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At first glance, “Zola” might have you wondering; “What in the world am I watching?” Some may even want to stop the film all together. If you power through, you will treat yourself to a captivating story and some intoxicating performances.
“Zola” is based on the viral 148 tweets by the A’Ziah “Zola” King. In the film, Zola (Taylour Paige) plays a Detroit waitress who meets a stripper, Stefani. (Riley Keough) Stefani lures her on a road trip to Florida with her boyfriend (Nicholas Braun) and “roommate” (Coleman Domingo) under false pretenses. What she thinks will be an opportunity to strip from some quick cash turns into a terrifying sequence of events.
The best way I can describe “Zola” is like watching a really bad, but visually satisfying car accident unfold. You just can’t look away even though part of you might want to. And when it’s over, those images will forever haunt you.
What happily stays with you are the incredible performances by entire cast. Paige and Keough carry the film with their cringe-worthy, odd friendship. Stefani is unbelievably offensive and shows no self-awareness, while Zola is the voice of reason that will keep audiences sane. Another polarizing stand out is Coleman Domingo, who plays Stefani’s “roommate” aka her pimp. He is both humorous and frightening. Domingo creates a powerful presence anytime he is on screen.
“Zola” is meant to make audiences feel uncomfortable and pull you into the world of the two leads; where they are trapped and forced into unwanted sexual encounters. Director/Writer Janicza Bravo wants you to feel the same fear that these young girls are feeling.
Some will find “Zola” to be a smart, stylish, summer joyride. While others will see it as a dirty, annoying movie that gets under their skin. Either way you view it, the film is absolutely hypnotizing. And after it was done, Bravo had me under her trance.
Rating: B-
“Zola” is currently playing in theaters and coming soon on VOD.
We have anxiously been waiting for the release of “Black Widow” and it’s finally here! The film is set after the events of “Civil War”. Natasha Romanoff unites with her former “family” and seeks vengeance on the man who turned her into a controlled assassin. Find out my thoughts on the film in video below.
“Black Widow” opens in theaters and is available on Disney + Premier Access on July 9, 2021.
Register to get access to the virtual advance screening of Netflix’s “The Last Letter from Your Lover”. To watch the film from home and attend the screening on July 21st RSVP HERE by Tuesday, July 13th. Please note the screening doesn’t require a Netflix subscription to view.
THE LAST LETTER FROM YOUR LOVER
A pair of interwoven stories set in the present and past, THE LAST LETTER FROM YOUR LOVER follows Ellie Haworth (Felicity Jones), an ambitious journalist who discovers a trove of secret love letters from 1965 and becomes determined to solve the mystery of the forbidden affair at their center. As she uncovers the story behind Jennifer Stirling (Shailene Woodley), the wife of a wealthy industrialist, and Anthony O’Hare (Callum Turner) the financial journalist assigned to cover him, a love story of Ellie’s own begins to unfold with the assistance of an earnest and endearing archivist (Nabhaan Rizwan) who helps her track down more letters. Based on the novel by JoJo Moyes and directed by Augustine Frizell.
THE LAST LETTER FROM YOUR LOVER Releases on Netflix on July 23rd
Before the screening of this film started our theater was greeted with some wise words, “leave all logic at the door.” I had to continuously remind myself of this thought during the entire two and a half hours of non-sense that is “F9”.
I was pleasantly surprised with the premise of “The Fate of the Furious”, so it’s upsetting that “F9” didn’t deliver the same quality to their storyline. In “F9” Dom (Vin Diesel) and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) are living in a secluded home with Dom’s son, little Brian. Their quiet life is interrupted by some old friends who have been sent an SOS from intelligence operative Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell). His plane, which was holding captured cyberterrorist Cipher (Charlize Theron) and part of some “dangerous” weapon, was brought down somewhere in Central America. We quickly find out the person responsible is Dom’s brother, Jakob (John Cena), who he has never mentioned until now!? What happened to not turning your back on family, Dom?
The mystery behind these brothers’ past is revealed in flashback sequences featuring teenage Dom (Vinnie Bennett) and Jakob (Finn Cole). These scenes were actually the best parts of the film. Bennett and Cole show promising talent, and the older setting took us back to the roots of the franchise with simple street races. Man, I miss those. Less used to be more in the first, “Fast and Furious”.
As we are sporadically informed why Jakob and Dom no longer speak, we are taken on an insane, wild ride. Just when you think you’ve seen it all and it can’t get any crazier, it does! It’s literally out of this world. I could give further explanation of the plot, but why bother? It’s forgettable and not important.
Thankfully, the film is self-aware of it’s lunacy. Tyrese Gibson’s character, Roman, even suggests the crew might be some sort of super soldiers with invincibility. But everyone else thinks the thought of this theory is comical.
If the point of these films is purely to entertain with action, cars, explosions and some humor, then I guess “F9” did its job.
I understand these films aren’t looking to win Oscars. I don’t mind these characters dodging bullets, or Dom having superhuman strength; or even cars in space. In fact, I can appreciate the originality. But, does the script have to be so irresponsible and cheesy? It doesn’t have to be realistic, but the franchise is capable of a more coherent screenplay; i.e. films 1, 5, 6, and 8. That being said, we’re still going to watch the 10th and however many more they make, because we’re invested in these characters and their story.
“F9” sparks laughter, excitement, confusion, and eye rolls. Familiar faces from previous Furious films make surprising cameos and John Cena makes a great addition to the cast. Fans of the saga will be satisfied and somehow still want more.
Rating: C
“F9” opens in theaters June 25, 201.
Deepti Gupta, is a film, television and voice-over actress who can be seen in Geeta Malik’s film, “India Sweets and Spices”, a fresh and fun take on the classic coming of age story making its World Premiere at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. Deepti plays the witty, but thoughtful Bhairavi, a former women’s rights activist who owns the neighborhood South Asian grocery store.
I spoke with Deepti to talk about the film and her character. Watch the full interview below!
Luke Wilson stars as devoted high school football coach, Rusty Russell, who led a team of orphans to the State Championship during the Great Depression. This inspiring true story was set and shot in North Texas. The film had its world premiere at Isis Theater in Fort Worth. The stars of the movie, including Luke Wilson, Vinessa Shaw, and Wayne Knight walked the red carpet. Susan Stephens spoke with the actors and filmmakers about people who have impacted where they are today, a film that brought them up when they were feeling down and more.
“12 Mighty Orphans” opens in Texas June 11 and nationwide June 18.
“In the Heights” was Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway show and now it’s come to the big screen as a vibrant, toe-tapping film. Set over the course of three days, the film follows a variety of characters living in the neighborhood of Washington Heights. Each of them have a dream or goal they hope to accomplish. I spoke with some of the cast and filmmakers to discuss the movie, what reminds them of the best day of their lives, and more.
“In the Heights” opens in theaters and HBOMax on June 11.
This week I review the highly anticipated sequel, “A Quiet Place Part 2” and Disney’s newest live action movie, “Cruella”. Followed by a preview of Universal Pictures’ “Spirit Untamed”. See which films are worth visiting the theaters.
“A Quiet Place Part 2” opens in theaters May 28, 2021
“Cruella” opens in theaters on Disney Plus Premier Access May 28, 2021
“Spirit Untamed” opens in theaters June 4, 2021
