Richard Donner and the importance of making the ‘Unreal’ real
In light of the recent passing of Richard Donner—the director behind 1978’s Superman: The Movie, which gave us a tangible, groundbreaking comic book film—Mad Unreal takes a moment to examine the believable worlds fictional characters exist in. From DC, to Marvel, Bond, Blade, Daredevil, Mission Impossible, Batman, and many more: Why is it so important […]
REDEMPTION: Constantine
Demons, angels, warlocks, and cops: the perfect ingredients for a redemption story so twisted it could make the Devil smile. Snobs On Film: Redemption continues with 2005’s comic book occult film, Constantine. Keanu Reeves is Alan Moore’s demon-hunting detective whose life (and death) of sin has predetermined his fate. But can Constantine earn salvation when […]
What does Black Widow say about the future of the MCU?
Black Widow—the first MCU theatrical release in two long years—has finally dropped. The film has been well-received, but what does it tell us about the future of Marvel’s cinematic universe? Will we see more Phase 1 Iron Man-style world building, or will interconnected storylines and multiverse plans thrust new characters into pre-established arcs? Join hosts […]
REDEMPTION: Biutiful
This week, Snobs On Film: Redemption discusses 2010’s Biutiful, a haunting film seemingly shot on location in the landscape between choice and consequence. Oscar winner Javier Bardem is Uxbal, a struggling father whose illness has placed a ticking clock on his life and therefore threatened the livelihood and future of his children. To redeem himself […]
REDEMPTION: On The Waterfront
There are redemption films, and there are REDEMPTION films. Elia Kazan’s On The Waterfront is the latter. The #1Theme10Films Snobs On Film: Redemption season hits a new high with an episode that explores one of the greatest movies of all time. Acting icon Marlon Brando is a former boxer turned mob enforcer with a disappointing […]
REDEMPTION: Boomerang
The new season of SOF continues! Next up in our “One Theme. Ten Films.” reviews: the 1992 Black cult classic, Boomerang! love is in the air – or is it redemption? Directed by Reginald Huddlin, Eddie Murphy stars as Marcus: a cocky-as-hell ad executive who also happens to be the definition of a suave, successful, and insatiable […]
REDEMPTION: Flight
One theme. Ten films. Snobs On Film is back with a season that explores the theme of redemption as it plays out in ten very different movies! First up? Denzel Washington’s Flight, a story that begins with a literal descent and features a self-destructive pilot who seems determined to keep falling. Join us as we […]
Janet Jackson’s Control: The First Unapologetically Black Crossover?
More than three decades ago, Janet Jackson dropped an album that changed us all without changing anything about itself. As we approach Control’s 35th anniversary, The Music Snobs wonder if this seminal work of art is the first unapologetically Black crossover that didn’t change a damn thing to appeal to the mainstream. Things get even […]
Can Music Live Without Live Music? The Concert Conundrum In The 21st Century
Your favorite music journalist’s favorite music Snobs are back—and this time, they brought a guest. Legendary journalist and author Nelson George joins Arthur, Scoop, Isaac, and Jehan to explore the perilous state of live music performance, its recent past, and its endangered future. Can the art of music evolve without the presence of live performance […]
Bill Withers: The Everyman Who Spoke For Black Men
He was the everyman who spoke for Black men. He turned up his blue collar against the winds of change and remained a straight talker at every turn. He courted no glitz and evoked no glamor. His songwriting was threaded with the yarns of griots and represented the fabric of his people. His voice reverberated […]