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davidiiske
Reviews
A Cops and Robbers Story (2020)
Great redemption story mixed that exposes the NYPD
As a whole, it's a great and honest story of a young man that goes astray, finds a new path and life and succeeds in a way he never thought possible.
Also a story of the many problems with the NYPD of that time (and probably now).
The fact that his former partner said he never had a Black partner was astounding.
How was that possible in NYC?
Also reveals how the NYPD is institutionally against any kind of change and that if he never came out, speaking against the abuse and corruption in the system, his past never would have come up.
Pegues is a true redemption story and about overcoming any and all obstacles, including self imposed ones.
I did love the support he got from his old friends, none of whom tried to ruin him or his rise.
Last Man Standing: Suge Knight and the Murders of Biggie & Tupac (2021)
Another very thorough and updated documentary
Of course there isn't a lot of new ground to cover in these two technically unsolved murders but the producers were able to get a lot of new people to speak publicly and on the record and they add a lot.
The best and most important part is the indictment of the official LAPD investigation, led by Greg Kading.
Absolutely debunks their suggestion that LAPD officers were not involved and proves Kading to be a fraud and a liar and another member of the cover up.
I only watched it to see if there was anything new and was surprised there was so much.
Sweetheart (2019)
Good movie that does a lot in a little time
It felt a little like "Lost" meets "Cast Away" meets the "Creature From the Black Lagoon" and I enjoyed it.
Kiersey Lemmons is more than capable as the lead and carrying the film.
They add a couple more characters and there is enough to know there is backstory but they dont bog the movie down with long, drawn out dialogue as if they're going to solve all their personal issues right now, a common movie mistake.
The monster is fine and they smartly never reveal too much of it too soon.
The trend of good horror movies with Black women leads continues here.
I would recommend this movie.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)
Fantastic work by all
Like "Fences", it's done in a way that remains true to the stageplay: scenes done in intimate settings, intense moments broken up by levity, strong characterizations.
Also like "Fences" you might think this is a vehicle for one performer but it ends up being powered by another. For "Fences" it went from a Denzel movie to a Viola movie and here, she passed the baton to Chadwick Boseman.
Levee is so damaged but it's a damage many young Black men deal with to this day so it still hit home.
Davis' Rainey is a force that sees the world clearly and acts accordingly and I love it.
It's only 90 minutes or so and that's the perfect run time.
In, be great, out.
Just Mercy (2019)
Strong movie with some outstanding performances
You would expect this movie to be good and it is so I want to spotlight some of the other performances besides Jordan, Larson, and Foxx.
Rob Morgan is pitch perfect as Herbert Lee Richardson.
I don't know why O'Shea Jackson Jr put on so much weight but for his small role, he was very good.
Karan Kendrick should get a lot more attention for her performance as Foxx's on-screen wife Minnie McMillian, who is bravely holding everything together as her husband is facing the death penalty. A husband she has her own issue with but who needs her.
It must be amazing to be Bryan Stevenson and see a movie about yourself and not be old as sand.
All Day and a Night (2020)
Strong outing by all involved
Ashton Sanders is probably the best young actor in the game right now and this movie just adds to his resume.
It might look like an old school "hood" movie but there's a mystery subplot that unravels as the movie goes forward.
It doesn't tie up in a neat or necessarily positive bow so it doesn't cop out at the end but it does end on a good note for the lead character, if few others.
Very enjoyable drama.