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Archives for June 2023

McCoy on Movies: Asteroid City

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Wes Anderson’s latest film lands with a crater-like thud of jumbled, unfulfilling quirks and boring execution and familiarity

“Hello? Otto? I don’t know A Man Called Otto – this is a entirely different cinematic story, sir!” Auggie Steenbeck (Jason Schwartzman) chats with the father (Tom Hanks) of his now-deceased wife about his current plight in the mysterious desert town of ASTEROID CITY. Credit: © Courtesy of Pop.87 Productions/Focus Features 

 

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

 
DIRECTOR: Wes Anderson

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Jason Schwarzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffery Wright, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Liev Schreiber, Hope Davis, Stephen Park, Rupert Friend, Maya Hawke, Ethan Josh Lee, Steve Carell, Matt Dillon, Hong Chau, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie, Tony Revolori, Jake Ryan and Jeff Goldblum

THE BACK STORY: A story within a story, ASTEROID CITY begins with a narrator (Bryan Cranston) who introduces us to Conrad Earp (Ed Norton), a 1950s-era playwright in the throes of his latest work: “Asteroid City,” a desert town somewhere in between California, Nevada and New Mexico (presumably near Route 66) famous for its asteroid crater. A group of high school geniuses is about to converge on the one gas station, one diner and 10-spot motel town (population 87) for the awarding of a scholarship, which will be presented by General Grif Gibson (Jeffrey Wright).
Driving one of the geniuses is Auggie Steenbeck (Jason Schwartzman), a man accompanied by his three aspiring witch elementary school age daughters named after constellations and Woodrow (Jake Ryan), his eldest child that has already figured out what his dad needs to tell the family: Their mother died three weeks ago. But once their car breaks down and the town mechanic (Matt Dillon) says it’s gone for good, that prompts Auggie to call his father in law Stanley (Tom Hanks) to pick up the girls while his son attends the high school event.
Also attending the gathering? Film actress Midge Campbell (Scarlett Johansson) with her estranged genius daughter (Maya Hawke), Roger Cho (Steven Park) with his school newspaper genius son Ricky (Ethan Josh Lee) and J.J. Kellogg (Liv Schreiber) with his “someone dare me” son Clifford (Aristou Meehan).
Outside the pages of “Asteroid City,” however, the production team has its own issues as its director (Adrien Brody) is going through a personal turmoil and Earp is having trouble getting his story to progress.

 

THE REVIEW: I am going to open this in the tone and pace of a standard Wes Anderson character.
At 6:30 p.m., the screening started.
At 6:36 p.m., I checked my watch as I knew I was in for a long cinematic experience.
At 6:52 p.m., I contemplated leaving the theater and acting as if I had achieved something in true Wed Anderson character fashion, knowing I would be exposed by my fellow critics would not let me get away with my actions.
At 7:06 p.m., I nearly fell asleep until I felt my body slump in my non-reclined Barcalounger
At around 7:50 p.m., something interesting happened. There was also a moment of nudity that, while unnecessary, broke up the monotony of the pretentious, self-indulgent, quirky for the sake of quirky characters with dialogue that is supposed to feel artistic and stylish but in reality is overwrought if not also often nonsensical.
At about 8:10 p.m., I began preparing for the eventual summation scenes that, despite so much build up, will have hardly any true resolution and the film will just end awkwardly.
By 8:30 p.m., my nightmare was over, serving as a reminder to never give it to the temptation to watch another Wes Anderson film again only to realize I will somehow likely be suckered back in this vicious cycle yet again.
Wes Anderson aren’t about anything but Wes Anderson. The characters are always the same. The may vary in terms of age, ethnicity or sexual orientation, but THEY. ARE. ALL. THE SAME. They speak in ways no human being would ever speak, both in terms of vocabulary, sentence structure or the way they interact with one another, from their clipped, hushed tones to the robotic, emotionally unavailable yet wishing they could be mannerisms.
There is always a child that is smarter than an adult (a staple of an Anderson composition). There is always a person trying to control something that is not in their control (in this instance, it’s Wright as a general trying to keep order in a small desert town, Schwartzman as a new widow and Hanks as his estranged father in law) … And there is always a woman who or two that is beautiful but is very self-aware of how their physical presence is harmful to themselves or others (see Johansson’s character as a mother) … There’s also always Jason Schwartzman and Tilda Swinton.That’s just a fact.
Asteroid City isn’t just bloated by the staples of Anderson’s films. It’s also got the story within a story thing happening and one is far more interesting than the other, which simply seems to serve no purpose than to find a way for Cranston to provide his best Rod Serling imitation while Norton channels his best Truman Capote. It’s never feels like an homage, however – it just exists. And therein lies the problem.
As is the case with so many of Anderson’s films – The Fantastic Mr. Fox standing out as exception more and more with each new release – these stories just exist. There is nothing captivating, enthralling, enticing, exploratory or exciting. They just take up space on the screen like the characters often do in each other’s realities. That’s before you get into the whole discussion of how the story-within-a-story doesn’t work one iota, instead becoming a jumbled ensemble (an Anderson staple on steroids in ASTEROID CITY) with characters just taking up time and energy that should have been devoted to focusing on just a few to make a better film. (I don’t know what it is that makes actors go “I can have four lines for a non-memorable character in a 2-hour Wes Anderson movie?! I’ll take it!” but given that he repeatedly can find big names that will do it, I’m just happy he directs movies instead of political campaigns.)
It’s like being in a coffee shop with a hipster who is annoyed with other hipsters trying to be the ultimate hipster to establish their dominance … Only for those hipsters to be attempting the exact same thing to the chagrin of everyone else in the room who just wanted fresh java to start their day. Wes Anderson movies are only for people who like complaining about people who don’t “get” Wes Anderson movies, which reinforces Wes Anderson’s want and desire to make them regardless of whether he actually should.
In the end, the reality of Anderson’s latest work is this: 20+ plus years of watching the same movie has left this reviewer with a strong desire for an asteroid to obliterate whatever scripts he has waiting in the wings.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

 

The famous Peach Truck Returns to Dayton

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In just a matter of days, the ever-popular Peach Truck will be bringing fresh peaches to the region.

The concept, which began as a pop-up booth in Nashville, sells fresh, high-quality peaches from a cross-country truck. It has been featured in The New York Times, on The Food Network and in many other popular outlets.

The truck will make multiple Miami Valley stops this year, starting on June 25. Multiple other stops in the area will continue until early August.

You can find a full list of Dayton-area Peach Truck stops, as well as preorder peaches for pickup, here.  Stops include Dayton Mall, Presidential Banquet Center, Church of the Incarnations, Rural King, The Mall at Fairfield Commons, Menards and more

United States peach harvest numbers were affected by poor growing conditions this year, leading to an increase in prices for many vendors. This year, a 10-pound box of peaches will cost $38 at The Peach truck.

Scythian Plays Levitt Pavilion

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Rousing and raucous, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) plays roots music from Celtic, Eastern European and Appalachian traditions with thunderous energy, technical prowess, and storytelling songwriting, beckoning crowds into a barn-dance, rock concert experience.  Nashville’s Music City Roots says Scythian is ‘what happens when rock star charisma meets Celtic dervish fiddling’, and the Washington Post says “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.”

4 Paws for Ability 5K

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The 5K and mile walk will be held at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio on Saturday, June 24, 2023. After the race, check out the crafters and vendors at Zinnia Days in the Expo Center, and then come tour the 4 Paws campus; just a five-minute drive away!

This is a dog-friendly event; dogs must be fully vaccinated, on a leash, and be able to behave well around other dogs.

This year’s course will start inside the fairgrounds and use the paved, shaded, Creekside Trail across the road.

4 Paws for Ability trains and places service dogs with children and veterans with disabilities. The cost to train and place a service dog is $40,000 to $60,000. Fundraisers such as the 4 Paws 5K help us raise money to continue our mission!

All The Best Deli Opens Tuesday in Centerville

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Lee Schear, “obsessed with delis, created a team to visit many of the major delis in the U.S. to determine what the perfect mix of recipes, ingredients and atmosphere is.” Schear shared with us that this has been his dream for about the last ten years.  When in New York City he’d eat at the Stage Door Delicatessen or Carnegie Center Deli twice a day.

And now he’ll open his own deli, All The Best Delicatessen opens this Tuesday, June 20th on Far Hills Avenue. It will be open seven days a week from 11am – 7pm. It’s a full service deli with 80 seats and servers, as well as a deli counter.

They don’t try to hide the fact that they have  “shamelessly taken the best of the best ingredients from across the country sourced from traditional delis, groceries and bakeries.”  They actually promote it by sharing where they’ve sourced their ingredients. Their motto is they are “bringing you the All The Best and only the best from coast to coast!”

They’ve got smoked fish from Brooklyn, corned beef and pastrami straight from Detroit, chopped chicken liver ‘inspired by’ Zabar’s in Manhattan, rugelach from Cincinnati, rye bread sourced right here at home from Dorothy Lane Market. And Rachel Bakes will be providing their cheesecakes and seven layer cake.
They’ve printed their source list and you can pick up a copy at the deli.

sample of source list

matzo ball soup

Chopped liver

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was fortunate enough to attend a sneak preview and started my meal with matzo ball soup, which instantly brought me back to my Chicago days when my jewish neighbor would make this.
Other soup options include  chicken soup with noodles, a split pea, mushroom beef barley, tomato basil bisque or cold or hot beet borscht. Our table sampled quite a few menu items:

Jewish Cobb Salad

Pastrami sandwich

 

Rugelach

Cheesecake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sandwiches served on seeded rye bread were huge and half portions are available. Each table has a condiment tray and Schear was quick to point out that tums are offered at each table.

Also on the menu, a pickle plate, herring, knishes, and a smoke fish plate. Don’t be afraid to ask for a to go box so you can save room for dessert which includes Russian tea biscuits, cookies, a coconut bark, mandel bread and chocolate babka bread.

There is also a full service deli featuring smoked fish, deli cut meats and cheeses, pickles, olives, salads and desserts. Here’s a sample of their offerings:

Come July they will also be offering to-go platters for your party needs that can be picked up through their drive through window.

Can’t wait to go back and try more of the menu.  All The Best offers a true deli experience you won’t find anywhere else in Dayton. Here’s a peck at the menu to temp you:

All The Best Deli

5940 Far Hills Ave
Dayton, OH 45429

937.999.4204

Open daily 11am – 7pm

 

Centerville Summer Concert Series: Hotel California

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All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. Food trucks and concessions will be available at all shows. ASL interpretation is provided by Miami Valley Interpreters, LLC. Bring your own chair!

Hotel California is billed as the premier tribute to the Eagles and will be performing an extensive body of the legendary band’s work.

A Culinary Tour de France

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Chef Maria will be your tour guide for this culinary  journey through the different regions of France, including carefully selected pairings to both complement the food and represent the beautiful variety France offers!
Watermark Restaurant is offering this six-course menu for you to enjoy on Sunday, June 25th at 6:15pm.  Cutting Edge Selections will curate your experience with the impeccable knowledge of Brian Demark.
Six Courses with Pairings
The Menu:
Amuse Bouche – Burgundy
Gougère with Gruyere
Paired with – Comte de Laube Rosé
First Course – Provence
Pissaladière with dressed Arugula
Paired with – 2021 E. Guigal Tavel Rosé
From the Sea – Normandy
Mussels Marinières with frites
Paired with – 2022 Mary Taylor Anjou Blanc
Main Course – Burgundy
Coq au Vin, with fingerlings, pearl onion, carrot
Paired with – 2020 Gabriel Chevalier Bourgogne Rouge
Cheese – Paris
Brie, truffle
Paired with – 2018 Chateau German, Castillon Bordeaux
Dessert – Brittany
Sweet orange crepe, filled with pastry cream and topped with Calvados-macerated berries
Paired with sipper of Calvados
Tickets are $150 and that includes gratuity and you can reserve them here.

Watermark Restaurant

20 S 1st Street
Miamisburg, OH 45342

937-802-0891
Wed & Thurs 5-9pm
Fri & Sat 5-10pm

What are UAFs and LAAs?

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There are 59 UAF’s and 4600 LAAs in the United States—Culture Works is one of only 28 agencies that are both a UAF and an LAA.  Culture Works, our local United Arts Fund, raises money through the annual Campaign for the Arts. The campaign is more than just a fundraiser, it’s also a community engagement program. Collaborating with community businesses, artists, and arts organizations, Culture Works bring arts experiences into workplaces across the region, showcasing the richness and diversity of arts offerings in our region. The Campaign invites intentional investment by community stakeholders, people like you. Your gift makes it possible for Culture Works to offer general operating support grants to arts organizations in our region. Operating support is crucial to maintaining a vibrant arts community because no matter how much program funding an organization receives, one cannot run programs without staff, or lights. 

The campaign provides community engagement in the workplace, but also on the grantmaking side of the program. Culture Works distributes campaign funds using an outcomes-based grants funding process, like those used by the Ohio Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Under this model, a panel of citizens evaluates applications in a public review, using an established scoring rubric. This process provides fairness, transparency, and accountability for the applicants and the community a voice in cultural investment. Panelists see firsthand the impact our community dollars have on our arts organizations and the impact the arts have on our community. 

Culture Works, our Local Arts Agency, advocates for the arts in our region, representing arts organizations and artists on a local, state, and national level, asserting the importance of the arts in community development and economic growth. As our LAA, Culture Works forges partnerships that help to grow our creative economy. For example, Culture Works secured $500,000 in American Recovery Plan funds for regranting to arts organizations and artists in our region. Only 66 Local Arts Agencies were awarded such funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Edgemont Solar Garden

Culture Works has also received a National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Creative Placemaking grant. We’ve partnered with the Greater Edgemont Community Coalition to create a public artwork for the grounds of the Edgemont Solar Garden that articulates Edgemont’s community identity and brings attention to the Greater Edgemont Community Coalition’s mission to address food scarcity and nutritional education.  The Edgemont Solar Garden invites participation from the wider community at events, like their “Spring into Summer” event on Saturday June 24, 2023. from 12-4.p.m.  Artists from the Our Town project will be on site talking to members of the community about Edgemont and the Solar Garden to gather inspiration and members of the Edgemont Solar Garden leadership will be on hand to share and showcase their sustainability initiatives.   

Culture Works believes we should support the arts because the arts support us.  The arts are good for us—they enlighten, entertain, foster innovation, and generate income. The arts contribute 4.3% of the nation’s economy—a larger share of GDP than oft reported sectors such as agriculture, transportation, and construction. In our region, the arts generate 214 billion dollars annually. Culture Works, like UAFs and LAAs across the country, is working to bring the arts into bigger community conversations and undertaking bigger community challenges.  We believe that our community benefits and will continue to benefit from exploring, planning, implementing, and integrating the arts into our region as a whole.

According to Americans for the Arts, seventy-four percent of people believe the arts unite us.  Culture Works sees that impact in our community. Our region has many communities, like Edgemont, communities individual in character and diverse in culture, heritage, ethnicity, and experiences. The arts show us how we are connected, they reveal our shared humanity, celebrate our differences, and unite us, and change us from many communities into one. By supporting Culture Works, you support the arts, and person by person, community by community, gift by gift, the arts will change the world. 

Culture Works Campaign for the Arts is running now through June 30. https://cultureworks.org/support-the-arts/  Thank you for supporting the arts. 

Grateful Dead Cover Band – I Dig Pig

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Get ready to groove to the classic tunes of the Grateful Dead with the I DIG PIG cover band! This event is happening on Sat Jun 17 2023, 8:00 PM at 3725 Presidential Drive, Beavercreek, OH 45324.

Experience the magic of the Grateful Dead’s music with I DIG PIG – a band that’s all about capturing the essence of the legendary band’s sound with Ron “Pig Pen” McKernan. With their high-energy performances and attention to detail, they’re sure to transport you to a different era.

FREE SHOW! NO COVER CHARGE!!

So gather your friends and head over to the venue for a night of great music, good vibes, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to relive the magic of the Grateful Dead with I DIG PIG!

Crab Rangoon Eating Contest Announced

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Loose Ends Brewing Company is hosting a Crab Rangoon Eating Contest on Monday, July 3rd at 4pm.  Registrants will pay a $15 entry fee and then have 5 minutes to eat as many crab rangoon as they can. You must be 18 or older to register and you will be asked to sign a participation waiver the day of the event.
PRIZES: 
  • 1st Place: $100 Loose Ends gift card & 2 Loose Ends 4-packs
  • 2nd Place: $50 Loose Ends gift card
  • 3rd Place: $20 gift card
Register here.
890 S. Main St.
Centerville, OH 45458
937-723-6328
Tues – Thurs 4-9pm
Fri 4-10:30pm
Sat  11am – 10:30pm
Sun 10am – 8:30pm

Third Perk Coffee House Celebrates 8th Anniversary

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Juanita Darden-Jones, opened Third Perk Coffeehouse on Fifth Street in 2015, while also serving as a mathematics professor at Sinclair Community College. The cafe quickly became a Dayton favorite for meetings, grabbing premium coffee and a delicious chicken salad sandwich. It was there she launched her SHE-Ro speaking events, that highlights female community leaders who is open to mentoring other women, and she has a story to tell.
The next SHE-ROE Speaker event is  Saturday, July 15th in the community room at the Dayton Metro Library
West Branch Community Room.

She sits on the board of YLAG –Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness, mentoring our community’s youth. Juanita encourages people who would like to help support this group to make a donation and put the term Perk Up in the comments.

But when Premier Health moved out across the street, the entrepreneur saw a major drop in her business and the food traffic in the neighborhood dwindled. Then the proposed student housing in the old Dayton Daily News building fell through Darden- Jones moved her downtown location to 146 E. Third Street in 2020.

She also launched Third Perk locations at the Dayton Mall, Fairfield Common and most recently at Gem City Market. Sadly traffic counts weren’t high enough to sustain those businesses and they are now all closed. But Darden-Jones says that has given her time to re-focus and put effort into growing her downtown location. They’ve reved up the food menu serving quiche, salads and sandwiches. She has plans to expand the offerings and teases that her she’ll soon have the “sweetest corner” downtown.

She shares her journey in her podcast “The Broken Entrepreneur” as she goes through a massive shift to stay afloat.  You can follow what she calls her 18 Month Journey To profitability, scaling and sustainability For Years To Come.

Third Perk Coffee House

146 E 3rd St
Dayton OH 45402
 937-223-7375
Mon – Thurs 7am – 5pm
Fri 7am – 7pm
Sat 9am – 4pm

Phillip-Michael Scales Sings the Blues Tonight at Levitt

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Phillip-Michael was born in Michigan, forged in Chicago, and now lives in Nashville, TN. He grew up with B.B. King calling him “nephew” and calls his music “Dive Bar Soul,” a blend of Indie Rock storytelling and the passion of the blues. In 2022, he caught the attention of Ellen DeGeneres who invited him to perform on her final season.

Name of the Day For Free Sub is back At Firehouse Subs

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Firehouse Subs today announced the return of its fan-favorite Name of the Day free sub offer through June 23, 2023. As part of the promotion, anyone whose first name matches the Name of the Day can show their photo ID at participating locations for a free medium sub with any purchase.

The names for Thursday, June 15, 2023 are:

Any first name that contains a double T

If that’s your first name, show your photo ID at any participating U.S. Firehouse Subs TODAY, 6/15, and get a FREE medium sub with any purchase! 

To see if your name will be posted, follow Firehouse Subs on Facebook and Twitter or check here each morning to see the current Name of the Day.

 

5k Run For Beer

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The Ohio Brewery Running Series™ is hosting a a fun run course and great, local beer at Loose Ends Brewing on June 17th, 2023.

The fun run starts from the taproom at 11am. They’ve mapped out a 5k-ish course that starts and ends at Loose Ends and weaves throughout Centerville. Run, walk, jog – whatever goes! All ages, all levels are welcome.
Cross the finish line and celebrate! All participants receive:
-A FREE craft brew from Loose Ends Brewing
-Choice of a collector’s pint glass or seasonal swag item from the Brewery Running Series
-A chance to win sweet door prizes, like Brewery Running Series merchandise or beer to take home
-Access to event festivities like live music, games, goodies and giveaways
The mission of The Ohio Brewery Running Series™ is to be active, have fun and give back to our local community. A portion of all proceeds from our events support local nonprofits – over $350k raised to date! This event will add to that tally. 10% of registration goes directly to local organizations like Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and more. So not only do you get to enjoy some healthy activity and great, local beer – you are helping us support local organizations that do important work in our community.
Registration is limited to the size of the taproom and many of their events sell out. Sign up today!
Important details:
-This is an untimed, fun-run. All levels of walkers, runners and joggers are welcome.
-This is an open course, meaning roads will NOT be closed. You are responsible for obeying all traffic laws and regulations.
– Each route is created to start and end at the brewery and to show off the surrounding neighborhood. The course will be marked with arrows to help you know where to go.
-You must bring a valid ID or driver’s license. You do not need to be 21 to enjoy the event, but you must be 21 to enjoy the beer. Please drink responsibly. Registered, underage participants will receive a token for a FREE non-alcoholic beverage.
-Event is  rain or shine! If conditions become unsafe to run, we will still hang out and drink beer.
-There will not be a bag check; please plan accordingly and dress appropriately for the weather.
-Dogs and strollers are welcome on the course, with care and caution. Please remember – you are running at your own risk on city sidewalks / streets / trails, which might not be suitable for your 4-legged and /or pint size running buddies.
– Please drink responsibly.  Carpooling and safe, designated drivers are encouraged.Questions?  Contact us at [email protected]
Cheers to beers! We’ll see you at Loose Ends Brewing!
T

If You Love Theatre, Dayton Has Plenty Of Options!

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If you are looking for entertainment, the Dayton Theatre scene has you covered.

Beavercreek Community Theatre will open Twelfth Night this weekend. It’s  a funny, funky musical interpretation of a Shakespeare classic romantic comedy about mistaken identity and self discovery.  Directed by Matt Owens, with Musical Direction by Charles Larkowski, this show will run through June 25th.

Over at The Dayton Theatre Guild, the intense drama Hedda Gabbler, Directed by David Shough continues through Sunday, and is not to be missed. Returning from her honeymoon, Hedda finds herself already bored of her husband, and longing for the days when she was free to exercise her wild and independent whims. With the return of an old flame and a proposition from an amorous judge, she begins a dangerous game, amusing herself by manipulating and destroying everyone around her in an attempt to regain control of her life.

 

Brian Sharp brings the touching play, The Interview to the Westminster Dinner Theatre,  which is sold out.

 

Over at The Dayton Playhouse the campy, not for the easily offended Evil Dead, The Musical directed by John Detty takes the stage Friday, June 16 and runs through  Sunday June 25.

Five college students go to an abandoned cabin in the woods, and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It’s all up to Ash (a housewares employee, turned demon-killing hero), and his trusty chainsaw to save the day. Blood flies. Limbs are dismembered. Demons tell bad jokes…and all to music. This show is rated R.


South of town you’ll find Cyrano de Burger Shack, directed by Jim Brown and Rob Breving at Springboro Community Theatre.

Cyrano is king of the local Burger Shack, but he can’t seem to win the love of his best friend, Roxanne. When Roxanne confesses her crush on the new burger-flipper, Christian, Cyrano decides that playing Cupid is better than sitting out of the game. An updated, modern-day version of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, this rollicking musical features hit contemporary pop songs that will have audiences cheering

Sunday In The Park With George at Middletown Lyric Theatre. Sunday in the Park with George, merges past and present into beautiful, poignant truths about life, love and the creation of art. The days leading up to the completion of his most famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, Georges Seurat is struggling to make meaningful art and maintaining a relationship with his lover, Dot. Seurat’s artistic ability thrives while his love diminishes. This weekends shows are sold out, but tickets remain for June 23 & 24.

The Human Race continues INDIGO, a world premiere musical making its debut run at The Loft Theatre from June 7-25. Beverly braces for chaos when her mother is diagnosed with dementia and moves in with her and her husband. But when her daughter, a non-speaking autistic teenager, crashes back into her life, Beverly must confront her past mistakes and work to repair the bonds of trust and family. INDIGO is a powerful and heartfelt musical about accepting the mistakes our parents make and challenging ourselves to repair our own.

This powerful and heartfelt musical about breaking through is quickly winning over the hearts of audiences.

McCoy on Movies: THE BLACKENING.

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“Wait … Is that Tucker Carlson at a Kanye West concert?!” A group of old college friends – King (Melvin Gregg), Allison (Grace Byers), Lisa (Antoinette Robinson), Nnamdi (Sinqua Walls), Clifton (Jermaine Fowler), Dewayne (Dewayne Perkins) and Shanika (Xochitl “x” Mayo) in THE BLACKENING. Credit: Glen Wilson © 2023 Lionsgate Publicity
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:
 
 
DIRECTOR: Tim Story

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Melvin Gregg, Grace Byers, Antoinette Robinson, Sinqua Walls, Jermaine Fowler, Dewayne Perkins and Xochitl “x” Mayo with Deidrich Bader, Yvonne Orji and Jay Pharoah

 

THE BACK STORY: A group of young Black friends decide to meet up at a cabin in the woods to relive their college party days. This includes former thug turned reformed married man King (Melvin Gregg), the biracial Allison (Grace Byers), the lawyer with a penchant for molly (the drug, not a person) Lisa (Antoinette Robinson), Lisa’s old college flame Nnamdi (Sinqua Walls), the nerdy Clifton (Jermaine Fowler), Lisa’s gay best friend Dewayne (Dewayne Perkins) and the always ready to get down for a good Shanika (Xochitl “x” Mayo). Also set to join the party are Morgan (Yvonne Orji) and Shawn (Jay Pharoah)
Problem is, once the gang arrives, they discover very quickly that something is wrong. That’s when they find themselves locked in a room being forced by a terrifying voice coming from a Sambo figure from “The Blackening:” A board game that challenges their knowledge of black history and culture. And once a TV cuts on showing one of their friends in an extremely compromising position, they know just how serious their situation is.

So, what happens when the group is forced to confront their own hypocrisies, idiosyncrasies and culture to ensure they can stay alive? A lot – and since they all can’t die first, a lot of hilarity is set to follow.

THE REVIEW: While it’s not a pure classic (there are some moments that feel like missed opportunities to go even deeper on certain subjects), THE BLACKENING is sure to become a certified ‘hood classic among African Americans. Additionally, the film also carries the potential for a Friday-like following among all those who enjoy African American culture. For with THE BLACKENING, audiences are treated to a look into race (both in terms of what it means to be Black in America and in the eyes of other Black people) set against a cleverly-composed story with enough twists and turns to work on both a horror and comedy level.
In other words, it’s really entertaining and far more poignant than it should be for a 96-minute movie with a largely unknown cast.
Feeling a lot like the best work of Key & Peele within a horror movie context, The Blackening explores familiar territory – politics, what it means to be black, colorism and homophobia within the black community, etc. It does so, however, in a way that is entertaining, smart and multi-faceted, going out of its way to showcase how black people don’t exist as a monolith. In doing so, it also presents opportunities for the audience to examine how they think and act regarding those issues through laughter without being preachy, heavy-handed or depressing.
This wouldn’t be possible, of course, without the cast’s chemistry and the management of director Tim Story (Ride Along, Barbershop and the first two Fantastic Four films). Making fun of the horror movie format while working within it can go terribly wrong if not done properly, as can trying to use humor to make good points. Fortunately the cast passes its vibe check in spades (pun intended given the significant of the popular Black card game to the plot), making the film move at a crisp, suspenseful pace.
What could be better? Well, each character could get a chance to serve as a reflection of the different cross sections of society and the repeated use of the n-word could have sparked a great discussion among the characters. Likewise, some of the film’s subject matter feels a little late to the party in lieu of the fabled work of Chappelle’s Show, the aforementioned Key & Peele and Saturday Night Live‘s phenomenal “Black Jeopardy” sketches starring the late Chadwick Boseman and Tom Hanks. Alas, it’s hard to cram everything into just one movie and projecting the things one would love to see versus what the filmmakers gives will always leave room for a little disappointment.
Still, while it won’t reach Get Out levels of cultural discussion or impact, THE BLACKENING will add to our nation’s ongoing conversation about race, but will do so with a bunch of laughs along the way. It would be very interesting to see a non-black audience watch the film with a black audience watching them and vice-versa as that inherently would spur some great conversations. (I can only imagine the puzzlement of some leading conservatives asking what exactly “the cookout” is and the significance of an invite.)
All that notwithstanding, THE BLACKENING is one hell of a good time at the movies and welcome addition to a cinematic world where far too often the only thing black is the first victim.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):