Sinners

Thanks for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed the film too.

Funny you should mention Robert Johnson there. In my ignorance, I'd never heard of him before last week when he popped up in an episode of Timeless (really average time travel show). Watching Sinners a few days later made me think that Coogler must have used Johnson as inspiration, especially with the "deal with the devil" legend associated with him.

As far as the film goes, I thought it was fine, but I do find that Coogler films tend to be overrated in the extreme.

I was quite disappointed with the fight scenes (felt messy, and not intentionally so) and like others have mentioned, I didn't think there was enough of a distinction between the twins (in how they were written or acted).

The music was a highlight though, as was newcomer Miles Canton. Delroy Lindo and Jack O'Connell are always excellent (and underrated) as well....

I do wonder could they do a trilogy nearly of smoke and stack. 1 in ww1 as they mentioned they were in the trenches against Germans and then a 2nd film.of their time in the mob in Chicago.

Please God no

Hmm.....somewhat disappointed with this one, especially after the generally positive reviews I'd caught on its release.

Initial trepidation of the trailers, specifically the blues motif etc, gave way a little as the first half of the film progressed. The overall setup was obviously somewhat formulaic and staid, but interesting actors carried it a little with a nice little intro for the villain of the piece giving a taste of what was to come.

Culminates in the midpoint melange musical number, which is quite a daring setpiece from Coogler which he deserves the plaudits for. But, it ultimately comes across as almost the central focus of the storyboarding for the director from the getgo with an extremely uneven second half to the film following, which is the disappointment.

Rushed to the extreme, it falls a bit flat. Some decent practical effects aside, it's a bit of a mess thematically and fails to stir the action heartbeats. Not sure what Coogler wanted to add on to the final act come dawn, other than the obvious period animosity which we've seen so many times before, but it's extremely sloppily handed to the point of feeling almost tacked on so its adds very little.

Continues through to the actual ending through the credits which probably carries on a bit too long once the 'gotcha' is communicated. Dont mind Jordan too much, even if he's too one note - certainly would have helped to have a different actor opposite him as opposed to what himself and Coogler went for, plus the likes of Lindo and the young guitarist prove watchable, but it's all a bit forgettable overall and doesn't leave any lasting feeling.

I found it disappointing. Probably a 6-7/10 for me, the missus however really only kept watching because I was. The production and performances were great but this felt like 2 movies to me. The primary being a race driven prohibition gangster movie that probably didn't get greenlit, with a competent vampire short film wedged into it to get it made. It's a rare case of the sum being less than the parts for me.

Tried watching it tonight. Gave up after 50 mins. Nice looking movie and well shot, but it was all style over substance. No character I cared for, and the story dragged on. I know vampires were going to show up for the second half but I couldn't be arsed waiting for that. Michael B Jordan is a very limited actor, and looks too bland for this kind of role. It needed a Jamie Foxx or similar to make it interesting. A record number of nominations for this? Hollywood really is bonkers these days.

Ok. But if I don't want to hang around and watch the second half, then that is a failing of the writing and/or performances and direction. I like story and characters first: I'm not there for a spectacle unless it's specifically that type of film, and, if I am there for that, it had better start fairly quickly. This film didn't seem to know what it was. I think my opinion is valid and the writing for this movie was bland. I honestly think Hollywood doesn't know how to write appealing characters anymore. It's like the basic rules of storytelling have been abandoned.

BTW I'm pretty sure the first dinosaur showed up fairly early in Jurassic Park. We were there for the dinosaurs!!! :)

I'm a "style over substance" guy myself and this movie is avg enough and surprised to see it get so many oscar noms, but just my opinion.