June Squibb is audacious. She is over nine decades old and still has stamina playing the cranky and determined grandma in Thelma. Squibb keeps the giggles coming through layers of comedy and action. Thelma was written and directed by Josh Margolin. The film is cleverly funny due to Squibb’s unique silliness.
The film is titled Thelma, the name of Squibb’s character. She is a grandmother in her nineties. Her grandson Daniel (played by Fred Hechinger) takes care of her. Daniel finds himself helping his grandma with her lack of technology and daily life skills. Thelma has the personality that many grandmothers tend to have. She asks many questions, is set in her ways, and does not let subjects go. One day this all changes when she gets scammed over the phone and loses thousands of dollars. Thelma is frustrated, but on a rapid mission to get her money back.
With the help of an elderly man, Ben (played by Richard Roundtree), Thelma benefits from this comedic duo.
With Roundtree’s recent passing, this film showcases his signature Shaft attitude, especially when a titanium hip is used as a weapon. The quirks of Squibb and Roundtree are endless. The writing highlights how their age adds some challenges to their mission. It also heightens their anger and vindictiveness which makes the movie killer funny.
Thelma is wonderful and quirky. She will not stop until she gets her money back. Thelma will make audiences laugh until their chests hurt. Four stars for Thelma.
Sing Sing, directed by Greg Kweda, soars with empathy and is a film in which turmoil finds courage. In the initial tone of the movie, it may appear that all is lost. However, there is lightwhen inmates have a chance to feel restored through doing stage performances.
Sing Sing is the name of the prison in this true story. The main character is John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield (played by Colman Domingo). He is in prison for a crime he is falsely accused of and faces good and bad days. He builds connections with other inmates, such as D Dan (played by Sean Dino Johnson) and Clarence Maclin (played by himself). John shares the disconnect in this life of turmoil. This begins to change with the help of Brent Buell (played by Paul Raci) who provides the voice of inspiration for these inmates. They all act together in a theatrical group. Their fascination with the arts is where they find their voices again.
Sing Sing is about letting go and finding fulfillment. With strong writing by Maclin, the real John ‘Divine G” Whitfield, this true story displays realistic and humanistic qualities which add to the depth of Sing Sing. By exploring the process of finding rewardsin the present, a powerful message is delivered.
There is value in Sing Sing as it effectively portrays how theperformance arts can create spellbinding achievements. Adrenaline of appreciation went pulsing through my chestduring the film due to my background in the arts, I rememberedhow much the stage meant to me. A heartfelt love for the arts makes for memorable connections with Sing Sing. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.
This film is faithful to a true story and has a strong sense of appreciation and empathy. Rustin is directed by George C. Wolfe, written by Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black, and has Barack and Michelle Obama as executive producers. Rustin is one of the most inspiring and realistic films of 2023. It is a story in which voices and delivering a message matter. Rustin tells the tale of Bayard Rustin and the 1963 March on Washington.
In the movie, Bayard Rustin is played by Colman Domingo. Roy Wilkins is played by Chris Rock, A. Philip Randolph is played by Glynn Turman, and Martin Luther King Jr. is played by AmlAmeen. Rustin focuses on the efforts to get the March on Washington to be a monumental success to bring attention to racial discrimination and the passing of the Civil Rights Act. The conflict arises because Bayard is gay. He is closeted and maintains a discreet relationship with Tom (played by Gus Halper). Bayard is trying to do his part in the fight for Civil Rights. However, the politics continue to provide challenges and cause him plateaus, so he must keep finding inspiration for the March on Washington to be successful. The many political voices have various perspectives. Adam Clayton Powell (played by Jeffrey Wright) is the vocal congressmen. Powell, Wilkins, and Randolph believe politics should go by the book. Bayard, however, believes in creating a legacy with the March on Washington and says, “Sound is how you turn a crowd into an audience.” The voice of his wisdom throughout Rustin is monumental.
The era of segregation is not displayed in a negative way during the film, but on establishing a foundation to end it. The building blocks of Rustin are in the screenplay which highlights the importance of having a voice. The story is also built upon the mission of Bayard to do what is right. Unfortunately, his sexuality is his weakness. During this time, racism and sexuality do not mix well. Still, Bayard does not let the negative media or the people around him deter him. He finds inspiration in pursuing his goal. Rock’s performance is strong in portrayingpolitical power. His character believes in playing fair and by the rules, but Bayard is not. Their competing mindsets demonstrate strength in Rustin.
This film’s focus on diversity gets a little misconstrued as it covers the historical evolution of the story. Rustin is realistic in portraying perspectives of black and white characters. Some of the racial dynamics and political conflicts alter the plans for the March. The film primarily highlights the dynamics involved in overcoming the hurdles so that the March can happen. Overall, the film is a revolutionary experience that will touch audiences hearts.
Watching Rustin was thought-provoking for me. What came to my mind is how much lives matter, no matter one’s race. The fight for freedom is an emotional ride in Rustin, and it is a winning experience. The performance of Domingo shines with hope as does much of the movie. There is that historic sense of what the times were like to be a voice for the world. There is a narrative of the trial-and-error throughout the era that reveals how repetition can serve a purpose in life. Rustin is an experience that is alive.
How successful was the March on Washington? Does Rustin have many supporters by his side? Does the message of the film resonate? I had many moments of happiness during Rustin. The story proves that changing the world takes an army of like-minded people. Four out of four stars for Rustin.
Movies with Tarek 