Tag: ColmanDomingo

The Running Man

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

In a near futuristic world, Ben Richards (Glen Powell) has just been let go from his job. He desperately needs to find a way to make money to get some medication for his sick daughter. With no more choices, he joins a game show called The Running Man where contestants are allowed to go anywhere in the world while trying to escape the hunters who are hired to kill him. If he survives, he will win one billion new dollars.

I was not familiar with the book by Stephen King nor with the original 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. If I’m being completely honest I probably wouldn’t have checked this reboot out if it weren’t for Glen Powell as I have the biggest crush on him. I’m glad that I did though.

Powell was such a great choice for the lead. He’s like the new Tom Cruise, but better. His character had so much grit and determination to do whatever he needed for his family. He has more than proven his leading man status and I cannot wait to see what role he takes on next. Josh Brolin starred as Dan Killian, the creator of the competition. Manipulative and selfish, he mostly see him on screen and yet he’s still someone you wouldn’t want to mess with. Colman Domingo was a scene stealer as Bobby T, the host. He truly shined every time he was on screen. I only wish we had more of his backstory. The same could be said for Lee Pace, William H. Macy, Katy O’Brian and Michael Cera. Though they all played important roles, the audience didn’t get to know them very well.

Censorship and controlling media is a running theme throughout. As Ben continues on with the game, he learns more about the government and how they are trying to hide the truth of what is really going on. This is something that has been happening more and more in present day and I believe it will only continue. It’s scary to think of a reality where game shows of this nature could exist, but I could see it happening.

Overall, The Running Man was a thrilling and heart pounding blockbuster that kept me mostly on the edge of my seat. I do think that it lost some steam along the way however. The first half was engaging, but somewhere at the halfway point it stalled and the ending was a bit anti-climatic. That being said, I still had a good time with it and that’s all that matters.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

Sing Sing

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Based on the real life Rehabilitation of the Arts at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison, the film follows Divine G (Colman Domingo), a man who was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, and the other incarcerated men who put on plays as a way to escape reality. When newcomer Clarence Maclin (as himself) warily joins the group, Divine steps in and helps teach him the craft.

While the film may be simple in its plot, there is so much more to it than meets the eye. For starters, the acting is phenomenal by everyone in the cast. Domingo is known for smashing just about every single role he’s been in and this one was no exception. What was so astounding to me, however, was the fact that most of the characters were actual prisoners who took part in the program and were playing versions of themselves. Coming to this realization really made the whole experience that much more authentic and gave the film a whole new meaning.

Because this is a character study above all else, the cinematography was often up close and personal. This made it feel like we were in the room with them, having these conversations and being privy to their inner most thoughts and demons, but not in a way that was intrusive. This combined with the juxtaposition of the prison shots brought the audience back to reality.

At the end of the day, these men are human just like everybody else. They made have made mistakes, but haven’t we all? When everything was taken from them, they found a way to keep going despite it all. It was so inspiring to see.

Sing Sing was thought-provoking, understated and sincere. It was also full of hope. Everything about it worked for me and I can’t wait to see how well it does in awards season.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

The Color Purple

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Based on the Broadway musical that was based on the 1982 book by Alice Walker, The Color Purple has been reimagined by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg for a new generation. The story follows Celie (Phylicia Pearl Mpasi and Fantasia Barrino) and her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey and Ciara) who are separated from one another when Celie is forced to move in with Mister (Colman Domingo). Over the years, Celie faces many hardships, but it is through the friendships she creates along the way where she finds her inner strength.

Unfortunately I have never read the book, nor have I watched the original 1985 movie, so I didn’t know what to expect going into this version. As the events unfolded before me, I soon realized that the material was pretty heavy so I am glad that music was incorporated.

The performances in the film are the true highlight. Barrino, who reprised her role from Broadway, delivered an emotional and raw portrayal to the main character that really had me feeling for her. Taraji P. Henson, who stars as Shug Avery, was electric, powerful and dominated every scene she was in. Danielle Brooks, who plays Sofia, really did give an Oscar worthy performance. And Domingo as the absolutely vile Mister really had me hating his guts.

Luckily they could all sing and sing well! The musical numbers were done brilliantly. I can only imagine how this must have looked live onstage. Unfortunately the plot sometimes fell a bit flat for me and the runtime was a tad too long, but the music really helped.

Overall, this version of The Color Purple is a high value musical extravaganza. It will make you laugh and it will bring tears to your eyes. It will also turn you into a dreamer. While it wasn’t perfect and it certainly could have been a tad bit shorter, it is well worth a watch.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️.5