Hey Mofos!

Y’all, let me just start by saying that Gladiator II brought the drama, the battles, and the vibes—BUT did it bring the soul? Eh, that’s up for debate. I must confess--I haven't seen the original one. Don't judge me! 

This long-awaited sequel dives right back into the gritty world of Roman gladiators, picking up decades after Maximus’s sacrifice. Director Ridley Scott does what he does best—painting a visually stunning picture of the ancient world. The cinematography is pure chef’s kiss. You feel every grain of sand, every drop of sweat, and every swing of a sword. And the fight scenes? BABY! They had me on the edge of my seat.

Here's a synopsis:

From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

Let me just say this upfront: Gladiator II doesn’t shy away from showing the dangers of unchecked power, and if the tyrannical rulers of Rome didn’t give you flashbacks to modern politics, were you even paying attention? Watching the Emperors spread lies, pit people against each other, and manipulate power for personal gain reminded me of a certain someone (you know who). The way they clung to control despite clearly being unfit to lead? It was giving that Orange Man administration energy--BIGLY. 

Now back to the program:

Chile , Gladiator II came in swinging, but let me tell you who stole the ENTIRE show—Denzel Washington. Whew! That man has been fine for decades, and he came through looking like royalty in this film. The gravitas, the presence, the swag—it was giving Training Day but with swords and armor. Every time Denzel hit the screen, it felt like the energy shifted. He wasn’t just acting; he was commanding. His role as a seasoned warrior-turned-strategist brought the intensity you’d expect, but also a subtle vulnerability that reminded me why he’s one of the GOATs. To this day, he is one of the ones I want to interview even if we just cackle over some Dad jokes.

Paul Mescal, playing Lucius, holds his own as the lead, but let’s be real: it’s hard to follow in Maximus’s footsteps. That said, Pedro Pascal was out here cutting up and stealing scenes with his sly, cunning character.

And can we circle back to Denzel real quick? Because the way he was giving wisdom and attitude mixed with a hint of mystery had me flashing back to Alonzo Harris in Training Day. That same charisma, that same “don’t mess with me” Mt. Vernon energy.

Now those twin emperors tore my last nerve up with their powder makeup and weirdo energy. Visually, the film was stunning—the Colosseum battles were gritty, visceral, and kept me on edge. Ok, they were flat out bloody and scary to the point the young lady beside me had her eyes covered most of the film. 

Connie Nielson reprised her role as Lucilla, and she is gorgeous. I love that this film connected some of the dots from the first one (thanks to my friend for pointing that out)!

Ultimately the film is about righting the wrongs of the power hungry and restoring power back to where it should be and healing and freedom. Again, I could add in our own current political climate, but I've decided to sit back like Miss Celie and wait to see what color the wall turns.

This film was also about the power of family legacy and how it's chain aka the country got it snatched by a bunch of idiots. Naming unfit people to be in cabinets and, well that's another story. 

This sequel makes me want to go watch the first one, although on my couch won't have the same power as an IMAX theater. 

Gladiator II hits theaters exclusively on November 22, 2024, available in Dolby Cinema, Premium Large Formats, and IMAX.

Let me know if you plan to go see it and what you think after you check it out! 

Hey Mofos! 

TWO IN A ROW! I knooooowwww! This time I went to check out the rom com The Idea of You. Let's just say I am in my feelings now. But let's get into the deets. 

The film is based on a love story of the same name. The Idea of You is centered around  Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom who begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet.

The way they meet is so insane, because chile, DOES THIS EVER HAPPEN TO ANYONE?! 

Solène chaperones her teenage daughter’s trip to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex bails at the last minute, she has a chance encounter with Hayes when she goes into his trailer to use the bathroom. Like, how did she not know she should go to the itty bitty uncomfortable bathroom in port-a-john land?

Sparks fly and he even dedicates a song to her during the August Moon performance. SWOOOOOOON. Of course after that, their whirlwind romance begins as he finds her at her art gallery. The two drop their guard and almost their drawls. 

As a woman of a certain age, it's not hard to wonder what if? When he invites her to visit, things get steamy and the adventure of a lifetime for a single mom in the world of glitz and glamour takes off. Of course, it isn’t long before Hayes’ superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solène soon discovers that life in the glare of his spotlight might be more than she bargained for. After all, she is a sensible mom that's worried about her daughter, and what her family and friends might think. 

So it got me to thinking, she tells Hayes at one point she is ashamed, and being close to her age, I get it. It's like we want to have a man that we can be proud of and show off to the world, but when we're happy, there's always this threat of doubt that it can all come crumbling down. She also was ashamed because of the age difference, but SHE WAS HAPPY! Why can't women just be happy? He was old enough and when some ragglass men do the exact same thing--it's okay? She had so many haters in internet land because this pop star chose to do what made him happy, and be with her. Ugh. 

It also got me to thinking, why can't we all have an escape into a rom com and things unfold like the perfect meet cute, the whirlwind romance, a couple light speed bumps, but then the fairytale works out happily ever after? I guess cuz life be life-ing and it doesn't work that way. But this film is a great escape to wonder, WHAT IF? 

I love this film celebrates middle-aged women and how we're still sexy, fun, and full of laughs and adventure. I love the intimate ok the secks scenes because just because she's middle aged doesn't mean she can't get it in! It's also a film that shows it's never too late for love. *insert me in my feelings*

One thing the film got right was August Moon, because you couldn't tell me this wasn't a real boy band. Hayes gave Harry Styles energy and I was here for it all. He wasn't the typical 20-something year old with lots of money, hoes and clothes. He was wise beyond his years and actually showed emotion when ish hurt. COME THRU TEARS! 

The Idea of You, an Amazon MGM Studios release, directed by Michael Showalter, premieres on Prime on May 2. 

I'm curious, if you could live out a fantasy with your favorite pop star or celebrity, who would it be? 

~Meik

Hey Mofos!

I went to check out the film The Marvels last night and let me tell you, I want to be a super hero. Director Nia DaCosta has me convinced that I just need a knee brace or two, an ankle brace, a power bracelet and some super power then I too can be a Marvel. Let's get into the film shall we?

Here's the synopsis: 

Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. But unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan, Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol’s estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau. Together, this unlikely trio must team-up and learn to work in concert to save the universe as “The Marvels.” Marvel Studios’ “The Marvels” stars Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis, Seo-Jun Park, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh, and Samuel L. Jackson. Nia DaCosta directs with Kevin Feige producing. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Mary Livanos Jonathan Schwartz and Matthew Jenkins serve as executive producers. The screenplay is by Nia DaCosta and Megan McDonnell and Elissa Karasik. 

My review: 

Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) shows more emotion than I've ever seen in the Marvel Universe. It's like she's human or something. That cat Noodles, Goose. or whatever its name was, tore my nerves up and maybe that's because I'm not an animal person. Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) was Black Girl Magic personified and I loved her natural big hair, and Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) and her family stole the damn show along with Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). 

The comedy of proportions of Ms. Marvel aka Kamala and her family are hilarious and probably how many parents would behave when their daughter is in and out of the universe and they have no clue wtf is going on. The villain of the film, Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) scared me plain and simple. She is the survivor of the Kree Civil War and her home Hala is dying thanks to Captain Marvel's destroying the Supreme Intelligence. Dar-Benn is with the shits and ready to do whatever she has to in order to bring peace, love, and soul to her beloved Hala. I did feel like the Marvel Universe should have done more with that character and the people of Hala. But she simply served as the reason The Marvels were thrown together by well, you'll see. 

One thing I loved is the diversity of the cast and all of the girl power. I also loved that it wasn't just about Captain Marvel, because let's be for real, her movie was a snore and it took me all of ten tries to get thru it. Sorry but it did. 

But here, all three leads get their chance to shine and we get to see their full arcs come to sort of a completion whether it's peace, turmoil, or utter chaos as this chapter of their adventure ends. 

I haven't seen every single Marvel movie, but what I do know, stay after the credits, because judging from the audience reaction, it's gonna make you squeal with excitement about the next chapter of the Marvel Universe. 
I loved the kee-kee's I got from this film and the feeling of feeling like my imagination, just like Kamala's, can take me anywhere I want to go. It also showed the power of compromise, keeping promises, promises (sorry I started singing Christopher Williams' song), and taking a leap of faith into the unknown to help others. 

I think this is a great film and can't wait to see what lies ahead in the future for these three super heroes. Also, please know this film is probably the shortest one in the MU. At least you'll be home early! 

Marvel Studios’ “The Marvels” opens in U.S. theaters on November 10.

Let me know what you think if you go! 
~Meik

Hey Mofos!

I'm back with another movie review! Let me know in the comments if these are helpful. 

This time I went to check out the new Jamie Foxx film "The Burial." 

 Now with it being close to Halloween chile, I thought this was about to be a horror movie so I chose a seat close to the exit cuz I don't play those games. I didn't really look into what the film was about because one, dealing with grief, and two, I figured with Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones, it's gonna be good no matter what. 

What's the film about? I'm glad you asked! Here's the synopsis: 

Jurnee Smollett as Mame Downes and Jamie Foxx as Willie Gary in The Burial Photo credit: Skip Bolen 

Hey Mofos! 

So I got the chance to attend a media screening for "Creed III" and let me tell you, I left out of the theater ready to enroll in a boxing class again. 

That's another story on the boxing class again part, but if you have seen the first two installments of the film, you will only be slightly disappointed in the 3rd one, so let's dig into the deets. 

Spoiler alert: Rocky aka Sylvester Stallone is not in this film and to me, that was the major piece that was missing. I read he didn't like the direction of the storyline and I can kind of guess on what parts he may not have liked, but I'm not a screenwriter nor a director so I'll just hush. Does the film address the void left by him not being there? NOPE.. so make up whatever story you want in your head for that, but I will say there are moments and references that still pay homage to the Rocky franchise. I'm glad that leaves the door open for Rocky to return in later films if they continue doing these. 

 I thought Michael B. Jordan did the damn thing in his directorial debut with this film. Lil Reggie done grew up (that's an old school "All My Children" reference for the soap opera fans out there). There were details that stood out that had someone else been directing, they may have made a different choice. I always think acting and directing in a film gives it a certain perspective that someone who isn't on both sides of the camera will ever understand.  

Can we pause here to reflect on the glistening sweat and rippling muscles and the close-ups of him and Jonathan Majors? Thank you Michael B. Jordan, because I think you KNEW what  some of us ladies and some men came to see. 

That aside, the story line--it was the tried and true story of two brothers battling for the championship, the underdog, the anger, the jealousy, and the only way to handle it is with fists. 

Sigh, I really didn't like Majors' character, but I digress. What I did like with this installment was the fact we got to dig into the emotional weight that Black men carry and see when they won't let anyone else help, we got to see Black men cry and show emotion, and be vulnerable. That spoke volumes, because in our community, men aren't supposed to show emotion (who the hell made that rule up anyway??), and men are supposed to be strong and not share past things that may have affected who they are today. So I appreciate the film for shining a light on that. 

My favorite character tho-- Creed and Bianca's daughter Amara. Her little cute self played by Mila Davis Kent, is older now and able to understand that her father is a boxer. I don't want to give it away, but I think the words he spoke over here in Creed II  are at play in this installment. 

"Creed III" will make you laugh, want to box, shed a tear, and make you check in on your own mental health. It's a definite must see!

It is in theaters everywhere on March 3. Let me know what you think! 

~Meik

Hey Mofos! 

I'm back with another movie review! I was super intrigued about this film about Tammy Faye Bakker especially knowing a little bit about her life with Jim Bakker. I had to check out the screening of In the Eyes of Tammy Faye.

If you aren't familiar with who the Bakkers are, let me give you the quick rundown:

Jim Bakker is a televangelist and he and Tammy (his then wife) hosted the television show “The PTL Club” and they developed Heritage USA, a now defunct Christian theme park in South Carolina. Bakker’s shady ass was convicted and imprisoned on multiple counts of fraud and ish in 1989. Tammy got some sense and divorced him and eventually remarried. One of the things she was often mocked for was all that darn makeup she would wear and her squeaky voice. She passed away from colon cancer in 2007, and Jim is still outchea frauding and thieving at 80 something years old.

Caught up? Cool. Let’s discuss the film.

The film is based on the 2000 documentary of the same name, and captures the magic of who Tammy Faye Messner (Bakker) was beyond the headlines. Director Michael Showalter and screenwriter Abe Sylvia did a great job of humanizing this larger than life woman that has intrigued many of us over the years.

I still have questions about how she thought it was cute to go preach the word with this man with puppets, but that’s none of my business. 

Jessica Chastain does an amazing job at playing Tammy Faye, from the heavy makeup to the Betty Boop voice, the performance is spot on.  The film made me understand that the heavier the makeup got, the more it was a way for Tammy to protect herself from everything in her life crumbling into tiny pieces, and hiding her unhappiness. I UNDERSTAND. Now, what I don't get is why the folks around her, hell even Jim, didn't say "girl.. now girl.. you know damn hell well that is too much makeup," but I guess when you doing devil work, those things fall to the wayside. AND SHE GOT THE LIP LINER AND EYEBROWS  TATTOOED ON?! 

But now, I wanna know if she had bad skin from all this or.. nevermind, lemme get back to what I was talking about. I thought it was so cool that the film was shot in and around Charlotte, after all this is the scene of where PTL took it's mighty tumble. I also loved how they used old footage of Ted Koppel's interview and added the actors to it. It gave it a little more of a realistic feel for me. The "secular press" threat is always looming over the PTL Ministry which ultimately helps bring light to the evil-doings that were going on. 

Now this has to be said, Tammy Faye and Jim are the most annoying people ever. The cheesy laughs, the squeaky voices, the just "oh golly gee wilkers" of it all tore my last good nerve up. Even when Jim is telling her that he had an affair (and side note-- I didn't know Jim got down like THAAAAAT..and when you watch, you'll know wtf I mean..so come back and let's discuss), but anyway, he says, "the devil is coming for me, Tammy." Tammy cannot be bothered as she is slathering more makeup on top of the caked on ish on her face by responding, "Can we talk about Satan later? You know, I'm trying to feel like myself, again."

I wasn't sure if this was in the words of Andrew Chad DeliverT Caldwell says, "making a 'mock' of them" or if this was really how they talked and acted. It's extreme and campy, but looking at past footage--I just.. well, again it humanizes them, but I hollered when Jim comes for her whiny voice. Who knew the cult.. errrr church folks???? could shade like this?! 

You can’t help but want to see Tammy Faye win, especially at her lowest point when her marriage is over and she can’t quite grab a hold of the spotlight again or even the lifestyle she was used to, but you also want to shake her and wonder WHYYYYYYYY are/were you with this triflin ass man? Speaking of Jim Bakker, Andrew Garfield portrays him as someone who doesn’t have the balls or umph to make his dreams come true until he meets Tammy. Chastain and Garfield are perfectly cast in this film. 

But the one that stole the movie for me was Tammy's mother played by Cherry Sutton. That lady wasn't fooled for one second and knew Jim wasn't about ish, and I was here for her stoic ain't with the shits demeanor. 

My main question is for the many folks that donated their hard earn money to PTL every single time they went on the air with their sob stories, religious proclamations, and over the top antics. This film left many questions unanswered for me, like where did Tammy & Jim get the money to even start PTL? 

This film did give a closer look at Tammy Faye and her intentions. I do think she meant well and then it took a darn turn. I could relate on the levels of not feeling good enough, pretty enough, and hiding behind a mask of who you are to put on a front for the public. The film paints a sympathetic picture of a woman that was unhappy but had the "He mine, Imma stick beside him," mentality because he told her it was for God and she believed it. 

There’s Oscar buzz around this film, but y’all know I’m still partial to RESPECT so IDK about all that yet. Overall, this was a good film, and for someone that walked in not really knowing much about Tammy Faye, this gave a good overview of the woman that just wanted to do the Lord's work and love everyone. 

The Eyes of Tammy Faye opens in theaters on September 17. Let me know if you go check it out and what you think! 

Hey Mofos! 

Now I don't usually watch scary movies, or dark thrillers so I wasn't sure what I was going to get with the new film "The Night House." The psychological horror film is directed by David Bruckner and features a female lead that is dealing with the heaviness of grief. If you have ever experienced grief, then you can relate to this film, minus the parts that make you jump to the ceiling. Let's get into the deets: Rebecca Hall stars as a woman dealing with the suicide of her husband Owen (Evan Jonigkeit). It's like the film "Ghost" where she can still sense him around her dark ass house--you know in hindsight, maybe if she turned the lights on...nevermind, I digress. Anyhoo, she starts to uncover some the skeletons in her husband's closet and it ain't pretty. 

I was so spooked, I couldn't keep track of what dark secrets she discovered, but I think my favorite scene was when Beth (Hall) had to check this parent at her job for demanding a grade change. Her response got my attention and from that moment on, I was team Beth! 

The Searchlight film will be in theaters on August 20. 

Peep the trailer:

Be prepared--there are some LOUD moments in the film, so take someone with you that you can hold onto while watching! 

Let me know if you go check it out! 

~Meik

Hey Mofos!

I have been waiting..and I mean WAITING for this movie since the moment Aretha Franklin, THE QUEEN OF SOUL uttered the words that she wanted Halle Berry.. then Jennifer Hudson to portray her in a biopic. Y'all know y'all remember when Ree Ree said Halle Berry in 2010, then Halle said "nawl sis, I can't do no good singing like you," then Aretha sent a fax that said "chile, you ain't gotta sing, just lip sync!" Ok I have the whole drama mapped out in my mind but you get the point. Then Auntie Retha handpicked Jennifer Hudson to use her mighty voice to portray her in the film "RESPECT." The MGM biopic hits theaters 8/13, but I got a sneak peek. But first, the deets-- the film follows the rise of Aretha Franklin's career from a child singing in her father's church choir to her international superstardom. It's the story of a musical icon. 

The film stars Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Titus Burgess, Kimberly Scott, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Heather Headley, Skye Dakota Turner, Tate Donovan, and Mary J. Blige. Ya'll see there are some powerhouse sangers in this film right?

The biopic is directed by Liesl Tommy and the screen play is by Tracy Scott Wilson. 

Peep the trailer:

Now let's get to the movie. I LOVED IT. The film focuses on The Queen of Soul's life from young Aretha (Skye Dakota Turner) dealing with trauma and tragedy (that by the way about had me tearing up in them people's theater) in Detroit in the early 50s to the start of her career as a young 20 something with two kids (Hudson) navigating her own personal demons as she becomes an international star in the 60s and 70s. 

Jennifer Hudson stars as Aretha Franklin and Forest Whitaker as her father C.L. Franklin in RESPECT Photo credit: Quantrell D. Colbert

For me, the film really shined with the vocals. Turner showed out as young Aretha. Hudson sang her face clean off because I loved that she didn't try to sound like Aretha, she allowed Franklin's influence to inspire her sound. Every song brought chills as she evoked the pain and the pride of Aretha's discography. Don't laugh, but I swear fo gawd I thought Hudson also looked like Mary J. Blige from the side in some scenes. I also loved the soundtrack of the 50s and 60s, with my favs Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, I was in my lil old soul element. Every single time, Forest Whitaker as C.L. Franklin had a scene listening to his vinyl records had me straining my eyeballs to see what other records were laying around. I don't have to tell you this, but Forest, as usual, did his good acting in this movie! 

I learned so much from this movie about Aretha. Including her marriage with Ted White (Marlon Wayans) and chile, the violence, and disrespect of it all. Marlon did a great job playing White as the violent, jealous, husband/insecure ass manager. 

Marlon Wayans stars as Ted White and Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin in RESPECT Photo credit: Quantrell D. Colbert

I really appreciated how the entire story touched on the theme of "Respect" including Aretha taking control of her personal life and her career. Aretha figuring our her arrangement of Otis Redding's "Respect" with her sisters is a fun light hearted moment. Standing up to her father for what she wanted, whew, that did something to my soul, especially when she decided to return to singing gospel on her terms.  The film also tackles civil rights, addiction, and of course religion. 

This is another film that is a must see in a theater to get that concert feel with the surround sound and J-Hud larger than life on the big screen as Auntie Retha. I wish Aretha were here to see the film, but I think she'd be proud of the way her story was told. 

GIVE THIS FILM ALL THE AWARDS!

Let me know what you think if you go see the movie! 

~Meik

Hey Mofos!

I love learning about all things Black music history related, so it was a no-brainer that I HAD to see the documentary "Summer of Soul" by the amazing Questlove. 

"Summer of Soul (...Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)"  will be released in theaters by Searchlight Pictures and on Hulu on 7/2 so make sure you check it out. What is the film about? Let's get down to it. 

This is the directorial debut of Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and honestly, I trust anything he puts out that's music related because have you seen his music collection??? His knowledge of Soul Train is impeccable which makes him a fav in my book, not to mention his own musical legacy. Anyhoo, "Summer of Soul" revisits the historical Harlem Cultural Festival in the summer of 1969. Y'all. There are never before seen performances from a young Steve Wonder, Nina Simone, David Ruffin, 5th Dimension, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and more! 

Peep the trailer: 

All I'm gonna say is I felt some kind of way not being born yet and able to attend such an amazing festival. Watching it, I swear I was in a time machine and was right there in the crowd--the smell of sweat, that blue hair grease (IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW), food from vendors, the stench of weed (cuz I know there was some), and the sounds of singing, laughter, being bumped from the dancing--all the makings of a great time. The "Black Woodstock" as it's called by Hal Tulchin who was chronicling as much of the festival as possible. Cameras were brought in to capture the footage of every performer and grab reaction shots of the crowd. Meanwhile, that same summer, Woodstock was in progress and a film documenting that was a hit so Tulchin was sure pinning that nickname on it, would have the same appeal. 

Nah. Not so much. That's why the footage hasn't been seen until now. 

Imagine a 19 year old Stevie Wonder doing a drum solo. I swear I don't think I even knew he knew how to play the drums! I was mesmerized. Y'all know I love those tempting Temptations, and former lead man David Ruffin didn't disappoint. He held a single note for 20 seconds before launching into a soul-scream that had me in my living room praise dancing. THAT MAN CAN SAAAANG--and it made me remember that truly, "ain't nobody comin' to see you Otis" .. we came to see David sang his face off. Sly & the Family Stone brought the funk, while Nina Simone (side note-she is a NC Music Hall of Fame inductee and I urge you to check out her exhibit), is a vision to witness performing. Other standouts include Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples belting out "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," so you got some church and amen on a hot summer day. It was very church tent revival and I was here for it. 

The crowd shots make this entire documentary really shine. The hairstyles, the fashions, their facial expressions from being so hype to over the summer heat. I also loved hearing the artists today talk about putting that show together and hearing the climate of how things were during that time. Honestly, that summer of 69 could very well still be summer of 21 (just add in masks) because racial tensions are still out of order. 

I was left with the question of why this glorious festival was forgotten and who can we blame? But, maybe we aren't supposed to know. Instead, we should be grateful that we finally got to see the music, and a testament to Black power and beauty live and in color. It's more than just a concert film, it's a snapshot of a powerful moment in our history. 

So let me know who your favorite performance after you watch it! 

~Meik

Y'all. I absolutely love the Fast & Furious movie collection, so when I got the opportunity to screen the newest installation, "F9: The Fast Saga," it was a "HELL YEAH!" 

Disclaimer: Now, I'm not a review writer, so you're gonna get the mofo way of explaining things. 

I had no idea what was in store, first I had to get over my germaphobia anxiety about going into a theater again, but realized as long as I have my disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and mask--I'm good to go. Besides, when you first view a F&F film--it HAS to be in a theater. You want that experience of feeling like you are in the car or on standby ready to throw blows and fight bad guys with Letty, Dom, Roman, and the crew. 

I didn't read the film description or anything--had only seen the trailer, but I knew one thing, this franchise never disappoints, so I was ready to be thrilled. 

This movie kept me on the edge of my seat, and peeking behind my fingers lawd jeezus. But let me give you the synopsis real quick. Dom Toretto (Vin Disel) is drinking his water and minding his own business living quietly off the grid with his bae Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) and his son. (If you are asking me what son?!!! Then I'm gonna need you to refer to "The Fate of the Furious" film--that's number 8). Anyhoo, as you know it's probably mercury retrograde swooping in to disrupt things, but Dom is forced to confront his demons as he and his crew come together to stop a plot for world domination by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they have ever encountered which turns out to be Dom's triflin--errrr hard headed little brother Jakob (John Cena) and his sidekick wannabe dictator Otto (Thue Ersted Rasmussen). 

Directed by Justin Lin, the film still has old teammates Tej (Ludacris), Roman (Tyrese), as well as tech expert Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel). Throw in the notorious hacker Cipher (Charlize Theron again from "The Fate of the Furious" and lemme add here--her short hairdo is super cute). 

Side note: Tyrese really has the best comedic timing whether he's trying to be funny or not. I do love him as an actor. Full stop. 

Check out the trailer here:

Back to the review, with the addition of Jakob--I love that we finally get to see more of how the Toretto's got to be who they are. We find out more about their family history and learn more about the tragedy that tore them apart. Many characters from past films show up, including Bow Wow's character Twinkie. The film has several themes that stood out to me-- healing, second chances, forgiveness, reuniting, and of course family. 

Cardi B makes an appearance as well, I'm still wondering the purpose since it wasn't but a hot second but it was still great to see her. I love her energy! I would be curious to see if she makes another appearance in a future film. 

I couldn't help but notice that I actually missed The Rock yelling and screaming, but Cena's character although introduced like a soap opera script, since no one knew Dom & Mia had a brother, works. While the siblings look absolutely nothing alike, there are hints in the script as to their lineage.

There's a lot of fast cars, explosions--lots of explosions, fights, and magnets. I'm not even going to explain that one, you'll have to see it for yourself. Now, there are some things in this movie that are a little unbelievable and will have you questioning everything:

In the words of the great Jem & The Holograms-- this film is "truly, truly, truly, outrageous" with it's action packed sequences. It's a great escape from reality for 145 minutes. Put your seatbelt on and you might need to pack a helmet, because you're gonna feel like you are in the passenger seat with Dom n'em. 

"F9" is in theaters only on June 25.

Let me know if you go see it and what you thought! 

~Meik

 Hey Mofos! 

New interview on deck about TV One's new movie "Blood on Her Badge." I chatted with Tequan Richmond and Rayven Ferrell about their roles and the film. I even found out that Tequan is a fellow North Carolinian! Check it out here:

The movie airs November 16, 2020 at 8 P.M. ET on TV One. Let me know what you think after you check it out!

~Meik