Black on Black Cinema - Black Film Reviews

Claudine - Episode 239

This week on Black on Black Cinema, the crew returns to discuss the 1974 film, Claudine, starring Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones. "Claudine" is a powerful film that explores the devastating impact of American welfare policies on Black families. The story follows Claudine, a single mother of six living in Harlem, as she navigates the challenges of poverty and racism. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Claudine remains determined to provide for her family and find love. This film highlights the struggles of Black families in the face of systemic oppression and sheds light on the importance of community and perseverance.

When Doing Nothing is Too Much - Preview to Episode 239

This week on Black on Black Cinema, the crew returns to announce the next film to be reviewed, the 1974 film, "Claudine." The film follows a garbage collector who begins to court a single mom of six children. However, their relationship is put under undue stress because of the welfare system in the United States. The random topic this week is all about the creator of the cartoon Dilbert, Scott Adams after he went on a racist rant about how over 50% of Black people hate White people. Adams goes on to say he is tired of helping Black people and advocates for moving away from Black Americans as a white person. 

I Think I Love My Wife - Episode 238

This week on Black On Black Cinema, the crew returns to discuss the 2007 film, "I Think I Love My Wife," directed by and starring Chris Rock. The movie is a comedic drama that explores the themes of temptation and monogamy in a black middle-class marriage. The film follows the life of Richard Cooper, a successful investment banker, and his struggle to resist the advances of an old friend while staying true to his wife and family. Through Richard's journey, the film touches on issues of marriage, infidelity, and the challenges of modern-day relationships.

Thoughts on The Best Man: The Final Chapters - Preview to Episode 238

This week on Black on Black Cinema, the crew returns to preview the next film, "I Think I Love My Wife" starring Chris Rock, Kerry Washington, and Gina Torres. The film follows a married man who daydreams about being with other women and finds his will and morals tested after he's visited by the ex-mistress of his old friend. The random topic this week is all about Malcolm D. Lee's finale to The Best Man franchise, "The Best Man: The Final Chapters." In "The Best Man: The Final Chapters", old rivalries and buried secrets resurface as the group of college friends reunite for a wedding.  With a star-studded cast that includes Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Sanaa Lathan, Melissa De Sousa, Terrence Howard, Nia Long, and Harold Perrineau.

Menace II Society - Episode 237

Menace II Society is a powerful film that takes a deep dive into the theme of cycles of violence. The movie, directed by the Hughes brothers, explores the various social and cultural factors that contribute to violence, particularly within inner-city communities. The film serves as an examination of the complex interplay between individual actions, community dynamics, and larger systemic issues, and raises important questions about the role of each in perpetuating or breaking cycles of violence. With its raw and realistic depiction of life in the inner city, Menace II Society remains a seminal work of "Black Cinema" and continues to be a relevant and thought-provoking examination of violence and its roots.

The Needless Loss of Tyre Nichols - Preview to Episode 237

This week on Black on Black Cinema, the crew returns announce the next film, "Menace II Society." The film follows a young street hustler attempts to escape the rigors and temptations of the ghetto in a quest for a better life. The random topic of the week is about the loss of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five Black police officers.

The Black Gestapo - Episode 236

This week on Black on Black Cinema, the episode is dedicated to the 1975 film, 'The Black Gestapo', a film that still can generate some serious controversy and debate today. Directed by Lee Frost, the film tells the story of a charismatic leader who creates a black supremacist group to fight against the oppression of the black community. But is this film a powerful statement or a dangerous message? We will examine all sides of the film, its depiction of Black Power, the historical context and the criticism it has received over the years. So, sit back and enjoy our in-depth analysis of this bold film.

From Outward Hate to Ox Tails - Preview to Episode 236

This week on Black on Black Cinema, the crew returns to announce the next film, "The Black Gestapo." This was also released under the name "The Black Enforcers" and "Ghetto Warriors." The 1975 American crime film follows a vigilante named General Ahmed, who starts an inner-city "People's Army" to protect the black citizens of Watts. However, when the Army succeeds in chasing the mob out of town, Ahmed is replaced by his colleague Colonel Kojah, who reforms the movement into a National Socialist criminal organization in order to have complete control over the town. The random topic this week is about a popular Black online chef who was on the cusp of larger fame when his past tweets that showed his hateful colorist past and perhaps present views were discovered.

The Woman King - Episode 235

This week on Black on Black Cinema, the crew returns to discuss the 2022 film, The Woman King, starring Viola Davis, Lashana Lynch, Thuso Mbedu, and John Boyega. The film is a historical epic inspired by true events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The So-Called ”Best Cuisines in the World” List - Preview to Episode 235

This week on Black on Black Cinema, we return for the first show of 2023. The hosts announce the next full film to be reviewed, "The Woman King" starring Viola Davis, Lashana Lynch, and John Boyega. The film is historically inspired by true events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries.