In my continuing effort to support our only local theater, the Spectrum, that screens independent, classic, and cult-status films along with first-run mainstream movies, we went to see Sinners the other night.
What a crazy, highly entertaining fusion of Horror, Western, Musical, Period Piece, Black genre, and Thriller. It sounds like it can’t work. It worked! Ryan Coogler, who directed Black Panther and the powerful and highly recommended Fruitvale Station, has this film pumping out the action, humor, social satire, and blood and guts.
It’s 1932. Michael B. Jordan plays both roles of twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, who leave behind their checkered pasts in Chicago to return to their hometown in Mississippi to open a juke joint for the local black community. Their young cousin, Sammie, a talented blues guitarist, joins them, despite warnings from his pastor father.
Sure enough, they are confronted not only by the KKK but a supernatural evil—vampires—that seem to be summoned by Sammie’s transcendent music.
In the middle of the movie is a visually and musically compelling sequence portraying the entertainment and crowd at the juke joint that’s mesmerizing in its power and style.
Plus, a big shoutout to Hailee Steinfeld, who plays the role of Stack’s ex-girlfriend out for some “biting” payback. She also happens to be engaged to everyone’s favorite quarterback, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Come on Hailee, inspire your man to bring the Bills to the promised land.
But football season doesn’t start for months. In the meantime, head out to see Sinners. You won’t be disappointed.
