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‘The Photograph’ Review: an Invigorating Story Of Life and Love

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The Photograph, Universal’s latest romantic drama, premieres this week just on time for Valentine’s Day. Written and directed by Stella Meghie, the film stars Insecure‘s Issa Rae and Y’lan Noel, Atlanta’s Lakeith Stanfield, and Roxanne Roxanne‘s Chante Adams.

The Photograph takes us on a journey of two love stories – one set in the past, the other – in the present. Mae Eames (Rae), a successful Queens Museum curator and estranged daughter of a famed photographer Christina Eames (Adams), struggles with her mother’s sudden passing. Mae is especially hurt about not knowing that she was sick. Her life takes a turn when she discovers a letter, written by her mother, chronicling her life in Louisiana. There is one man whose name keeps coming up in those letters, Isaac (Noel), Christina’s big love. The man she chose to leave behind to pursue her dreams in New York.

While Mae is going through her discoveries about her mother, journalist Michael Block (Stanfield) is doing a story on the now aged Isaac in Louisiana. Block learns about Christina’s work and decides to interview her daughter, Mae, back in New York. They meet, they fall in love. But the question is – is love really enough? As both professionals navigate their careers and love lives, they are forced to choose one over the other… or could they find a way to make this work after all?

Rae and Stanfield are great together, they have beautiful chemistry. The romantic scenes are beautifully set and shot. The verbal and non-verbal interactions are sweet and believable. The supporting cast also does an amazing job. The happily married couple Asia and Kyle (played by LilRel Howery and Teyonah Parris) are adding a great layer to the story. Both successful with two kids, the Blocks are an example of black marriages we need to see more of on the big screen.

The Photograph is refreshing. It moves at a comparatively slower pace – tracking shots, dialogues that are not rushed, the music ( a topic which, by the way, deserves a whole separate article) that instantly pulls you into Michael, Mae, Isaac and Christina’s worlds and ads so much soul.

The Photograph inspires with its simple yet captivating story of two successful black people who meet and fall in love. It is a modern-day saga that echoes some of our favorite on-screen stories of black romance such as Love Jones (1997), Love and Basketball (2000), and If Beale Street Could Talk (2018). If you loved any of these, you’ll enjoy The Photograph.

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First Look at Aaron Pierre in Upcoming Netflix Thriller ‘Rebel Ridge’

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Netflix has unveiled the first-look images of its highly anticipated thriller, ‘Rebel Ridge,’ starring Aaron Pierre. The film is helmed by Jeremy Saulnier, best known for his work on ‘Green Room’ and ‘Hold the Dark.’

Rebel Ridge
Photo: Allyson Riggs/ Netflix

In ‘Rebel Ridge,’ Aaron Pierre takes on the role of Terry Richmond, an ex-Marine who finds himself embroiled in a web of small-town corruption. The film follows Terry as he attempts to post bail for his cousin, only to find himself in a violent standoff with the local police chief. The film promises to be a thrilling and action-packed ride, with a plot that explores themes of corruption, morality, and the lengths one man will go to protect his family.

Rebel Ridge
Photo: Allyson Riggs/ Netflix

The supporting cast of ‘Rebel Ridge’ includes a talented ensemble of actors, including Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, David Denman, Emory Cohen, Steve Zissis, Zsané Jhé, Dana Lee, and James Cromwell.

Rebel Ridge
Photo: Allyson Riggs/ Netflix

The production of ‘Rebel Ridge’ was not without its challenges. The film was initially set to star John Boyega, but he left the project mid-shoot due to family reasons. Aaron Pierre was then cast to replace Boyega, and the production resumed with Pierre taking on the lead role. “The very first moment I met with Aaron, the very first moment I read the script, which I read within minutes of it being sent to me, and I finished it in maybe 90 minutes, it was undeniable for me,” Saulnier shared in a statement.

‘Rebel Ridge’ is set to premiere on Netflix on September 6, 2024.

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Netflix Releases First Trailer For ‘The Deliverance’

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The Deliverance

The first trailer for Lee Daniels’ long-anticipated ‘The Deliverance’ has finally arrived. Inspired by a true story, the film will hit select theaters on August 16, 2024, before making its way to Netflix on August 30, 2024.

The Deliverance. Aunjanue Ellis as Reverend James. Cr. Matt Miller/Netflix ©2024

The trailer for ‘The Deliverance‘ opens with a haunting voiceover, setting the stage for the terrifying events ahead. We are introduced to Ebony Jackson (played by Andra Day), a struggling single mother who moves her family into a new home, hoping to start fresh. However, it quickly becomes apparent that something is not right in their new abode. Strange occurrences begin to plague the family, leading Ebony to seek help from a local preacher (Anthony B. Jenkins) and a social worker (Mo’Nique). As the trailer progresses, we witness the terrifying transformation of Ebony’s children, who become possessed by an unknown force.

The Deliverance. Andra Day as Ebony Jackson, Anthony B. Jenkins as Andre/ Cr. Matt Miller/Netflix ©2024

The star-studded cast includes Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Glenn Close, Anthony B. Jenkins, Miss Lawrence, Demi Singleton, Tasha Smith, Omar Epps, and Caleb McLaughlin.

The Deliverance. (L to R) Caleb McGlaughlin as Nate, Anthony B. Jenkins as Andre, and Mo’Nique as Cynthia Henry in The Deliverance. Cr. Aaron Ricketts/Netflix © 2024

The official synopsis reads, “Ebony Jackson, a struggling single mother fighting her personal demons, moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children.”

The Deliverance‘ will hit select theaters on Aug. 16 and stream on Netflix on Aug. 30.

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Eddie Murphy’s daughter Bria Murphy Makes a Cameo in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’

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Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Eddie Murphy’s daughter Bria Murphy has made a memorable cameo in the latest installment of the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’ Bria, who is the oldest daughter of the iconic comedian and actor, plays a police officer who arrests her father’s character, Axel Foley, in the film.

‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ marks the return of Murphy as the wisecracking Detroit detective Axel Foley, 30 years after the release of Beverly Hills Cop III. The film, directed by Mark Molloy, sees Foley back in Beverly Hills to help his estranged daughter, played by Taylour Paige, who is in trouble with some dangerous individuals.

Bria’s appearance in the film is a family affair, as her husband, Michael Xavier, also stars in the movie as a police officer.

Eddie Murphy, Bria Murphy, Michael Xavier, Nicole Murphy/ Photo: John Solano Photography

Eddie Murphy said his daughter’s role in the film was a surreal experience. In an interview, he shared that the scene where his son-in-law tases him in the neck was particularly memorable, especially since it happened shortly after his daughter’s wedding.

The movie, released on Netflix on July 3, 2024, has received mixed reviews. However, Eddie Murphy’s performance and his daughter’s cameo have been highlighted as some of the film’s most enjoyable moments.

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