Confessions of a Pop Culture Savant

The hottest takes on movies, television, and music, all seen through the eyes of a 24 year-old who has WAY too much time on his hands. 

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Atlanta, S2 E1 “Alligator Man” Review

There is simply put, no other show on television quite like Atlanta. Donald Glover’s surrealist take on the hood life swept through awards season like a tsunami, racking up Emmys and Golden Globes and transforming Donald Glover into one of Hollywood’s most elite superstars. Ever since the show’s hiatus Donald’s been....kinda busy, to say the least. He’s been able to capture the world’s attention by scoring a couple Grammys for his superhit “Redbone,” and playing screen icons like Lando Calrissian and Simba, but everyone wanted to know what was next for the adventures of Earl, Van, Alfred, and Darius. Two years later and it’s finally here, and trust me. You are not prepared for what happens next. 

It’s Christmas time in Atlanta, and that’s the season where robberies reach an all time high. It’s a phenomenon known as Robbin Season. It’s apparent from the first scene when we witness a robbery of a chicken joint that takes a turn for the strange pretty quickly. Meanwhile, Earn’s been keeping busy, trying to avoid going to jail all while looking after his cousin Alfred/Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry). When Earn gets a call that a friend of his has been kidnapped, they are looped into a fever dream of a scene, starring none other than Katt Williams, the man referred to simply as, Alligator Man (I’ll let you figure out why.) 

In summation, there are so many quirks and non-sequiturs in this episode that require so much unpacking and unraveling that spoiling it would be an injustice. Robbin Season feels like the comedy equivalent of Empire Strikes Back; It’s darker, more cerebral, less comforting, and more anxiety driven. Atlanta is a show that must simply be seen to be believed, and if this premiere is any indication, we’ve only seen the beginning of what Donald Glover’s twisted mind has to offer. 

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Marvel took a look at those Black Panther numbers and went shiiiiiet keep the party goin see you nerds next month.

[plantationmasterpoison]

Atlanta returns tonight!!!

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Black Panther changed my life.

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The Cloverfield Paradox: Spoiler-Free Review

Before I start this review, let the record show that this might be the most baller move in all of entertainment history. During the Super Bowl (FLY EAGLES FLY), you saw many amazing trailers for upcoming films. They ranged from goofy (Skyscraper) to conflicting (Solo: A Star Wars Story), but there was one that left everyone stunned: The Cloverfield Paradox. The third installment of the monster movie anthology, formally known as The God Particle, was rumored to premiere sometime this year, but nobody expected this: Netflix not only announced the movie’s existence with a Super Bowl trailer but said that you can watch it as soon as the game ends. Talk about some cajones of pure brass. The Cloverfield marketing team is known for its outlandish stunts, but that’s only half of the equation. What audiences want to know is…Is the movie good?

The year is 2028 and the world as we know it is smack-dab in the middle of an energy crisis. In order to save it, every country pulls from their resources to test the Shepard particle accelerator aboard the Cloverfield Station so that we, as a civilization, can have unlimited energy for the rest of our days. The good news is, that it works. The bad news is that it sends our crew into a parallel dimension and from there on out it is a ruthless fight for survival. As for how it connects to Cloverfield and 10 Cloverfield Lane, well you’ll just have to see for yourself. Paradox takes from the traditional haunted-house-in-space trope and adds that J,J. Abrams flair to keep you wondering how it all comes together. Gugu Mbatha-Raw takes center stage as Ava Hamilton. She’s not Ripley in the slightest. Her performance is all the while enthralling and heartbreaking. The crew is made up of plenty of familiar faces, like David Oyelewo, Chris O’Dowd, Zhang Ziyi, Elizabeth Debecki, and Daniel Bruhl, just to name a few. Everyone is fantastic, but it’s Chris O’Dowd who steals the show with his traditional dry humor. Elizabeth Debecki is also a joy to watch, even though I can’t tell you much about this character, just take my word for it, she’s dope.

In short, The Cloverfield Paradox is a tense horror-thriller that falls into the old generic space ploys, while also offering new ideas on the future of this franchise. Doesn’t matter how paper thin the plot can get sometimes, it’s really the chemistry of the cast and the AMAZING special effects that drive this film home. Enjoy it for what it is, have fun, scream, laugh cry, and then you can let your theories run wild later.

8/10

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Have you accepted Donald Glover/Lando Calrissian as your personal Lord and Savior? 

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I’m getting my Anthony Fantano on this weekend. 

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Justin Timberlake-Man of the Woods Review

It’s damn near impossible to hate Justin Timberlake. Justified and FutureSex/LoveSounds are bonafide pop standards, and while 20/20 Experience didn’t have the same reaction as his previous works, he still manages to stay ahead of his peers. Problem is, the pop landscape keeps on changing, and many critics wondered how a veteran was going to adapt with the times. Only thing is…Justin didn’t.

               As soon as the promo video for Man of the Woods hit the web, the public was a bit skeptic. I’m all about change, don’t get me wrong, world, but, seeing JT galivanting in the woods with the horses and bonfires left many feeling like their Prince of Pop betrayed them. Die-hard fans accused JT for adapting black sounds for some sales, and then turning his back for a more “personal, family-driven” grassroots album. (See Miley Cyrus’ throwing away her twerk phase for a country album.) But we are not here to talk about white people and black music. That is a whole nother article. We’re here to talk about Man of the Woods, and whether or not it’s good. And…Meh. It’s cool. Let me explain.

From hearing the first track, “Filthy,” you’re reminded of the good times you had with FutureSex/LoveSounds, with its slinky bassline and sparse drums. From there on out, we hear JT attempting to incorporate country-centric sounds over bouncy Neptunes production, and while some of it works, most of it sounds a bit forced, ruining otherwise decent songs. “Midnight Summer Jam” is basically “Rock Your Body” funneled through the Grand Ole Opry engine, with its busy fiddle and a harmonica solo that you either hate or grow to love. It’s still pure JT.

The rest of the album plays out like a grand experiment, and while I found most of it to be a little dry (Sauce, Montana, Wave) there are a few songs that capture the sound perfectly. An early highpoint for me would be “Higher, Higher.” The Neptunes’ trademark 808’s are front and center, matching with JT’s falsetto and a moody guitar line. “Say Something” is a powerful collaboration with country superstar Chris Stapleton, arguably one of the best new voices in music, and it surprisingly fits with its anthemic chorus. “Flannel” brings together a Peter Paul & Mary-esque chorus with folksy campfire grooves. Alicia Keys pops up on the lovestruck duet, “Morning Light,” which plays out more like an old-fashioned Motown record than a full-out country song. The double shot of “Breeze Off the Pond/Livin’ Off the Land” is perhaps the centerpiece of the album, with Timberlake and Neptunes working at their full power, telling a tale about the blue-collar working man. Seems a bit inauthentic coming from a multi-millionaire, but I digress. The title track sounds more like something you’d hear on a Disney Channel soundtrack, with this southern-fried twangy guitar in the background and springy bassline that makes it hard to take a bit seriously.

In summary, Timberlake’s attempt at blending bluegrass sounds with R&B vocals comes off as a bit bland and boring. Not to say that hasn’t worked before (shout outs Nelly & Tim McGraw), but coming from one of the vanguards of pop, the change is admirable, but unnecessary in the long run.

Welp. We’ll always have Senorita. 

6.9/10

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Man of the Woods review coming soon. 

Spoiler alert: I don’t....really....hate it???

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Back Lightning “Lawanda: The Book of Burial” Review

(this review contains mild spoilers and plot devices)

It’s always been said that the Lord works in mysterious ways, but if you live in Freeland, Black Lightning might be the answer to your prayers. The third episode of Black Lightning is a somber ensemble piece that takes a massive risk in storytelling and replaces thrilling heroics with real-life consequences.

The city is still reeling after the death of Lawanda White by the hands of the 100, and Jefferson Pierce is starting to feel the pressure of his own people, specifically a restless pastor (played by the iconic Clifton Powell), who has had it up to here and decides to organize a march to stand up to the gangsters. If that isn’t enough, there’s also the war at home, where wild child Jennifer makes the decision to lose her virginity, much to Jefferson’s chagrin. Meanwhile, Anissa is embarking on her own journey, learning to hone in on her newfound superpowers, while making time with a cute new bartender. We finally see Tobias White step into his own, in full hammy mustache-twirling glory. (“Everybody wanna go to heaven but nobody wanna die.”) and, in perhaps the most exciting guest spot I’ve seen in a while, Jill Scott as the sickly and sweet Lady Eve, the mob boss less concerned about people’s belief in God, and more concerned in losing her streets. All of these emotions culminate in a relevant and heartbreaking finale that can’t be missed.

As I’ve said before, “The Book Of Burial” pulls back on the action to focus on the Pierce family and their surroundings, and it does that in a beautiful fashion. Not to say it’s a drama piece entirely, there’s still laughs to be had, such as Jefferson confronting Jennifer’s boyfriend, and James Remar’s Gambi training with Jefferson. For some, the earnestness may come off as corny, whereas a character sees Black Lightning in the flesh and starts to sing “Amazing Grace,” but it means well. “The Book of Burial”  is a sobering reminder of what I love about the comic book genre: less worried about fight scenes and spandex, and more worried about the people who make these heroes happen.

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“Black Lightning” Lawanda: The Book of Hope Review

Black Lightning is back! Well...sort of. 

Jefferson Pierce is in a bit of a dilemma. After his attack on the 100 left Freeland wondering if the fabled Black Lightning was back in action, his estranged wife Lynn is trying her damndest to keep her family close. Jefferson considers a permanent retirement until he crosses paths with Lawanda, a mother mourning the loss of her daughter due to the uprising gang violence. Instead of moping and trying to move on, Lawanda is hellbent on revenge, a move Jefferson strongly advises her against. Her passion culminates in a move that forces Jefferson to suit up once more to save his city. Now, to be honest with you, after the series premiere I was a bit nervous to see how they would progress. Sophomore jinx and whatnot, but holy shit. This episode was 60 minutes of pure AWESOME. Cress Williams and Christine Adams continue to bring it every week with their performances. NaFessa Williams shines new light as her portrayal as Anissa, who (spoiler alert!) is dealing with her own relationship problems with her girlfriend, and her newfound abilities. China Anne McClain as Jennifer is reeling from the attacks in her own way; By getting drunk on campus (It’s a nice way, not the healthiest, but different strokes.) but the real star of this epside: THE MUSIC. From the first time you hear Al Green’s “Simply Beautiful” serving as the theme song, to a badass fight sequence set to Billy Paul’s “Am I Black Enough For You,” the music always seems to be the star of this show. All in all, “The Book of Hope” is a strong follow-up to last week’s premiere, and is proof that this show keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait to see what they do next. 

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Meryl Streep to Star in 'Big Little Lies' Season 2 for HBO

The actress, fresh off her Oscar nomination for 'The Post,' returns to HBO after winning an Emmy for 'Angels in America.'

This is like Durant going to Golden State. 

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Breaking Bad: Ten Years Later.

January 20, 2008.

Walter Hawthorne White was at his wits end. He was a cancer-ridden high school chemistry teacher, barely unable to support his pregnant wife and rebellious son.. All seemed lost until a chance encounter with ex-student/meth dealer Jesse Pinkman changed the course of their lives, and television, forever. You don’t need me to say it. Breaking Bad was simply put the most addictive and mesmerizing program ever to be put on the small screen. Creator Vince Gilligan painted a surreal picture of Albuquerque, New Mexico, peeling away the middle-class suburbia paradise and trading it in for nightmarish addicts, ruthless kingpins, and heartless assassins that made every hour a thrill to watch. The cast elevated their performances with every heart-wrenching season, making it a masterclass of acting. Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of Walt is so humorous, heartfelt, and terrifying, that Sir Anthony Hopkins called it the single greatest performance he has ever witnessed. Aaron Paul’s transformation as Jesse Pinkman is one of the single most heartbreaking arc ever seen. A man who was once a goofy druggie slacker, now haunted by the mistakes he’s made in the past, the love he lost, and the manipulation of his mentor. Anna Gunn brings hubris to Skyler White, a housewife turned pesudo-queenpin of her own, much to the annoyance of the viewers. In short, Breaking Bad set a new pinnacle for the cable-drama format. The influence is undeniable, the quotes are endless (YEAH BITCH MAGNETS!), the imagery is burned into our brains, and just like the drug it created, once you start it, you never want to put it down.  

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Black Lightning, Episode 1, “The Resurrection” Review.

From the first time you hear Nina Simone’s haunting rendition of “Strange Fruit,” while a black man witnesses the terrors of gang violence and police brutality ravage his city, it’s clear that Black Lightning has a thesis statement: We are a black show, and we’re damn proud of it. It’s rare to see a superhero show where it’s so bold in its awareness about the world that is 2018 America, but this pulls it off beautifully, without shame might I add. The latest DC Comics Superhero to make the leap from the comic panels to the small screen, Black Lightning cares less about sharing universes and more about being its own entity, and it’s all seen in this fearless and earnest series premiere. 

Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) isn’t your regular plucky teenage superkid. He’s a grown-ass man. The beloved principal of the high school and father to two independent daughters; Anissa (Nafessa Williams), the med student/freedom fighter, and the youngest of the duo Jennifer (China Anne McClain,) whose priorities lie more with social media and bad boys. Little do they know that nine years ago, Jefferson spent his nights protecting the downtrodden as Black Lightning, but when the job began to take a toll on his life and family, he was forced to retire.  When he’s not coming to terms with his divorce, all Jefferson wants to do is be a pillar to his community, but when his daughters become embroiled with a local gang, the 100, Jefferson is forced to don the black and blue costume once again to save his girls, and his town.

This is a show that is completely confident being in its own skin. As I’ve mentioned before, this seems to be less concerned with fanboy crossovers and is more of a portrait of a family man who will go to immeasurable odds to keep his family afloat while racial tension continues to rip his city apart. The highlights for me had to be Cress Williams’ performance as Jefferson Pierce. He brings such a commanding and authoritative presence that makes him captivating to watch, even when he’s not electrocuting thugs through walls. This pilot does an excellent job of setting up a world, and leaves viewers wondering what’s gonna happen next, especially revolving around the main baddie, Tobias White (Marvin Jones III/Krondon.) Any villain that straight up shoots a dude in the shoulder with a harpoon has a story worth watching. Black Lightning isn’t the latest of token heroes to come back for a shallow diversity ploy, he’s a promising reminder of what being a hero is really about, and what sacrifices are necessary to protect the ones we love. 

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Ten Years Later: Cloverfield (2008)

Ten years ago, you probably went to your local theatre and you saw a trailer about a going-away party that went horribly wrong. There was chaos and explosions, all seen through the lens of a handheld camera, and it ended with the money shots to end all money shots: The Statue of Liberty’s decapitated head sent flying into the streets of New York. And we all said the same thing: What the hell was THAT? Cloverfield was a masterclass in marketing. No matter where you went or who you were talking to, everyone wanted to know “Yo, what does 1-18-08 mean?” Was it a new Godzilla reboot? A new King Kong? Something entirely different? Our brains did the work for us before we even entered the theatre. Cloverfield was one of the first movies I ever experienced that felt like an event. In this spoilerific day and age where studios have the audacity to release trailers for trailers, to go into a film and have no idea what it was about, or who was in it, or who directed it was a joy to behold. And thank God that the film was actually awesome. It’s dark, it’s funny, it’s thrilling, and it’s exactly what you go to the movies for. It’s the best Universal Studios attraction never made. I defy you to find a scene this decade with the tension and fear of the subway sequence, where our heroes are walking on the railroad tracks, and out of nowhere, they must face off with the termites from hell. It’s still a scene that will give the toughest men nightmares. At its essence, it’s a story of a group of friends who risk life and limb to rescue one of their own, told from a unique point of view that hasn’t been seen in years.

Safe to say that,  I don’t think Hollywood will ever be as brave as they were way back on 1-18-08. 

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I got a new segment coming up called “We Failed This Artist”

Send me some artists/bands that you feel never got the clout these so righteously deserved. 

Who Ya Got? 

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First look at "Ant-Man & The Wasp!"