angry Black woman. She's forceful, angry, stubborn, and malicious. Also, they don't give any backstory to this character which creates this belief that she's born a "ABW." This portrayal is problematic because it dehumanizes black women by teaching the viewers that this is all black women are, the Angry Black Woman. Also, I wasn't feeling the scene with other black man in prison (Bloodshot played by Iris Elba) screaming curse words to his daughter (Tyla played by Storm Reid) through the prison glass. Terrible reinforcing stereotypical imagery. 1/10.

Overall: Decent movie would've been better without reinforcing stereotypes. 4.8/10.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Good Movie

[8/10 · 3 October 2021]

Production: Good script even though certain scenes were predictable. Solid editing, but yet again too much slow motion to try to make action scenes look good. Decent CGI, it can be a little too much at times. Good set pieces and wardrobe. 7/10.

On screen: Simu Liu (Shang-Chi) and Awkwafina (Katy) acting was great. They have good chemistry throughout the movie which made their characters believable. Decent acting from the rest of the cast, some of it was cookie-cutter. Solid Cinematography overall. 7/10.

Content/Impact: It's great to see Asian leads in American cinema that's not stereotypical, especially at a time when we see anti-Asian hate during COVID. Also, the range of imagery of powerful Asian women is great to see because it combats the "docile" Asian women motif. Also, the fact that the Asian woman wasn't sexualized helps combat those stereotypes. Lastly, the infusion of Asian culture in popular films is not only good for getting more diverse filmmaking on and behind the camera, it's also a step in having more diverse visibility which leads to more acceptance of each other. 10/10.

Overall: Good introduction to new characters Shang-Chi and Ruiwen's place in the new phase of the MCU. 8/10.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

Terrible movie

[2/10 · 3 October 2021]

Production: Terrible script. Story is a conceptual mess. Okay editing. Some scenes are redundant or oddly out of place. Ok CGI. At times it made it hard to follow the action scenes. 4/10.

On screen: Because of the script, the acting was bad all around. It seemed like Tom Hardy was just there to get each scene over with. Character decisions were questionable which made the acting unbelievable. Okay Cinematography. The lighting on the action scenes made it hard to follow. 2/10.

Content/Impact: This movie could've had a serious message about the correlation between child abusive parents and its effect on people, which in this case would be the serial killer Cletus Kasady aka Carnage. Could have been controversial if they made the antagonist more sympathetic, it would have made a better, more believable character. This is so because in real life, people aren't all good or all bad. That complexity is what makes humans human and in this case would make the antagonist more believable. Lastly I don't understand why Naomie Harris, Shriek, takes these roles or the fact that the filmmakers still create these demeaning roles for black women in a predominantly Caucasian cast. In this film, also in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies she plays Tia Dalma aka Calypso, she plays a powerful black woman who is and can be controlled by her white counterparts. These filmmakers are perpetrating this stereotype that the only way black women can be powerful is to be controlled by white men. Throughout this movie she's told to shut her mouth and gets slapped around a lot. This Imaging just demeans black women and to let us know that black women are only here to provide servitude and are less than. 1/10.

Overall: Terrible problematic movie. Only silver lining, if any, is the after credits scene. 2.3/10.

Monster (II) (2018)

Duality of black people

[7/10 · 8 May 2021]

Production: Good script. Okay editing. Some of the scenes were a little jarring to the narrative. Good casting. Sets look realistic. 6/10.

On screen: Good to decent acting. Most of the actors are believable, but sometimes their actions seemed unnatural. Good cinematography. The artsy esthetic works for this film. 7/10.

Content/Impact: The telling of this story is necessary to combat the racism that black people, especially young black men, face today. The humanity that is shown throughout the film of black youth and how racism can write their own narrative is profound. Not only did it illustrate this through the main character Steve Harmon but the fact that it was shown through one of the "antagonists" William King shows us the complexity of black people meaning that black people are people too just like everyone else breaking the stereotype that black people are a monolith. 10/10.

Overall: Solid book to film adaptation needed in the world we live in today. 7.6/10.

Two Distant Strangers (2020)

Solid short.

[7/10 · 10 April 2021]

Production: Solid editing. Realistic enough costume design to make the characters believable. As far as the script, good premise, pretty good execution, but it could have been better. 6/10.

On screen: Solid acting from the cast; most of it was believable. Solid cinematography, sometimes certain scenes were a bit out of focus. Good use of mise-en-scene to further the film's message. 7/10.

Content/Impact: The message of hope is a good message that is needed to get through these trying times of police brutality. Also, this film shows the resiliency of black people. No matter what happens to us and what continues to happen to us, We Shall Overcome. Additionally, for me, It's getting more and more difficult to see all of these films about police brutality in a time where it seems like every day black and brown people are getting killed by police. Nevertheless, this imagery needs to be seen over and over again until change happens. 10/10.

Overall: Good short film about police brutality. 7.6/10.

Concrete Cowboy (2020)

Black Cowboys

[8/10 · 3 April 2021]

Production: Good script, but some of the side stories are not developed enough. Decent editing. Good costume design. The characters look raw and most importantly realistic. 7/10.

On screen: Everything that Jharrel Jerome is in he gives a fantastic performance. It's like he embodies each and everyone of his characters. Everyone one else's performance was pretty good. The cinematography was decent. At times, it was difficult to see some of the scenes. 8/10

Content/Impact: 25% of the cowboy population were black; yet the visibility of black cowboys is somewhat non-existent in popular culture. From John Wayne to Lone Ranger (who Historically is black) most cowboys are falsely portrayed as white men. Also, this film sheds light on the cowboy community in North Philadelphia and the good that they do for the people for that community. Lastly, the film speaks on the white supremacy and its goal to erase black culture through gentrification. 10/10

Overall: Very good movie about community and family. 8.3/10.

American Skin (2019)

Solid film about American Racism

[7/10 · 16 January 2021]

Production: Solid script, realistic but kind of preachy. Also some plot holes and questionable story choices. It is difficult to write in depth with systematic racism and police brutality, in a filmatic experience, that being said, solid writing. Decent sets, good enough to make the film believable. Solid editing, I wished they put subtitles on the Spanish speaking parts. 6/10. On screen: Good acting from Nate Parker, solid acting from the rest of the cast. At times, there were questionable decisions made by the actors, but I believe this is because of the writing. Some of the other actors' performances were either over the top or underperforming which is unbelievable. Solid cinematography. 6/10. Content/Impact: This is the dialog that is needed to talk about police brutality, mass incarceration, and racism. It's sad that movies like this one and others need to be made to show to racist, especially ones with power, that we black people are human beings and that we deserve equality. Also, the powerful statement at the end of the film about mass media and their carelessness of black lives. I am glad that Nate Parker is still able to make films, because between this and his debut film Birth of a Nation this is a director that has something to say about society and I'm all ears. Lastly, this will create space for other directors of color to be able to create more "radical" films meaning films that make a statement about society and how black and brown people are treated in it. 10/10. Overall: Pretty good film with a fantastic message about racism in America. 7.3/10.

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Pretty Solid Film

[8/10 · 18 June 2020]

Production: Great unique story about black war vets. While Spike Lee's writing is mostly thought provoking, it's a bit dated. Good editing. The special effects are ok. Sometimes they make this movie unbelievable. 7/10.

On Screen: Delroy Lindo's acting was great, but everyone else's is so-so. Some of the other characters' motivations and actions are unclear. Some of the scenes were unnecessary to the storytelling, just telling us what we already know. Spike's cinematography is good. I like how he captures the beauty of Vietnam. 7/10.

Content/Impact: There are not too many movies about black vietnam vets and how the war has affected them. Additionally, the way that Spike was able to show unity and love between black men is beautiful and is rare to see on film. Also, Spike illustrates the trauma that black soldiers in Vietnam had to struggle with ptsd and them also being black in America. This is a sample of what diverse new ideas of storytelling looks like. We need more films like these. 10/10.

Overall: Not as good as his other Spike Lee Joints, but still a good watch. 8/10.

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (2020)

Kasi Lemmons it's a pattern.

[6/10 · 22 March 2020]

Production: Good set pieces. Solid wardrobe. It really makes you feel like you're in the 1900s. Pretty good editing and sound. The writing is solid but at times, sounds too preachy and unrealistic. Additionally, I felt like the music choice didn't fit with the time period. Lastly, I wish they went more in depth on how Madam CJ Walker grew up, to create a more three-dimensional character. 7/10.

On Screen: Good not great acting from the cast, at times, some of the character choices are questionable. Additionally, because of the writing, some of the performances are flat. Good pacing and easy to follow, but at times the quality of the production seems average. An example is the quality of her, Madam C.J. walkers, flashbacks and her visions of thought. The quality looks like a lifetime movie. 7/10.

Content/Impact: I enjoy the dynamic of Madam CJ Walker and Addie and how it relates to the racial politics of "light-skinned" women vs. "dark-skinned" women. Also, the importance of hair for black women and Walker's resilience to help her fellow black women not only feel good about their looks, but also help black women feel empowered. Lastly, It's great to see the phenomenal story about Madam CJ Walker on film, this case mini series, because we need more diverse stories about black women, but I wish it wasn't at the expense of exposing the worst of black men. I'm starting to feel like it's a pattern with the director, Kasi Lemmons, first it was with her movie Harriet with the black "slave" catcher Bigger Long, now it's 3/5ths of the black men characters in this mini series. Ms. Lemmons is creating a space for black women to create and truthfully tell their own stories, but I wish it wasn't at the expense of black men. 7.5/10.

Overall: A entertaining, educational mini series about Madam CJ Walker and black women empowerment, but at the expensive black men. I'll give it a 7.1/10.

If you like this review you can follow me on Instagram at @ayojerkins.

The Banker (2020)

TV movie quality

[5/10 · 13 March 2020]

Production: Decent editing, typical generic biopic script, well made 50s set design. 5/10.

On Screen: Samuel L Jackson's performance took over the film. The other performances are decent given the script. It's great to see stories about black businessmen, but Nicholas Hoult's character, Matt Steiner, had way too much screen time. Also, there wasn't fleshed-out characters. I would have liked to see more backstory on Bernard Garrett, played by Anthony Mackie. The plot is easy to follow, but the pacing is too quick which didn't help develop three-dimensional characters. 6/10.

Content/Impact: Although it was great to see a story about black businessman, it seemed like they cared more about Matt's Steiner's story making him look like "a good guy," then Bernard Garrett's. It's great to see stories like this being created, but this damn would have been better if it was directed and written by black creatives. 6/10.

Overall: It's a movie made for TV, not to experience in theaters. This is another film that had great promise but is ruined by white people trying to tell a story about the black experience. I'll give it an 5.6/10.

Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story (2020)

Well made Documentary

[9/10 · 17 February 2020]

Production: Very good production. Edited well for the amount of information it gives, at times too much information. Also, very smooth transitions, easy to follow story. 9/10.

On Screen: The passion and rawness of Willy T. Ribbs makes this documentary. Also, the other people, professional drivers and experts, give context to the story of Willy T. Ribbs. At times, some of the information given wasn't necessary to the main story. For example, it shows the articles and stories about Bill Cosby's criminal charges which is redundant and took away from Willy T Ribbs's story. Lastly if you don't know the language of auto racing or cars, then at times, you can get lost because of how technical they get. 8/10.

Content/Impact: Willy T Ribbs's story is a phenomenal story about the first black man to drive the Indianapolis 500. His resolve and the racism that he overcomes, is an inspiration for black people, and POC, who experience racism, that we can overcome and still be great. 10/10.

Overall: Excellent story about an extraordinary black man who excelled in his profession, faced adversity, and despite racism, succeeded. Stories like this needs to be told more often. Overall I'll give it a 9/10.

The Photograph (I) (2020)

Okay Film 6.6/10.

[6/10 · 14 February 2020]

Production: Pretty basic all around. Nothing really stands out, but it isn't bad. Some continuity issues just like every other film. The music really sets the tone of the film. The script is a little dull/generic. 6/10.

On Screen: The acting was okay. Lakeith Stanfield made his character Michael Block, believable but, on the other hand, Issa Rae's character Mae Morton, wasn't. She didn't really have acting range. It's like she is uncomfortable the entire film. Additionally, the secondary characters are just cookie cutouts typical love movie motifs. Also, there are some plot holes that made the secondary story a little confusing. 6/10.

Content/Impact: To see black love portrayed in film is a rarity in itself. The best way to describe this film is love. The love that they show between black men and women, black women, and black men in a positive light, for the most part, is essential to tell our stories from a normalized perspective. This is what happens when we tell our own stories. 8/10.

Overall: It's a solid Valentine's day film to see with your loved ones, but because of the slow nature of this film, the performances needs to be outstanding and this falls short. I'll give it an 6.6/10.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)

Great Film

[8/10 · 18 December 2019]

I couldn't wait to see this film about one of my favorite people, Mr. Rogers. This film doesn't disappoint. The director, Marielle Heller, made great creative choices on how the story is to be told. She tells the story of writer Lloyd Vogel's, played by Matthew Rhys, meeting with Fred Rogers. The creativity is that she shot this film like an Mr. Rogers episode; which is ingenious. The acting is great especially from Tom Hanks. You can tell the seriousness of his craft because he did a great job sounding like and playing Mr. Rogers. Also, I love the humanity of the film. The overall message that we are all human and we have to face are "demons" in order to love. Unfortunately, there's one part of this film that I wasn't to find of that is the character Andrea Vogel, played by Susan Kelechi Watson, Lloyd Vogel's black wife. I know this story isn't really about her, but her only role in this film was to be a wife. It was one dimensional. This is problematic because of the stigma of black women's only importance or worth is predicated on being a wife. There's too many roles like this that black women are shown, further pushing this false narrative. Overall, I'll give this movie an 8/10.

Queen & Slim (2019)

Fantastic work of art.

[9/10 · 29 November 2019]

This movie was everything I thought it'll be and more. The writing was thought provoking and comical. At times, the editing was a little inconsistent which caused continuity issues. Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith gave fantastic performances. Their characters, Silm and Queen, were believable and well written. The cinematography is fantastically, beautifully shot. How it was shot, it made it an artistic film. I also like the director, Melina Matsoukas, choices throughout the film. Her choices made this film an artistic masterpiece. Lastly, I love the overall message of black, family, culture love. Overall, I'll give it an 9.8/10.

Harriet (I) (2019)

Important film

[8/10 · 1 November 2019]

This film had the potential to be much more, but nevertheless it's a story that needs to be told. First, the writing and acting was flat; because of that, Harriet and the secondary characters were one dimensional. Additionally, some of the characters motivations were questionable and were just plan unnecessary to the story. Also, I felt like the film was too quick thus no time for character development. I do like the message of the film as to show how important black women are to American history. Also, it shows how important black women are in general. I felt that this film showed that idea in many aspects not only Harriet, but also in Marie Buchanon, played by Janelle Monae. Contrastingly, I felt that black women empowerment ideology was at the expense of black men. For example, the black slave catcher Bigger Long, played by Omar Dorsey. His character was an unnecessary antagonist that, proven historically, the slave owners who, in real life, didn't employ a slave catcher to find her and there was a minute amount of black slave catchers. Nevertheless, this is a Story that needed to be authentically told. Overall I'll give it an 8.2/10.

The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019)

Solid film

[8/10 · 26 October 2019]

An artsy movie. Very good story, script, and plot. Excellent cinematography, really shows the beauty of San Francisco. Excellent message on gentrification, homelessness, and love. Very good believable acting. The pacing was a little slow, but overall a very good movie. Overall, I'll give it an 8/10.

When They See Us (2019)

Excellent mini series

[9/10 · 26 October 2019]

Oh Ava DuVernay you've done it again. This movie is a masterpiece. Excellent acting, cast, directing, and story. Jharrel Jerome, played Korey Wise, really was fantastic. His portrayal was heartwrenching and believable. This series was a hard watch, at times I cried. Ms. DuVernay really humanizes Antron, Kevin, Yusef, Korey, and Raymond or as people have known them as the "Central Park 5." Additionally, I love how she uses her mise en scene to tell powerful and poignant stories like this one. This movie illustrates how poorly these boys were treated and the injustices in the world, from homophobia, police brutality, and prison life. She shows us that we are not the conditions that we are in, we are people. We love, we hurt, we make mistakes, we live, we die. This movie moves people. I extend my love to anyone who've been ever wrongly accused of any crime committed, any person that society would call them criminals. Someone wise told me that the condition that you're in doesn't make you who you are. These are the stories that need to be told by us. Stories told like this, humanizes people who generally aren't. We all are humans. Overall I'll give an 9.7/10.

See You Yesterday (2019)

Underrated film

[7/10 · 26 October 2019]

Unique, Interesting time travel story about police brutality and the politics that comes with it. Ok acting. At times, the script was unrealistic and clunky. You can tell that the Action was mid to low budget. I really enjoyed the protrayals of the main characters; CJ, Sebastian, and Eduardo, as STEM students. We need more diverse portrayals of black and brown people in film. Also, I like that they had Hispanic people and Black people living in a shared community peacefully. This is the type of movie that helps can and create a more diverse narrative of black and brown people. Overall I'll give this movie a 7/10.

Us (II) (2019)

Great thought provoking film

[8/10 · 26 October 2019]

Great Cinematography, story, script. It was great to see a black family in a horror movie and a black woman as the central protagonist. Good Acting from the entire cast. Lupita Nyong'o was fantastic and very believable. This movie will make you think. The only problem was that the middle of the movie was kinda slow and some of the comedy was hit and miss. Extremely deep movie with commentary on gender, race, class, and the government. You'll most definitely have to watch this movie more than once to catch everything. Overall, I'll give it an 8.5/10.

Sorry to Bother You (2018)

Thought provoking movie

[8/10 · 26 October 2019]

Thought provoking movie. Good believable acting. Great use of mise-en-scene to make statements about society and within the plot of the movie. Solid writing, it had alot of funny moments. Interestingly, weird music selection which was perfect for this movie. I felt like other than the main protagonist, Cassius, all of the other characters stories just revolved around him, especially for the main female character Detroit. Her story only mattered when it aligned with Cassius's story, with no character development of her own. I get tired of seeing poorly developed female characters in movies and it sends a message the women's stories don't matter. You would definitely have to see this movie more than once to catch all of the political statements that Boots Riley is trying to make. Overall, I'll give it an 8/10.

Blindspotting (2018)

Very good movie

[8/10 · 26 October 2019]

Good Acting. Great story. Started off a little slow but good pacing overall. Very deep movie that highlights political issues from police brutality to gentrification. I like how they humanized people whom been in the jail/prison system, and not just make them "criminal." Also, I liked the artistic way that some of this story was being told through rap. Overall I'll give it an 8/10.

Nappily Ever After (2018)

Solid movie

[7/10 · 26 October 2019]

Good Story about black hair politics. Very good acting from Sanaa Lathan, she really carried the movie. Unfortunately, the other actors were subpar. The writing was ok, sometimes it felt robotic. Character development was M.I.A. with the secondary characters. I liked that the movie shed a light on black women hair politics and social views on beauty. I really love the overall message of the movie no matter what the socialital norms of beauty is, women can be and are beautiful. Overall I'll give an 7.8/10.

BlacKkKlansman (2018)

Very good movie

[8/10 · 26 October 2019]

Very good Acting. Excellent, interesting story. Great casting, most of the actors were believable. Great message about the similarities of the klan in the 70s and the klan now and police brutality then and now. Additionally, I liked the juxtaposition between the Black Panthers and the klan. Not many films have shown the Black Panthers in a positive light. Unfortunately, Spike Lee often has trouble writing script for women, it's evident in this film. Also, there were some plot holes and some questionable decisions made by the characters. Overall, this is a really good film I'll give it a 8.2/10.

The Hate U Give (2018)

Fantastic movie about Black life

[9/10 · 26 October 2019]

Good believable acting. Great realistic storyline. Good script. It touched on so many racial, environmental, and social economical issues such as gang life (not only the violence but why so many of our poor black men get involved in it), Double Consciousness (how Starr had to be different in white and black company) White privilege (how the white students acted when school was let out early for the protests), Institutional racism (Starr's conversation with the black cop), and of course police brutality. This film captured all of the challenges of black life in a powerful, cinematic lense. Overall, I'll give it an 9.5/10.