Matthew1984 Reviews

A Snowy Day in Oakland (2023)

A solid and very funny film.

[7/10 · 5 March 2024]

A Snowy Day in Oakland was a solid film about a block of Oakland entrepreneurs and a church minister who tried to live their lives and run their businesses or church in an ethical manner.

The strength of this film was its cast and the comedy that was prevalent throughout the film. On the other hand, this movie did a good job of weaving through the comedy and dramatic aspects of its script.

I'm glad I saw the film because it made me laugh and it showed that amid all the hate and danger in this world, that people can still come together and help each other as well as get along with each other.

Martin: Beauty and the Beast (1992) Season 1, Episode 1

The pilot episode of the funniest TV show of all time.

[9/10 · 29 February 2024]

Way back on August 27, 1992, the Martin TV had its world premiere on FOX. Our Black comedy world would NEVER be the same.

In the show's pilot episode Beauty and The Beast, the world was introduced to the comedic genius of Martin Lawrence as THE star this time. Then there was the supporting cast to die for which included Tisha Campbell (Gina Waters), Thomas Mikal Ford (Tommy Strawn), Carl Anthony Payne (Cole Brown), and Tichina Arnold (Pamela James).

When the pilot episode of Martin premiered 31 years ago, none of us had any idea of how iconic this show would be in the Black community. We know now.

Assistant (2023)

A film that doubles as a suspenseful thriller and mental health examination.

[8/10 · 25 February 2024]

The Assistant was a dark and suspenseful thriller that was well cast, well written, and well directed. Don't listen to these negative reviews on here, see this movie for YOURSELF like I did.

Parker McKenna Posey (Annie) was excellent as this beautiful, creepy, and multiple personalities having assistant at a woman's/baby care clinic. I hope this movie advances Posey's career. I did not know who Erica Mena (Dr. Raven Fields) was before this film, now I'm glad I know who she is. She played an overworked, loving, and trusting owner of her own private practice facility in the film.

See this film!!!

Brian Banks (2018)

I've read the book and now I've seen the movie. What a story.

[9/10 · 10 March 2021]

I finished the book that this movie was based on four days ago which made me decide to see the movie. Well, I just finished the movie almost an hour ago and I have to say that I was very impressed with the suspense factor and the acting in the film.

Yes, this movie was a crowd pleaser, but it also had depth and suspense. Anytime you do a movie that is based on a true story you have to include those three elements in it or people aren't going to like the film. Other sports/drama movies that adhered to those elements included 42 (2013), Friday Night Lights (2004), and I, Tonya (2017).

This movie's success, popularity, and visibility depended on the performance of Aldis Hodge. For his part, Hodge did an excellent job as Brian Banks, a man accused of a crime (rape) that he didn't commit.

You could just feel the pain, struggle, and emotions of Hodge throughout this film, which in turn helped you understand just what Banks went through from 2002 to 2007.

This movie also hinged on the performance of Greg Kinnear, who played California Innocence Project founder Justin Brooks. I've been a fan of Kinnear's for years, and I feel he played the heck out of his role as a man who had so much on his mind and plate as the founder of a very busy and very involved social justice organization.

The movie in some ways differed from the book, but that's what is called Hollywood license. Movie directors, producers, and movie writers don't have the time to be super dedicated to the book their movie's are based on.

Meanwhile, the main co-stars were on point. I felt the actor who played Deputy District Attorney Mateo (Jose Miguel Vasquez) was excellent. Dorian Missick who played Banks' parole officer was such a jerk in this film; and being a jerk has to be one of the elements of your being to even be a good parole officer. Xosha Roquemore who played Banks' accuser, was so disrespectful and disgusting which means she's a darn good actress. Sherri Shepherd who is a well known comedic actress, really came through in a small but effective role as Banks' mother.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Brian Banks film to anyone who wants to see a story about a man who never gave up and who had people in his life who never gave up on him. This movie is also a cautionary tale for men; in that you as a man have to be careful in how you treat women and you must be careful in regards to the certain type of women that you bring into your life.