Sinners

Sinners-Prime Videos

Sinners is a unique vampire movie. It has all the standard vampire clichés, but it also tells a story of family and community.  Michael B. Jordon plays a dual role as twins, Smoke and Stack, who are gangsters returning to their hometown from Chicago. They have plenty of money from their  Capone employment, and the premise of the story is set up a jute joint in their Mississippi hometown. The entire film is a drama that unfolds over one day and night. Jordon plays the role (roles) with just enough swagger to saddle the role of a gangster and a budding club owner. In one scene, he shoots two locals, one in the ass and the other in the knee, who look too closely into the cargo of his truck. But then he turns around and gives cash to a friend to have them patched up.

There is gore towards the end of the film, but for the most part, it is the story of a main character named Sammy. Sammy is the cousin of the twins and is a blues prodigy. A benefit of the film is that it has some great blues music. There is one dance number that transcends place and time. Dancers include a Zaouli dancer, a Juke joint blues performer, or a Jukin, as well as modern-day hip hop and ballet. It is an anthology of African American dance. With its blues and dance numbers, this film stands out from the typical vampire movie. The climax of the film is a showdown between humans and vampires. Many of the friends, lovers, and family have been bitten and transformed into vampires. The battle goes on until sunrise, when the vampires are vanquished by sunlight.

An interesting element of the film is that there is a Chinese couple who are friends with twins. In Western movies, there has not been enough credit given to the role that Asians have played in the West.

The film is worth seeing. If you see it, do not skip over the end credits. 

Without Remorse (Amazon Prime)

 

Without Remorse (Amazon Prime)

Michael B. Jordan has a twenty inch waistline and no body hair, which is weird. He is more buffed than a ’67 Chevy. However, this film is just an excuse for carnage and car wrecks. This is a Tom Clancy pot boiler which is better left to paper back. The film substitutes action for suspense.

I first saw Jordan in “Creed” for which I did not expect much. But I was impressed with his acting. He also gave an effective performance in “Just Mercy”. He can do better than this film. He has the body of an action figure but the potential of a serious actor. The film starts out as revenge movie but morphs into a conspiracy . The full conspiracy is revealed in the tail end of the film. The movie would have been more suspenseful if parts of the plan were introduced earlier in the film.

Jodie Turner-Smith is Lieutenant Commander Karen Greer. She is an attractive navy Seal. She seemed uncomfortable in the role and her acting was stiff. Originally a model her languid long legged body is more suited to the runway than to a Seal’s obstacle course. She was more effective in “Queen and Slim” as a fugitive girlfriend.

Guy Pierce plays Secretary of Defense Thomas Clay. Although a catalyst player, his scenes are limited. This is an under utilization of a talented actor who came to prominence for his well-received performance in the film “Momento”. Also his suits were ill fitted.

Jamie Bell is the CIA operative. His character is unlikeable and he plays it well. Jordan and he have good chemistry, even if it is toxic.

Mercifully if you have Amazon Prime you can watch the film for free without remorse.