Chris Lawrence

The writers had no regrets making this film more comfortable for Blacks to watch than Whites. Four stars only because the first Tales From The Hood is irreplaceable. A curation of stories that allow black writers to speak from frustration and emotion rather than the passive attitude that most are compelled to. This picture felt more like a great moment of release than a message. -Opportunities for White characters to play the role of comic relief. -A rare acknowledgment of historical atrocities in America being adapted to film while, at the same time, doesn't compel the Black leads appear lowly and sorry. -Opportunity to drag systemic racism and the Whites who fuel it without being compelled to be the "Understanding and Passive Black" Again, more of a comic release and vent of frustration than a message. The writers here obviously didn't feel compelled to play by the industry rules that most Black film crews are subject to. Blacks seem to be compelled to be passive, empathetic, and mistakeless in their humanity in writing on racial issues at the threat of being blackballed by PWIs. This film said, "screw it, I'm frustrated and I'm allowed to be upset". In other words - if you've come looking for "woke", "progressive", or " empathetic", then you've come to the wrong place. Tales in The Hood 2 unapologetically has a place amongst predominantly White produced offensive films such as Eastbound and Down, Black Face Movies, and racists cartoons. Tales in the Hood 2 is an "I can be offensive too and my audience doesn't care" type of film. This should come with a "White Viewers be Advised" rating.

Love it! 24 Legacy, is the US high-stakes Ops thriller that's been missing from my streaming routine. I'm watching now for the first time on Hulu and from the edge of my seat. I've never watched the 24 series that started it all, so I'm coming in at this spin-off series that is Legacy. Still, 24: Legacy delivers the essence that's woven into the DNA of the 24 series. It makes you want to go and explore the series that started it all. While I won't go backtracking into the original series, 24 Legacy provides me all that I need. So sad that it's short-lived at 1 season. When I'm done binge-watching the short-lived 24: Legacy, I'll be back to searching for another US high-stakes Ops series that's not afraid to be edgy. Until then, watch Luther on Hulu

An amazing world I'm emerged into. Borrows a bit from various familiar genres and fuses it with an original storyline. I like the character dynamics so far although I'm only into episode two and only a few have any REAL connections. Some of the show's characters really add to the show more than others but still, each character is different so there's something for everyone. I like shows like that. Then finally, the genius making it all possible is also a philosopher who monologues....well more on the end of motivational speeches. Whether characters or viewers agree with his views or not, a character with deep thoughts often separates the show from others. His lectures aren't complex..so don't expect them to hold you..but yet they are clear and simple universal truths to be easily grasped. I'm just glad there is some deep thought that can force viewers to ponder new ideas....it makes the show more interesting. On episode 2 and hoping for season 2-4 at least.