What's a movie you've enjoyed watching recently? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
With a captivating mix of suspense, action, drama and musical-fantasy titles, the fall movie lineup is looking up.
The Deliverance
Netflix (Aug. 30)
Grab a snack and dim the lights for this supernatural thriller inspired by a true story. The Deliverance stars Andra Day (The United States vs. Billie Holiday) as struggling single Mom Ebony Jackson, who moves her family to Indiana for a fresh start. Ebony’s new home, however, seems to be possessed and she becomes embroiled in a fight for her life and the souls of her children. Whew! The film co-stars Mo’Nique as an exorcist social worker and marks the actress and stand-up comedian's second post-feud reunion with her Precious director, Lee Daniels. The dynamic cast also includes Aujanue Ellis-Taylor, Glenn Close, Omar Epps and Miss Lawrence.
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
Peacock (Sept. 5)
Based on a popular true-crime podcast, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist follows the infamous story of an armed robbery on the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight. This limited series follows a hustler named Chicken Man, played by Kevin Hart, who goes on a quest to clear his name when the country’s top Black crime bosses are robbed at his party. The colorful cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Chloe Bailey, Don Cheadle and Samuel L. Jackson.
The Front Room
In theaters (Sept. 6)
Brandy returns to her I Still Know What You Did Last Summer roots for this psychological horror flick. The talented singer and actress plays Belinda, a pregnant woman who is pushed to her limit when she and her husband take in his estranged stepmother. Let’s just say all hell breaks loose, literally, once her diabolical matriarch makes herself at home.
Never Let Go
In theaters (Sept. 27)
Here’s another intense film to add to your fall film calendar. In Never Let Go, Academy Award® winner Halle Berry plays a protective mother doing her best to shield her twin sons from the evil that lurks beyond their doorstep (they stay tethered together when they go outside). But when one of the boys disobeys his Mama, the family embarks on a terrifying fight for survival.
Exhibiting Forgiveness
In theaters (October)
Exhibiting Forgiveness is the poetic and heart wrenching directorial debut from visual artist Titus Kaphar. The 2024 Sundance Film Festival darling stars André Holland (Moonlight) as Tarrell, an artist whose rising career is sidetracked by the return of his estranged father, who has a history of abuse and addiction. Andra Day portrays Tarrell’s steadfast wife Aisha, who is a singer and mother of their son, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Origin) plays his hopeful Mom, Joyce. These strong Black female characters anchor this soulful film about family, generational healing and the power of forgiveness.
Wicked
In theaters (Nov. 22)
If you’ve seen Wicked on Broadway, you already know how infectious this underdog tale is that flips the script on the rivalry between Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. And this feature film adaptation of the enduring musical, starring Tony winner Cynthia Erivo and Grammy winner Ariana Grande – is sure to reach new “Defying Gravity” heights. Erivo confidently steps into the role of Elphaba, a young woman who is ostracized and villainized because of the color of her green skin, and who has yet to discover her greatness. Grande portrays Glinda, a privileged young woman who is blinded by her desire for popularity, and has yet to discover her goodness. The unlikely friends meet as university students in the magical Land of Oz, where Michelle Yeoh is their headmistress and Jeff Goldblum is the iconic Wizard of Oz.
Gladiator II
In theaters (Nov. 22)
Sis, they had us at Denzel. The action-packed sequel to the 2000 box office blockbuster, Gladiator, stars a salt-and-pepper-bearded Washington as Macrinus, a ruthless and ambitious ancient Roman arms dealer. The Ridley Scott film is getting early Oscar buzz and also stars Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen and Joseph Quinn.
What's a movie you've enjoyed watching recently? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
