Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Lights, Camera, (More Black Movie) Action

Well, color me prematurely excited when in February I presented what I thought was a near complete list of summer blockbusters for us, by us, and about us headed our way. However, just in time for the unofficial start of summer, I could not be more ecstatic to highlight a few more cinematic gems offering a little something for everyone and coming soon to a theater near you. So, mark your calendars and get ready to laugh, cheer, ponder, and hold on to your seats!


The Gospel According to Andre - June 1st 

You don't have to be a fashionista to know the name AndrĂ© Leon Talley. However, if you are, Kate Novack’s intimate portrait of the fashion icon will give you something to celebrate, as the documentary follows Talley's emotional journey from his roots growing up in the segregated Jim Crow South to becoming one of the most influential tastemakers and fashion curators of our times as well as the first African American man to have a position of visible importance within the fashion industry as the former editor-at-large of Vogue magazine.


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Superfly - June 15th 

Break out the furs and fedoras, and hold on tight for a fast-paced ride through a flashy world of high stakes and gritty street justice as actor and singer Trevor Jackson reprises the role of 70's blaxploitation icon, Superfly, who makes plans for one last big hit before getting out of the game for good...if he can. Directed by video icon Director X and also starring Jason Mitchell, Michael Kenneth Williams, Lex Scott Davis and Jennifer Morrison.







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Uncle Drew - June 29th

Grab the kids (and grandma too) and prepare to roll out your own red carpet for this all-star cast of ballers--literally--and actors assembled to tell the story of a young man, who convinces a former basketball playground legend to join a street ball tournament at the Rucker Park in Harlem to his upend his rivals. Uncle Drew agrees but only under one condition: he gets to bring his own squad along for the win and, for our sake, the laughs. Directed by Charles Stone and starring  Kyrie Irving, Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson, Lil Rel Howery, Lisa Leslie, Erica Ash, J. B. Smoove, Mike Epps, and Tiffany Haddish.


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Whitney - July 6th

Although it's been almost a decade since her passing, the stellar career and untimely death of music icon Whitney Houston continues to captivate us all. Director Kevin Macdonald brings audiences an even closer look at the Pop legend through personal recounts and interviews with those closest to the musical songbird.








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Sorry to Bother You - July 6th

Even when Lakeith Stanfield is cast as a supporting character, he steals the show, as is evident in his role of Darius in the FX network television hit, "Atlanta," or as kidnap victim Andre Logan King in the 2017 smash hit, "Get Out." This summer fans will enjoy Stanfield's lead role as Cassius "Cash" Green, a young African-American telemarketer who adopts a white accent in order to thrive at his job. Written and directed by rapper Boots Riley. Also starring Tessa Thompson, Omari Hardwick, Terry Crews, and Danny Glover.


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BlacKkKlansman - August 10th

Sometimes fact is stranger than fiction, and BlackkKlansman could not be a better embodiment of the adage, as a crime comedy-drama that tells the story of an African-American detective who sets out to infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan in 1970s Colarado. Written and directed by Spike Lee, co-produced by Jordan Peele, and based on the book "Black Klansman" by Ron Stallworth. Starring John David Washington. (Movie Bonus: John is acting legend Denzel Washington's son.)







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Night School - September 28th

The summer wraps up with a hearty laugh, as comedy heavy hitter, Kevin Hart, and overnight sensation, Tiffany Haddish, team up as student and teacher, respectively, to tell the story of a group of troublemakers who are forced to attend night school in hopes that they'll pass the GED exam. Directed by Malcom D. Lee and produced by Will Packer. Also starring Yvonne Orji, Bresha Webb, and Keith David.








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Enjoy your summer and, when in doubt, get extra butter! ;-)


Photo credits: N/A
Sources: Movie Insider; Rotten Tomatoes; YouTube; Wikipedia