Critic’s Notebook: In ‘Sorry to Bother You,’ Boots Riley Makes Much-Needed Room for Black Weirdness

The new comedy starring Lakeith Stanfield and Tessa Thompson is the rare film to feature deeply eccentric black characters who transcend the usual angry/noble dichotomy. In the buzzy, Sundance-feted comedy Sorry to Bother You, in theaters July 6, writer-director newcomer Boots Riley lets his black working-class freak flag fly — and he is mostly unconcerned with whether or not you’re following his trippy parade. Saturated … Continue reading Critic’s Notebook: In ‘Sorry to Bother You,’ Boots Riley Makes Much-Needed Room for Black Weirdness

‘Dear White People’ Reveals the Truth About Being Black in Trump’s America

The second season of Dear White People opens with an instantly recognizable cultural debate, yet one that has never been dramatized on television. The battle lines are fiercely drawn, the passions intense, and the arguers obstinate in their opinions: Should grits be salty or sweet? Justin Simien, who created the Netflix comedy and the 2014 race satire it is based on, laughs when we bring … Continue reading ‘Dear White People’ Reveals the Truth About Being Black in Trump’s America

20+ Films You Need to Watch About (Black) Race in America

The article from which this information is from was written last year. However, measuring the temperature of society’s climate today – domestic terrorist act this past weekend in Charlottesville, protests, etc. – it could have easily been written today. Although this list is not exhaustive (should also have the likes of  Alex Haley’s Roots – 1977,  Glory – 1989, The Tuskegee Airmen – 1995 and The … Continue reading 20+ Films You Need to Watch About (Black) Race in America