News

“Concrete Cowboy” Movie Review: Taking the Scenic Route Through Netflix’s Newest Addition

Published

3 years ago

April 14, 2021

written by Betti Halsell

Ricky Staub’s Concrete Cowboy unearths multiple traumas, both in the broadening range of African-American culture and the complex circumstances of Black men and their perspective within a household setting.

The film opens up with Cole (Caleb McLaughlin), a 15-year old boy sitting outside the principal’s office. His face bruised and bleeding from a fight he had with another kid – a moment that keeps repeating itself. His mother arrives, looking more discouraged as if she’s been called to the principal’s office one too many times herself.

Cole is a kid unable to see the consequences of his personal choices. He is full of anger and entitlement. Being a child from a broken home, he leads his life with the “right” to act out. His mother, unable to come up with another excuse for her son’s behavior, sees that Cole stays with his father for the summer in Philadelphia. This might sound like a familiar pivot to a teen-angst-driven film, but here is where things get interesting – the 15-year-old finds himself staring at the truth of his reality, coming straight from the horse’s mouth.

His father (played by Idris Elba) takes him in, and the two of them seem to forge an understanding through hardships and repeated history, a not-so-far-off truth between Black fathers and their sons that are looking to become men, Cole comes from a line of Black horse riders that live in the city.

The cinematography captures breathtaking landscapes and frameworks that seem almost otherworldly. Although the movie captivates the audience with its raw truth of reality, many people may know nothing about. Some questions that needed further explanation were left unanswered, for example, how old was Cole when his parents separated and he moved away from Philidelphia? Or when did Cole develop his summer fling when he returned to the city ranch?

Survival is the common denominator in the movie and its message, which spells out how lack of resources affects the living conditions and the quality of a person’s life and their community.

In Concrete Cowboy, Stranger Things‘ Mclaughlin introduces the viewers to a wider acting range while playing Cole. British chameleon Elba plays Harp, Cole’s father. He also produced the film. Other cast includes Jharrel Jerome as Cole’s childhood best friend Smush, Lorraine Toussaint as the community’s ‘mother,’ Nessie, and rapper Method Man as town sheriff Leroy.

Staub highlights the Black cowboy community through this project. Reports say the director stumbled upon the culture after seeing a man on a horse in Philadelphia. He then researched the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, which led him to Greg Neri’s book, Ghetto Cowboy.

The truth behind this movie leaves the audience enamored, and the images of beauty found in the concrete prairie of Philadelphia are masterpieces. The sunsets and the grading of color are painted effortlessly as if the setting was no longer the city but rather the natural breeding ground for a cowboy to lay his hat.

Concrete Cowboy is now available for streaming on Netflix. Watch the trailer below.

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News

Tia Mowry Talks Life Post-Divorce in ‘Tia Mowry: My Next Act’

Published

6 days ago

September 4, 2024

HM staff writer

Tia Mowry is set to return to the small screen with her new show, ‘Tia Mowry: My Next Act.‘

Premiering on WeTV, this series offers an intimate look into Mowry’s life post-divorce, exploring her journey through singlehood, motherhood, and the expansion of her multifaceted career.

Following her divorce from Cory Hardrict, finalized in April 2023, ‘Tia Mowry: My Next Act’ dives deep into the life of a woman redefining herself. The show, announced in April 2024, focuses on Mowry’s fearless journey of self-discovery. It’s not just about navigating the waters of being newly single but also about embracing new business ventures, dating, and finding personal happiness.

The reality series promises raw authenticity. In the trailer for her upcoming reality show, the ‘Sister, Sister‘ star shares that it’s “not easy” to go through a divorce. “I got tired of people thinking that everything was perfect when it wasn’t,” she says. “You want to know what really happened. I’ll tell you, it ain’t in a headline.”

‘Tia Mowry: My Next Act’ is scheduled to premiere on October 4, 2024, on WeTV and ALLBLK. Watch the trailer below.

Blog

Brandy Reveals She Would Cast Halle Bailey To Play Her in Biopic

Published

2 weeks ago

August 28, 2024

HM staff writer

In a recent interview with A24, Brandy Norwood has expressed her desire for Halle Bailey, one-half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, to portray her in a potential biopic.

Brandy, known for her iconic roles in shows like ‘Moesha’ and her groundbreaking portrayal of Cinderella in the 1997 television movie, has always been a trailblazer in the industry. Bailey, who herself broke barriers by starring as Ariel in Disney’s live-action ‘The Little Mermaid,’ seems like a poetic passing of the torch.

Brandy's household rules, most quoted movie of all time, and dream biopic casting (@HalleBailey 👀). A24 Close-Up: Volume III with Brandy, star of The Front Room. pic.twitter.com/ZBjXtDe8jp
— A24 (@A24) August 27, 2024

From her early days in music to her transition into acting, Brandy’s life story is rich with material for a compelling biopic. Bailey, with her rising star power and proven vocal and acting chops, seems poised to capture the essence of Brandy’s spirit and struggle.

The announcement has sparked a wave of support on platforms like X, where fans have praised the potential casting. “Legendary Brandy chooses Halle Bailey to star in her biopic! A perfect pick, as Halle’s talent and charisma would bring Brandy’s inspiring story to life in an unforgettable way,” commented one X user.

The decision to cast Bailey as Brandy would be more than just a casting choice; it would be a celebration of legacy and representation. Both Brandy and Halle have been vocal about the importance of representation in media. This potential collaboration between Brandy and Bailey could mark another chapter in Hollywood’s evolving landscape, where stories of Black women are not just told but celebrated, challenging and changing the narratives available to young audiences worldwide.

Film

‘Unstoppable’: First Look at Jharrel Jerome, Jennifer Lopez in New Drama

Published

1 month ago

August 9, 2024

HM staff writer

The highly anticipated first look at the upcoming sports drama film ‘Unstoppable’ has finally been unveiled. Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez are starring in the lead roles. William Goldenberg is making his directorial debut with this feature, which will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this September and hit theaters in December.

Jharrel Jerome as Anthony Robles in 'Unstoppable' — *Jharrel Jerome as Anthony Robles in ‘Unstoppable’*

‘Unstoppable’ tells the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles, a wrestler born with one leg who defies all odds to become a NCAA Division 1 champion. Jerome, known for his role in ‘When They See Us,’ takes on the role of Anthony Robles, while Lopez plays the part of his mother, Judy Robles.

The first-look photos showcase Jerome’s transformation into Robles. The Emmy-winning actor underwent rigorous training to embody the physicality and determination of a real-life wrestler.

‘Unstoppable’ explores the challenges Robles faced growing up, including being born with one leg and facing rejection from his dream school, Iowa. However, with the support of his mother and his own determination, Robles rises to become a champion wrestler, ultimately winning a national championship against the school that rejected him.

Don Cheadle as Coach Shawn Charles in 'Unstoppable' — *Don Cheadle as Coach Shawn Charles in ‘Unstoppable’*

The film features an all-star ensemble cast, including Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle.

According to the official press release, Ben Affleck is producing the film alongside Anthony Robles, the real-life inspiration behind the drama. Robles also acted as a stunt double for Jerome in some of the wrestling scenes.