Tag: LaKeith Standfield

Judas and the Black Messiah

Judas and the Black Messiah

Appropriately “Judas and the Black Messiah” hit theaters in February for Black History Month. The movie is based on true events that occurred in Chicago during the late 60’s. An FBI Informant infiltrates the Chicago branch of the Black Panther Party. The informant is tasked with keeping tabs on the branch’s Chairman Fred Hampton and reporting back. The Informant has a bit of a dark past as a thief so being an informant allowed him to use some of his skills. 

Chairman, Fred Hampton falls in love with a fellow revolutionary member of the party just as his political prowess grows. The Informant wages a battle with his soul as events start to take shape and he is forced to make some tough decisions. The story unfolds from there…

The story is compelling, deep and at times hard to watch. The performances are on point. It’s the performances that make the movie. Parts of the story are a painful reminder of the struggles that continue to plague our country even today. The surface is only skimmed on several other smaller stories in the movie.

“Judas and the Black Messiah” is playing on the big screen. If you don’t want to wear a mask and you have HBO MAX you can stream it for free at home until Mar 14th.

If you can digest the story line, the movie is definitely worth a look.

This is a 4 ½ Star Movie!!

Uncut Gems

If you go see “Uncut Gems”, you will see actor/comedian Adam Sandler in a new light!

“Uncut Gems” is about a New York City Jeweler, Howard (Sandler) who is always looking for the next big thing. He hustles from his place of business to various other jewelers around the city. His clientele varies from the NBA Super Star Kevin Garnett (He does make an appearance) to other NYC business owners to Bookies and people on the wrong side of the law.

Howard performs what appears to be a “High-Wire” Act balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries all around him while making a variety of high-stake bets that could land him that big windfall for life.

The movie is in your face. The execution of the movie is on point, but the subject matters that are illustrated are not fun or entertaining. This movie contains “Strong Violence, Nudity, Sexual Material/Situations, Drug Use and Strong Language”.

I personally did not like the movie, not because of what the movie contained, but because of the illustrations of some of the scenes and the boldness of it all.

Several theater patrons left before the movie was over. With a 2 hour 15 minute running time it seemed like the movie would never end.

The paid critics found “Uncut Gems” to be “Fresh”. It received a 93% Score on Rotten Tomatoes. I disagree…I would have to give “Uncut Gems” a 60% Score.

See “Uncut Gems” for yourself, if you dare.

This is a 2 ½ Star Movie!!