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Archives for March 2024

McCoy on Movies: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

March 23, 2024 By Tabari McCoy

“Frozen Empire” shows latest “Ghostbusters” adventure not completely thawed out as much as it should be.

The teaser poster for GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE. Credit: Sony Pictures Publicity.

 

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

 

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Emily Alyn Lind, Logan Kim, Celeste O’Connor, Annie Potts, Kumail Nanjiani, James Acaster, Dan Akroyd, Ernie Hudson and Bill Murray with William Atherton

DIRECTOR: Gil Kenan
THE BACK STORY: Picking up after the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE finds Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd) now living with his girlfriend Callie Spengler (Carrie Coon), her now 18 and clamoring to be an adult son Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and daughter Phoebe (McKenna Grace). Gone is the family house in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma, however, as the quartet is now living inside the Ghostbusters’ old firehouse in New York City. 
 
It’s a good thing, too, because it seems that something strange is always popping up, much to the chagrin of now Mayor Walter Peck (William Atherton). The organization’s longstanding oldest human nemesis, Mayor Peck is tired of the Ghostbusters’ constant destruction despite their work to constantly save the city, which is why he’s always looking for a way to shut them down. 
 
Phoebe, however, is dealing with her own problems. Informed she can’t be out working due to only being 15, Phoebe feels extremely out of place not being able to do anything, especially since it seems no one truly understands her. That’s why when she is greeted by a teenage spectre in the form of Melody (Emily Alyn Lind), she is happy for a newfound friend, even if they exists on two literally different astral planes.
 
There is something Phoebe, Gary, nor the rest of her family know, however … For while Raymond Stantz has been keeping up his fascinations with his occult book store and Peter Venkman is off doing Peter things, Winston Zeddmore (Ernie Hudson) has been using his company to study ghosts up close and personal. The research has brought about many revelations in ghost containment, which is good given that the old firehouse unit may be reaching capacity.
But what does any of that have to do with Nadeem Razmaadi (Kumail Nanjiani) and the strange brass ball that used to belong to his grandmother that he just sold to Ray? Let’s just say whatever is inside definitely wants to get out and turn the world into its own frozen empire …
 
THE REVIEW: After the maligned release that was 2016’s Ghostbusters installment, 2021’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife was a refreshing installment that honored the past films while carving out its own niche. In short, it felt like a new chapter in a story that enhanced it, capturing the sentimental and sweet with the funny and sarcastic.
 
GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE, however, by and large mostly just feels like a sequel. Save for the teenage coming of age elements of Grace’s character’s story – Is she out of place because she’s smarter than most of the adults? Is her relationship with Melody one that would be romantic if possible? – the story moves along, but lacks anything that makes it feel like other than what it is: A sequel that is okay but not on par with its predecessor. 
 
Many of the jokes feel like heavy-handed, well worn gags, the villain is almost an afterthought up until the last 20 minutes and Nanjiani feels a little out of place. The film’s narrative is also guilty of doing a lot of telling versus showing to keep things moving along and Murray dare I say feels like he’s just going through the motions when he’s onscreen. Then again, the visuals are nice, Grace does a lot of heavy lifting to give the film some sort of emotional center and the aforementioned last 20 minutes is an entertaining climax. 
 
That all being said, unless you are a diehard Ghostbusters fan (note: the author would include himself in that mix), you won’t really feel like you’re missing anything if you don’t catch FROZEN EMPIRE on the big screen. It’s a perfect Saturday afternoon movie for when you’re at home cleaning the house or not doing anything else, but if you’re worried whether or not you need to rush out to catch the latest installment, the answer sadly is no.
 
I ain’t afraid of no ghost, but I am afraid that the latest installment is more “okay” than it is spell-binding. 

 

 
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
 

 

 

Filed Under: On Screen Dayton, The Featured Articles

This Must Be the Party — A Tribute to the Talking Heads

March 23, 2024 By Brandon Berry

This ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco, this ain’t no fooling around — except it is a party, it is a disco, and there is a fair amount of fooling around.

This Must Be the Party — a Dayton, Ohio all-stars celebration of the music of Talking Heads — is on Saturday, March 30 at The Brightside Music & Event Venue. 

From its impetus at the now-defunct Oddbody’s in 2017 to the Brightside ballroom in recent years, this annual stage show recreates the frenetic mannerisms of David Byrne and the rest of the Heads from Jonathan Demme’s 1984 concert film, Stop Making Sense.

Then again, This Must Be The Party might be closer to a Heads’ show than Demme’s documentary since the Dayton stage show also includes “Cities” and the mashup of “Big Business/I Zimbra”: songs that were part of the Heads’ 1983 performance but not the theatrical release.

From setlist to wardrobe to props to choreography, This Must Be The Party is as faithful to the show as Byrne was to (allegedly) snorting stimulants. But filling the many big suits of David Byrne takes a certain level of commitment.

“Nobody wanted to be David Byrne all night,” said Libby Ballengee, booker for The Brightside and owner-operator at Venus Child Productions. “That’s when we cooked up the idea of having multiple David Byrnes, literally just for stamina because there’s so much running on stage.”

Donning the loose-fitting gray Byrne suits this year are Nathan Peters (Turboslacker), Eric Cassidy (Human Cannonball), Matt Byanski (Nasty Bingo), and Asche Pooler (Abertooth Lincoln) as the newest member of the group, graciously taking the place of the late Brian Spirk who passed away unexpectedly in October.

“Brian was an immensely talented and beautiful soul,” said Brian Hoeflich, drummer for This Must Be The Party. “We hope to honor him by continuing this show and spreading the joy that he spent so many years bringing to everyone.”

Here are a few David Byrnes on being David Byrnes:

Eric Cassidy: “I think that being David Byrne for the night is the most fun you can possibly have entertaining people. Just like actual David Byrne, the crowd will follow you to some weird places. And the more you give, the more you get back from the crowd. Walking out in front of one of the best bands that you have ever heard is so empowering. They got the crowd moving. They got ME moving. And I can ride that wave and use it to explore the stage with dance that is partly inspired by the original show, and also kind of my own thing. And the songs are just so good and well-known. It’s a blast!”

Matt Byanski: “It’s an honor and a challenge. The coat is great — the pants need to stay on! Suspenders are your friend!”

Asche Pooler: “I can’t tell you honestly in context just yet (because it is my first year) but I can tell you this: the rehearsals alone are so incredible to be a part of and watch, so I have an immense feeling that the actual show will be something to behold as well. I’m realizing that David and I have more in common as “weird” sort of musicians while doing it. So, in short, it feels good, man.”

Another addition to this year’s show is keyboardist Damien Dennis, alongside the return of backup singer Mykal who was an integral part of past performances.

Alongside the musicians mentioned above, the cast for This Must Be The Party includes Khrys Blank, Nathan Lewis, Patrick Himes, Chris Corn, and Erich Reith.

“We hope to eventually develop a theater stage version of the show,” Hoeflich said. “With projection screens and mobile instrument risers — just like Talking Heads did originally.”

Every year, the show grows nearly indistinguishable from Byrne’s original concept. So even if this is not your beautiful house and this is not your beautiful wife, This Must Be The Party. It’s once in a lifetime and it happens once a year.

This Must Be the Party — A Tribute to the Talking Heads, a Venus Child Production, is on Saturday, March 30 at the Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio 45402). Doors are at 8 p.m. Funky esoteric post-rock trio The Social Q opens the show at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 and available at VenuePilot.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Dayton Music, The Featured Articles Tagged With: David Byrne, talking heads, The Brightside, The Social Q, this must be the party

Five Lesbians Eating A Quiche at the PNC Annex

March 23, 2024 By Dayton937

It’s 1956 and The Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein are having their annual quiche breakfast. As the assembled five women await the announcement of the society’s prize-winning quiche, the atomic bomb sirens sound! Has the Communist threat come to pass? How will the women respond as their idyllic town and lifestyle faces attacks?

Recommended for ages 14+. Sexual content, intense themes, and strong language.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment

Dairy Queens New Parmesan Garlic Chicken Strip Basket

March 23, 2024 By Dayton937

Dairy Queen looks to elevate its fried chicken basket game with the introduction of the new Parmesan Garlic Sauced & Tossed Chicken Strip Basket.

Each Parmesan Garlic Sauced & Tossed Chicken Strip Basket includes the brand’s juicy and tender chicken strips tossed in Parmesan Garlic sauce, Texas toast, French fries and choice of dipping sauce.

Dairy Queen Adds New Parmesan Garlic Sauced & Tossed Chicken Strip Basket

DQ is also welcoming back the Honey BBQ Sauced & Tossed Basket, where you get the same sides listed above, with chicken strips tossed in a honey BBQ glaze that has a sweet and smoky BBQ flavor,

Both varieties can be enjoyed in four- or six-piece baskets.

You can find both Chicken Strip Baskets at participating locations nationwide for a limited time.

Filed Under: Dayton Dining Tagged With: Chicken Strip Basket., Dairy Queen

$5 Breakfast Bundles At Burger King

March 22, 2024 By Dayton937

Burger King is adding more value during breakfast hours with the introduction of new $5 Breakfast Bundles now through April 7, 2024.

New $5 Breakfast Bundles Arrive At Burger King

 

Available exclusively on the BK App and at bk.com during regular breakfast hours, here’s a closer look at the new $5 Breakfast Bundles:

  • Awesome A.M. Bundle: Single Biscuit (Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, Ham Egg & Cheese Biscuit or Egg & Cheese Biscuit) and Simply Orange Juice.
  • Morning Grindset Bundle: Choice of Double Croissan’wich (Double Sausage Egg & Cheese Croissan’wich or Bacon, Sausage Egg & Cheese Croissan’wich) and Large Hot Coffee
  • Best of BK Bundle: Choice of Croissan’wich (Sausage Egg Cheese Croissan’wich, Bacon Egg Cheese Croissan’wich, Ham Egg Cheese Croissan’wich or Egg & Cheese Croissan’wich), 3 Pc. French Toast Sticks and Small hash browns.

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, The Featured Articles

Bicycle Touring in the Miami Valley

March 22, 2024 By Dayton937

Have you ever thought about going on a bicycle touring trip, but aren’t sure where to start? In this program, learn about opportunities right here in the Miami Valley to take a trip on your bicycle. We’ll cover local routes, resources and where to stay.

  • REGISTRATION OPTIONS:Registration required
  • REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 03-26-24

Filed Under: Cycling

Drawing Room Chamber Concert

March 22, 2024 By Dayton937

Hayner’s Drawing Room Chamber Concert  will feature guitarist, Dr. Stephen Mattingly on Tuesday, March 26th at 7:30pm. Mattingly is from the University of Louisville where he is Associate Professor of Guitar. He also pursues research on the guitar with frequent writings on the history and pedagogy of the instrument. He has performed throughout the United States and Europe as a soloist and with the Tantalus Quartet of which he is a founding member.

Stephen earned a Doctor of Music and a Theory Pedagogy Certificate at the Florida State University under the instruction of Bruce Holzman. Prior to his doctoral studies, Stephen completed a two-year residence in Germany where he was awarded an Artist Diploma while studying with Dale Kavanagh at the Hochschule für Musik Detmold. Stephen also studied with Oscar Ghiglia at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy. Prior to his work in Europe, Stephen studied with Nicholas Goluses at the Eastman School of Music where he earned a master’s and a bachelor’s degree with distinction, a Certificate in Arts Leadership, and a Performer’s Certificate.

This concert series takes place on the last Tuesday of most months in the school year. It is hosted by Steven Aldredge who is Music Director of Opera at Wright State University and is a collaborative pianist and composer in his own right. The Drawing Room Chamber Concert series is presented free to the public through the generosity of the citizens of Troy, loyal sponsors, and the Friends of Hayner members. Learn more about Hayner’s cultural events and the good folks who support them at www.TroyHayner.org .


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TROY-HAYNER CULTURAL CENTER

301 West Main Street, Troy, Ohio 45373    937-339-0457

Filed Under: Dayton Music

KFC Offers Tournament Deals

March 22, 2024 By Dayton937

With basketball tournament season in full stride, KFC has a few party-friendly meal deals that will make game days and watch parties extra finger lickin’ good.

KFC Offers Tournament Season Deals Including Free Delivery And Free Nuggets Offer

Free 5-piece KFC Nuggets with any digital purchase of $10 or more: Spend ten bucks or more and get free nuggets to score. The brand is rolling out a digital-only offer on KFC app/.com for free 5 pc. Nuggets with any purchase of $10 or more now through March 31, 2024.

Free Delivery Offers

Free Delivery on KFC.com/app: During Tournament Season, fans can enjoy the convenience of having their favorite menu items delivered right to their doorstep at no additional cost. This digital exclusive is only available on game days, beginning on 3/20 when the First Four play. See additional date details below.

  • First Round of 64: 3/21-3/22
  • Second Round of 32: 3/23-3/24
  • Sweet 16: 3/28-3/29
  • Elite 8: 3/30-3/31
  • Final Four: 4/6
  • National Championship: 4/8

 

Filed Under: Dayton Dining

Pettibone Coffee’s New Spring Menu

March 20, 2024 By Lisa Grigsby

Pettibone Coffee on Woodman Drive  launches their spring menu on 3/21/24. Here’s a little preview of some of the hightlights:

Up first we have two well known Pettibone original drinks. Purple Haze and Lake Views!
Purple Haze // Espresso | Local Honey | Shaken Lavender Foam | Lemon Peel Garnish | Served in a Lavender Smoked Glass | Served Cold – 6oz | * For here service only
Lake Views // Espresso | Blood Orange & Grapefruit Oleo Saccharum | Grapefruit La Croix | Rosemary & Dehydrated Citrus Garnish | Served Cold – 9oz
For food we have the Smoked Salmon Bagel, which is a reimagined bagel and Lox, and the Chicken Bahn Mi! The smoked salmon we use, just like everything, is of the highest quality and is ridiculously tasty!
Smoked Salmon Bagel // Smoked Salmon | Roasted Garlic & Shallot Cream Cheese | House Pickled Veggies | Dill & Black Pepper Foam | Everything Bagel | GF bagel +$1.50
* We politely decline substitutions and modifications for this item
Chicken Bánh Mì // | Chicken | House Pickled Veggies | Cilantro | Mayonnaise | Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette | Baguette

Pettibone Coffee Roastery & Cafe
215 Woodman Drive
Riverside, OH 45431

Mon-Fri     6am-7pm
Sat-Sun     7am-7pm
Kitchen is open until 3pm daily

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Pettibone Coffee

Popeyes Adds Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

March 20, 2024 By Dayton937

In a bid to tantalize taste buds and redefine the chicken wing experience, Popeyes has officially launched its latest innovation: Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. Exclusive to the Popeyes app and Popeyes.com through March 31, before hitting restaurants nationwide on April 1, these delectable wings promise a symphony of flavors unlike any other.
Popeyes Unveils New Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

This  offering boasts six expertly marinated chicken wings, each boasting a blend of sweet honey, tangy lemon, and a kick of peppery heat from black pepper. Combining the beloved essence of lemon pepper wings with an added touch of honey sweetness, these wings are hand-battered, breaded, and crisped to perfection—exactly what fans have come to expect from Popeyes’ signature Bone-In Chicken.

Joining a star-studded lineup of wing options such as Honey BBQ, Roasted Garlic Parmesan, Signature Hot, Ghost Pepper, and Sweet ‘N Spicy, the Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are poised to steal the show. Catering to basketball viewing parties and wing enthusiasts alike, Popeyes offers 18 and 24-piece wing group packs featuring an array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

In a clever marketing campaign accompanying the launch, Popeyes urges wing aficionados to reconsider their usual restaurant choices and embrace the new Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. Recognizing that farewells can be challenging, Popeyes has even crafted a self-help pamphlet to aid in the transition, set to be released in

Filed Under: Dayton Dining

New Seasonal Menu at The Winds

March 19, 2024 By Dayton937

Now in their 45th year, this Yellow Springs eatery was the area’s first independently owned casual farm-to-table restaurant. Their menu changes seasonly and the  Winds Cafe welcomes spring with a new menu.

 

Stop in or make a reservation for your place at the table, or bar! Resy.com


The Winds Cafe
215 Xenia Ave,
Yellow Springs, OH,
937-767-1144

LUNCH 12:00PM-3:00PM TUESDAYS – SATURDAYS
DINNER 4:00PM – 9:00PM TUESDAYS – SATURDAYS

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, The Featured Articles

Lyle Lovett Returns to The Rose

March 19, 2024 By Dayton Most Metro

4x GRAMMY Award-winning singer, composer and actor Lyle Lovett will embark on an extensive tour this summer with his Large Band.  The tour will include a stop in Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center at The Heights on Friday, July 26.

 

Whether touring with his Large Band, Acoustic Group, or in conversation and song format, Lovett’s live performances show not only the breadth of the Texas legend’s talents, but also the diversity of his influences, making him one of the most compelling and captivating artists in popular music.

The upcoming performances will feature songs from across Lovett’s extensive catalog, including his latest album, 12th of June, which was produced by Lovett and Chuck Ainlay. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the record further highlights Lovett’s ability to fuse elements of jazz, country, western swing, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. Of the album, The Wall Street Journal hails, “Few artists can bring all of these moods and sounds into one place and put a personal stamp on them all; Lyle Lovett does that.”

Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Since his self-titled debut in 1986, he has evolved into one of music’s most vibrant and iconic performers. Among his many accolades, besides four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award, was named Texas State Musician and is a member of both the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association Hall of Fame and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, March 22 at Ticketmaster.comand the Rose Music Center Box Office.

Filed Under: Dayton Music

Domino’s March Madness- 50% off all Online Pizza Orders Through March 24th

March 18, 2024 By Dayton937

Domino’s Pizza is celebrating March Madness by offering customers 50 percent off all menu-priced pizzas ordered online today through March 24, 2024.
Domino's Offers 50% Off All Menu-Priced Pizzas Ordered Online Through March 24, 2024

 

The 50% off deal is available on menu-priced pizzas ordered through Domino’s online ordering channels, including online at dominos.com and the Domino’s mobile app.

Interesting Fun Facts – Domino’s and Basketball

  • Domino’s sold more than 3 million pizzas during the men’s 2023 national semifinals and championship game nights combined – enough to give more than 45 pizzas to each person attending the final game in Arizona this year.
  • During the 2023 men’s and women’s college basketball tournaments, Domino’s produced enough dough to match the weight of more than 22 million basketballs.
  • It takes 69 Domino’s pizza boxes stacked from the floor of a basketball court to reach the hoop.
  • It takes more than 4,500 Domino’s pizza boxes to cover a 4,600-square-foot basketball court.

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, The Featured Articles

Heart-Warming ‘One Life’ is a Beacon of Hope for the Modern World.

March 18, 2024 By Joshua Stucky

We need heroes these days. People to take us from this incessant era of anger, heart-ache and the fake bliss that is social media. We need people who think beyond themselves. People who look to help others in the face of evil and terror. Our time, this time in the world is not anything new or out of the ordinary. There will always be poverty, war, homeless and HATE. We have those in check, and so, what we need are heroes like the one depicted in ‘One Life,’ a film now showing at the Neon Movies.

It is rare I think to write about film. It’s always ‘iffy’ to go there. But, if you like a recommendation, here it is. Sitting at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, ‘One Life’ is proving to be that little film with a big heart, and a big consensus “You should see it…”

Anthony Hopkins (the perfect pick) stars in the film,  along with Helena Bonham-Carter (a role made for her) and Johnny Flynn (such a strong, staid performance.) Flynn plays the younger Nicky Winton. the hero of our story. Winton was instrumental in saving lives during the occupation of Czechoslovakia. His focus was on the children, who needed an escape from the oncoming Nazi regime. 5 decades later, Hopkins, the elder Winton, reflects on, and is haunted by, what became of those children. And we are in for an emotional roller-coaster, as the story unfolds, almost told too conventionally….Here is what happened, and here is why it mattered. But within that conventional style, we are given the facts, and the faces of heroes. (Bring your Kleenex) It all comes together with the film’s defining moments, and our hearts are, alas, FULL!

Though there will be times when you want to push the needle forward more quickly and with more finesses in the film, it’s the beauty of the actors’ performances that keep us engaged. The children in the film alone seem like seasoned performers, tugging at our heart-strings, yet never letting us forget the horror they are facing. The atmosphere, both in flashbacks and in the later years, is well-executed….there are definite ‘moods’ to both.

The film is directed by James Hawes, (the Challenger Disaster, 2013). His modest story-telling in ‘One Life‘ again retains his desire to get the story right…and let the reality in that, do the work. The movie is based on the book ‘ If It’s Not Impossible…: The Life of Sir Nicholas Winton.’ by Barbara Winton.

For Winton, it was always about doing what’s right by people. Within the hour and 45 minute film, you cannot help but think about our world….anti-semitism, invasion, refugees, and of course, the misplaced children. Injustice…I mean isn’t that what always brings about rising heroes…in film and in life. You will leave the theater, teary-eyed and wondering who will save us from ourselves…in our ‘One Life?’

Catch ‘One Life’ at the Neon until 3/28! Info Below:

https://www.neonmovies.com/home

 

Filed Under: Community, On Screen Dayton, The Featured Articles

McCoy on Movies: THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES

March 18, 2024 By Tabari McCoy

Writer/director Kobi Libii strikes a strong social cord with satirical exploration of American society’s relationship to African-Americans with debut feature

“I heard the NPR reviewer didn’t like our movie … Looks like we better send them a magical Negro of their own …” Aren (Justice Smith) looks on as Roger (David Alan Grier) prepares to show him how to diffuse a potentially dangerous interaction in a scene from writer/director Kobi Libiii’s THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES. Credit: © 2024 Focus Features. All Rights Reserved. 
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:
 

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Justice Smith, David Alan Grier, An-Li Bogan, Drew Tarver, Micaela Watkins and Nicole Byer

DIRECTOR: Kobi Libii
THE BACK STORY: Ahh … The magical negro. First coined by Spike Lee in response to all the black characters that would appear in movies for no other purpose than to serve as a spiritual Jiminy Cricket or Tinkerbell to the lead white protagonist, the magical negro has existed in many forms on screen.
 
But what if they existed in real life? In writer/director Kobi Libii’s documentar-er, social satire, they are.
 
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES stars Justice Smith (The Get Down, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) as Aren, a yarn sculptor – yes, yarn – who’s career is going nowhere. He is, however, good at one very specific thing: Making white people feel comfortable around him … If they even notice he’s in the room, that is. That skill is what catches the attention of Roger (David Alan Grier), a bartender at the art gallery at which Aren is showing his work, which leads to him revealing a secret …
Roger is part of the aforementioned American Society of Magical Negroes, a collective of black people with magic powers which they use to keep white people happy and achieving their dreams. Why? Because in doing so, they help reduce the chances of other black people from getting unjustly fired from jobs, arrested – or worse. Showing Aren what he can do after inadvertently helping save him from a potential drunken Karen, Roger brings him to the secret society’s headquarters where he gets the full rundown. Skeptical at first, Aren eventually relents and decides to join up as Roger’s protege.
On assignment, Aren gets paired up with Jason (Drew Tarver), a depressed tech bro who works at a Facebook-esque social media company. And things are going well enough … Until they aren’t. Why? Because of the presence of Lizzie (An-Li Bogan), Jason’s boss. She’s cool, she’s hip, she’s smart and she’s funny … And she’s the same girl for whom Aren also has eyes.
Knowing that magical negroes must always put their clients’ happiness first before their own, Aren finds himself at a crossroads: Does he sacrifice the first person who’s made him feel good about himself or preserve the safety of all black people in America? For if one magical negro blows their assignment, all of their fellow negroes’ magic will cease to work.
 
THE REVIEW: THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES is a social satire. For many people of color, however, watching the film may feel more akin to watching a documentary. For in touching upon how fictional characters have navigated white society for years dating back to the early 1900s, the film subtlety touches on real aspects of the modern experience, especially in how a post-2020 has made it even more necessary. 
 
Validating how cool a non-POC is due to their outfit, knowledge of 90s hip-hop or sneaker collection? Check. Being the black friend they can speak they can “speak honestly” with without fear of retribution? Check. Explaining that someone isn’t a bad person just because they had no clue about something that culturally affects and/or has been affected black people for eons that they’ve clearly ignored all the signs of, dialogue about and/or protests? Check.
Why do I say all these things? Because these are things that I personally have experienced, which is something I’m quite confident I’m not alone in experiencing. And with his debut feature THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES, writer/director Kobi Libii brings those feelings to the forefront for the entire world to see in humorous, yet heartfelt fashion.
Some may take issue with the underlying romantic comedy notions – let alone Smith’s character falling for a non-black female lead. That idea, however, undercuts one of the prime stories present in the film that is also present for many black people in real life: Just being free to do, say, think whatever and fall in love with whomever you like without worrying about how someone else – in this instance, white people – are going to react to or feel about it.
In turn, one can live their life how they see fit instead of always trying to appease someone else out of fear of retaliation, inferiority complexes and/or hatred for their simple achievements. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the average headline with the dreaded letters “DEI” in the title. Whereas some outright refuse to acknowledge a system that has benefitted them, others take the stance of, “If someone else is getting closer to me socially/economically/civil rights-wise, I MUST be losing my status at the top of the food chain.” With THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES, Libii dives deep into corporate structure and shows how its the subtle things that people may not even realize that can have significant, lasting impact in both a positive and unfortunately more often than not, negative sense.
Smith is perfect as a nondescript everyman, the type that would hear “I don’t even think of you as black” as if that is some sort of complement from start to the film’s apex. But in watching him navigate the world around him, his slow own self-denial of his situation evolves into revelations that might feel revelatory to some and shocking-for-not-being-able-to-see-it-until-its-pointed-out-in-blatant-fashion to others. This in turn makes his relationship with Bogan’s character such a joy to watch – for despite being two people who would seemingly be from very different worlds, their connection to each other is so undeniable it’s a pleasant reminder of what the human experience should be in a world where, unfortunately, it just isn’t.
Of course, David Alan Grier is excellent in his role as the wise, old sage trying to guide his young apprentice. For a man well-known for his comedic prowess dating back to the late 80s/early 1990s – YES, In Living Color really is more than 30 years old – watching him delve expertly between comedic and dramatic has always been one of if not his best skill. THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES gives him a chance to do so adeptly as he showcases his range.
Sadly, in the wake of the stellar American Fiction – doesn’t it feel like that’s going to be the “here’s your good black film, now let us just acknowledge that and move on?” movie of 2024 following the Academy Awards – THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES is likely to get lost in the shuffle. Some of that may be due to its title; some of it may be due to lack of starpower and buzz it has … And some may be to general disinterest.
Then again, come to think about it – general disinterest in the African American experience is quite an American experience, which kind of explains how we got here in the first place, don’t ya think?

 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: On Screen Dayton Reviews

Artist of the week: Elisha Frontz

March 18, 2024 By Bill Franz

Elisha makes mixed-media art at Front Street, in her studio on the first floor of the 100 Building that she shares with Kate Santucci. The first time I met Elisha she wasn’t making visual art. She was singing with the Blue Heron Trio. The group has been on hiatus since 2022 but you can still hear Elisha sing online.
May be an image of 1 person and dirndl
I asked about her shift from making music to making her multi-media art.
“I’ve always been interested in both visual art and music,” Elisha told me. “My mother tells me that even as a toddler I would pound on the piano and then run to a piece of paper where I was making a drawing. In high school and college I loved my art classes but also found time to sing in different bands. When I finished art school, where I majored in sculpture, I started singing with the Blue Heron Trio.”
“When the pandemic hit there were no live music bookings to be had, so I started making visual art again. Then in 2022 one of the members of our trio died. After 12 years of working so closely together the three of us were like family. I haven’t sung since his memorial service. I’ll probably sing again someday, but right now I spend my time making mixed media visual art.”
“I currently have a show now at Emporium Wines and Underdog Cafe in Yellow Springs, and our studio is open on First Friday and Third Sunday art events.”
I asked Elisha to tell me more about the visual art she’s making.
“In art school I loved making sculptures,” she told me “but sculptures can be hard for people to incorporate into their living space. I decided to make work that has a sculptural feel but that hangs on the wall. “
“I start by making a wooden panel. Then I create a watercolor painting that is exactly the size and shape of the panel on thick watercolor paper. Then I typically add other materials. In recent work I’ve been adding sewing patterns. Finally I do the sewing. I love the texture that hand stitching with metallic thread adds to a piece, even though the process seems to take a very long time.”
Maybe it’s because I’m listening to Elisha sing as I write these words, but I see the influence of music in Elisha’s visual art. There’s a rhythm and a flow like the cadence of a song. Take a look at more of her work and see if you agree, either at https://billfranz17.com/ or https://www.elishafrontzart.com/ or in her studio at the next First Friday or Third Sunday event.
More on Elisha’s visual art tomorrow. More photos at https://billfranz17.com/

Filed Under: The Featured Articles, Visual Arts Tagged With: Elisha Frontz

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