The American Society of Magical Negroes IS AN EPIC FAIL!!! (Movie Review)
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- Опубліковано 25 чер 2024
- Hey, everyone! D. Movieman is back! After the absolute drubbing that the trailer for The American Society of Magical Negroes received, I was rather dubious....yet intrigued to see the film for myself. So, after realizing that it would be one of the 2024 films first premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, my opportunity was quickly realized!
In my review for The American Society of Magical Negroes, I'll express my personal appreciation for the dynamics of satire, as well as my love for the always enjoyable actor David Alan Grier.
However, I'll also denote my obvious frustration with the questionable racial dynamics of the story, as well as the portrayal of black stereotypes in movies, while attempting to make sense of Kobi Libii's vision of a uniquely flawed and conditionally magical world. Let's get into it!
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0:00 - Opening
01:15 - Synopsis
01:46 - Pros
06:02 - Cons
16:54 - Final Grade & Consensus
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Directed by: Kobi Libii
Written by: Kobi Libii
Produced by: Julia Lebedev, Eddie Vaisman, Angel Lopez, and Kobi Libii
Starring: Justice Smith, David Alan Grier, An-Li Bogan, Drew Tarver, Michaela Watkins, Aisha Hinds, Tim Baltz, Rupert Friend and Nicole Byer
Synopsis: A young man, Aren, is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people who dedicate their lives to a cause of utmost importance: making white people's lives easier.
#TheAmericanSocietyOfMagicalNegroes #TheAmericanSocietyOfMagicalNegroesMovieReview #TheAmericanSocietyOfMagicalNegroesFilmReview #KobiLibii #Dmovieman #MagicalNegroesMovieReview #DavidAlanGrier #JusticeSmith #MovieReview #MovieReviewChannel #BlackRepresentation #WhiteTears #SundanceFilmFestival #sundance2024 #SundanceFilmFestival2024
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Fair Use Disclaimer: I do not own any pictures/videos contained within this video.
"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use." - Фільми й анімація
The immediate SIDE-EYE…..is TAKING ME OUT! 😂
I couldn't help it! The irritation jumped out. 😂🙃😂
This was my main question! If they aren't presenting the trope to subvert it, then who is this film even for? Thanks for the review
Exactly! It was so pointless and unnecessary. Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! 🙏🙏🙏
I'm glad you took the bullet on this one. 😂 I was interested, but once I saw the full trailer & who the director was I knew what type of movie this was gonna be...😒🤦🏿♂️😮💨
Hey, Brogi Boogie! Good to hear from you, man. I know it's been a minute.
Oh, it was fairly obvious once I learned more about the director as well. I tried to have a little hope, but the shenanigans abounded all up and through! 🙃😒🙃
Most of my friends told me that all they wanted was a "Harry Potter" like movie with African American cultures.
Listen.....that's it! That's all! 🙃🙃🙃
Exactly everything you said. I knew this was going to be wack when I saw the trailer and saw that the girl he falls for is yt or yt-passing.
Right! The shenanigans were evident from the very beginning. 😑😑😑
He’s BACK!!
D, I saw the trailer for this one a little while ago in the cinema and thought, ‘huh?!’
It sounds like the director and there thoughts / perspective was too intrusive in this one and it sounds like a very big misfire.
I’ll be intrigued to see how well this does at the box office / streaming when it releases
I hope you're not planning on "Z'ing" this one, my friend! I can't stand when directors/writers feel the need to treat their audience like kindergarteners.
At this point, I'm just interested in seeing how much additional backlash this one is going to garner. 🙃🙃🙃
D! The title alone is a huge WTF. Don't get me started on this one, and besides, you already said everything so perfectly anyway. I really enjoyed the review. So well researched, thoughtful and articulate. You totally nailed it, mate!! I laughed aloud at all the little funnies. I was with you on the "Well said" clap for the quote. I felt a real irk just watching some of the clips, knowing that this movie has badly let itself down. David Alan Grier is a favourite. What a shame to waste him. Thanks for another stellar video, you set a high benchmark. The quality is ever present. We were talking about American Fiction in our latest pod. This was a great film that spoke to some of these issues with originality and nuance. I would love to hear your thoughts on that one at some point. Have a great weekend ahead, Movieman!! ✌️🎬
Hey! I appreciate you all tuning in. I had a feeling this one was going to work my nerves and I was not at all wrong.
I was so thankful for that article, because it truly summed up the core issues here. David Alan Grier certainly deserved better!
American Fiction was wonderful! I saw it, but ended up missing out on the review. I definitely don't mind circling back around and giving my thoughts for sure. 🙏🙏🙏
I knewwwwww this movie wasn’t going to hold up. 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️ Love Nicole Byer and David Allen Grier.
Tried to have a little bit of hope, but the writing was already on the wall! MESS!!! 🙃😑🙃
That's what I think! They deserve better.
This wax a home run review pretty much hit everything I thought of the movie
Glad to hear we're on the same page with this one. Thanks so much for watching and supporting! 🙏🙏🙏
It looked like it was going to be awful lol. Thank you for watching so we don’t have to
I don't think anyone had any real hope for this one, but lawd knows I tried to find an iota somewhere. The struggle was real! 🤔🤔🤔
I always appreciate ya, Ms. McD!!! 👏👏👏
This only solidified that I didn't want to see this movie. The trailer didn't even hook me.
Hey, JB! Yeah, I wouldn't even waste any of your time with this one. 🙃😒🙃
@@DMovieman Lol oh I'm not thanks for the review.
Go see American Fiction instead.
Oh, definitely! I really enjoyed American Fiction. So happy for Jeffrey Wright and the entire cast. 🙏🙏🙏
Side eye in first seconds!!! Oh my! I said to myself “No, I won’t be watching that movie” after watching the trailer😮..I wonder if people asked for their money back. I worked in a movie theater in high school and 1 could get money back only within first 15 minutes of start of the film.🎥
Right! If it weren't for this channel and not having to pay for the film, I definitely would have passed on it.
That sounds about right! Now, depending on the experience, you might get a readmit pass if your experience is bad enough. That's happened to me a few times. 🙏🙏🙏
Finally catching up on all the videos I've missed and this review is everything. When I saw the first trailer I was like who is this for??? For some reason I was hoping that the filmmakers were going to be daring and artistic enough to go the dark and outrageous way of Sorry to Bother You. But, like you said, they did not have the "requisite heft" . Sidenote - who is green lighting these messy movies!
Hey, CC! I actually caught your newest video. I try to save them for moments where I'm not too distracted by work or errands.
Exactly! I wouldn't even have been mad if it had tried to take some risks or go in a unique direction (STBY is a great example), but this was an absolutely nah for me.
Oh, we already know who's greenlighting these movies.....and why. 🙃🙃🙃
This is the most biracial movie ever. Maybe he made it for his white momma because that’s the only person who could appreciate it.
Oop! I wasn't ready for this comment. 🙃😂😭
It's very "Vanilla" . BUT, if you think about it, it makes sense. The meter is running in real life, he not trying to push the meter to "tears" 😂😂😂
Yes 😂 This is the type of D video I need! I had tickets for this on Thursday, but didn’t end up making it to the theater.
I have a feeling you're always going to be here for me giving films the business, so it looks like I'll have to tighten up and do it more often.
You already know I have to hear your thoughts on this one, compadre. 😉😉😉
Dodged a bullet there buddy.
15:31 🤔 First time magical black people?
Did I dream Michael Jackson, Nipsy Russel, Diana Ross, and so many more in The Wiz? 🤔
My use of the "first time" was mainly in reference to a story centered around a group of black people that collectively have powers.
Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly don't have inherent powers, although they are definitely the heroes of the story.
But it's true that the sisters of Oz do, including Addaperle, Glinda, Evamene, and Evilene. 👌👌👌
@@DMovieman I am sure even then, Tatiana version of Disney Frog Prince, was not the first movie featuring blacks with magical powers as a focus. I thought Jordan Peele or someone else recently did one. 🤔
And we all love The Wiz. I mean who tf doesn't? Great musical film. I don't get this need to deconstruct this trope. This dei crt shit is so counter to MLK.
Your “but…why?” moment brought me to Morgan Freeman “the way to end racism is to stop talking about it.” A+ review😊
Saw the movie this weekend. Not because it's something I would have chosen, but because it's what Chris Gore's movie group was seeing while I was here in California, so I joined them. Pretty much all of us disliked the movie.
Oh, Cyn! You are quite the glutton for punishment. Between seeing this and Saltburn, you are certainly on a roll! 🙃🙃🙃
I *only* went because I wanted to hang with Chris and Paulie and the others. Otherwise, I was going to pass on this one, especially after watching your review. It made for interesting conversations afterwards! 😆
Stumbled upon this. Your love and appreciation of cinema is apparent as your analysis of film (in general…not just this film😂) goes deeper than most. Keep working on your craft you’ll go far.
Thank you so much! I truly appreciate those kind words of encouragement.
It definitely helps keep me going during moments where I second-guess my presence on this platform. 🙏🙏🙏
I appreciate your review because it gives it ga nice approach to the satire that they try to do and other reviews are basically the same sentiments that you have
Thanks so much for tuning in and leaving your thoughts! 🙏🙏🙏
Just seeing the title, I knew this would either be amazing... or just plain garbage! 😅
No in-between lol
Exactamente, my friend! 🙃🙃🙃
What I expected and what I watched made me mentally fling tables. 😒
Sounds about right. 🙃🙃🙃
To me it was a mish mash of ideas that never really connected with the other. It was disjointed convoluted. Nothing was explained in depth. You’re just thrown into the world. There is supposed to magic, but even that is rarely touched up or used in it’s practical sense.
It was Harry Potter but never going over going to classes and learning etc.
The only learning that he seems to gain experience on was from a very short orientation on the whole society of magicians.
Hey, there! I 100% agree. Zero world-building or development, and the magic was all but non-existent.
This was such a waste of resources on so many different levels.
Thanks for sharing this video once again.
Thanks for tuning in! Working through the array of thoughts I had on this one was daunting, but I'm glad I got it all out. 👌👌👌
😂 loving this review ABC 123 Sesame Street 😂 never thought I would hear that in a review can’t say I heard of this one but def one I would probably skip great video man
Hey, YK! Thanks so much for tuning in. Yeah, I was not a fan at all. Treating the audience like kindergartners with writing and storytelling is a big no-no for me. 🙃🙃🙃
Awesome review D! I saw it today and I can definitely see a lot of the issues you mentioned here. I enjoyed it more than you but still.
Appreciate you, Dan! I'm glad we were able to have some good dialogue over this one. 👌👌👌
@@DMovieman Me too!
I love a good satire but the trailer let me know that the movie missed the mark. Thanks for the review!!
Right! I tried to have a margin of hope, but it was pretty much DOA from the trailer. 🙃😒🙃
Thanks so much for tuning in! 🙏🙏🙏
this review made me a subscriber, that barbie point was spot on
Hey! Truly appreciate the support. Yeah, it was wild how it was the same situation bar for bar, so I definitely had to touch on that point.
I figured as much. 😩
I tried. 🙃🙃🙃
It presents encrypted messaging to afican american. I wish they called it the secret society you can see that they are revealing quiet secrets that are currently going on to this day. This movie was made for a certain community and quiet views and perspectives we still live with
David Allen Grier is great! Lol yarn art?! Now adding this to my list! Jk but really, going to watch this. I think I get what you are saying where Blackness is more than race. It is disappointing how film pushes stereotypes to define or 'celebrate' race. I feel it happens to the Asian community as well. It's not popular to find an asian film that doesn't emphasize on stereotypes but we are more than that. Not only do people not know outlr hardships in history, but like you said, they do know know what we are without these stereotypes. I hardly find these as celebrations but milestones that we are actually getting out there 😅
I'm always here for D.A.G!!! I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this.
I don't mind poking fun at certain things. But at some point, where do we break out of the usual imagery and narratives? It's so obnoxious and tiring. 😑😑😑
Lol okay, so i watched it last night 😅 definitely some omg comedy. Food options for their lunches got me rolling. But funny how Americans believe Chinese food is authentic Chinese food. DAG saying crotchety old lady reminded me of his skit on living color 'driving miss daisy' maybe it was a reference. Lizzie being bumped from the presentation was triggering as a female but that moment lasted for 5 mins. Sounds about right. 😅 As a joke I thought Lizzy had to be in a secret society for women...well i was kind of right. That pissed me off a bit. Why was that even needed? And Girlfriends/wives? How about just women. It had no place being there and since it was, it shouldn't have been given a community name of girlfriends and wives. After watching I do agree with you. Who was this for? It seemed like a PSA to just listen to everyone's experiences and accept it. But it was disappointing in the end where I felt it looked like it didn't change their clients, it only changed how the secret society operates. Was that map trying to show change? Because that's what I think it should have shown or something. Especially after that live stream. Ultimately i just want to see movies that stay away from stereotypes because not everyone is the same. Which is crazy because that is the major issue.
How are you doing today and how your weekend? Movie turn my stomach inside out. I dont like watching these types of movies but I was just curious. Now I have to put this in worst movies of the year and March is not even over yet.
Hey, there! I'd say pretty good for both questions. Yeah, this film was quite obnoxious and frustrating.
It's definitely going to end up on my end of year list as well. 🙃🙃🙃
This movie was good 👍 I know it has a certain crowd that will "get it". But that's what makes film magical. It's puts experiences and very abstract elements onto a palettable presentation. Doesnt take itself too seriously but is entertaining in the same. Well casted and actually well acted as well.
I know what you mean but the "satire". I feel like the antagonists weren't really believable. Without the "guilt" aspect, the lense was presented as an oblivious prejudice reflection. A naiveté that is conveniently immature 🙄 Like, maybe in high school or middle school, but young adults in corporate America..... ? Nah, we got a healthy and more realistic narrative with "Insecure". This film needed a Issa Rae type of character. But i get it. Ruffle no feathers in the process ❤
Skipping this one. What you said about the film is exactly the feeling the trailer gave 😂
What up, Kellee? See, I didn't fully watch the trailer myself, but I should've known from that dragging what time it was. 🙃🙃🙃
Amazing and very fair review!
Thank you! Much appreciated. 🙏🙏🙏
I had the same thoughts watching this. I don't hate the brotha who directed it, Ilbut i just think it was too much tunnel vision from him using a high concept. I didn't even mind the romance as a subversion of the Magical Negro,but it's ill thought. Especially the twist at the end. That felt like a big f you to the audience. As it made no sense when you think for just 10 seconds. Just half baked and lazy
Great review
Right! It was a jumble of ideas with poor execution. Totally agree about the twist ending. Something that was clearly done as a big "Gotcha!" moment.
Appreciate you sharing your thoughts and tuning in! 🙏🙏🙏
Yeah I was on the fence with seeing this or not. It seems it’s safe to say I should skip it. That’s a shame it doesn’t have much to say and a weak main character.
Hey, Ryan! Yeah, this one was such a misfire. In different hands, this could have been something really intriguing and impactful. But as is, it's an absolute no for me. 👎👎👎
Brilliant review but to be honest I am still intrigued to see this just because it sounds like a bit of a car crash. Not to gloat in its failures but just to see how bad it really is. It does sound as though this movie is a bit late to the party in highlighting this trope. I find a lot of the best satires work because they are reflections of the time they were made. Dr Stangelove comes to mind but this sounds like someone watched a UA-cam video on black representation in Hollywood and made a whole movie around it. I gotta see it! LOL
Oh, I definitely understand that. That's the only reason I was somewhat intrigued to see Madame Web. Basically assessing its level of badness from my experience.
Agreed! Satire is definitely impactful when its of its time, and this just felt like it was trying to highlight something that has been discussed and explored in much more thought-provoking ways before now.
@@DMovieman Yes I am also intrigued to see Madame Web as well just to see how bad it can be. LOL
I loooove seeing pictures of Little D. 🥰
Thank you, ma'am! I love taking mini-trips down Memory Lane with some of these. 🙏🙏🙏
Oh my. The thumbnail says it all ... Yikes The premise right off the bat is a no-go for me. ETA: I heard about that Barbie monologue scene, and I hate it already ...
I wish writers would realize that treating their audience like kindergarteners is a no go. I was quite irritated.
I can imagine!
I don't agree with the review, but I respect your opinion.
Much appreciated. I'm always here for the subjectivity of film and our varied experiences with them, so thanks for sharing your thoughts! 🙏🙏🙏
OKAY! I was thinking about a Barbie comparison, and I haven't even seen the American Society... yet. It's like Baby's First Exposure to Feminism (in Barbie's case), and Racism (in American Society...'s case). I appreciate this review, you've got a new subscriber!
RIGHT!!! You hit the nail on the head. Such an elementary approach to explore difficult or complicated topics, and I'm really not here for that.
Thanks so much for subscribing, supporting, and leaving your thoughts! 🙏🙏🙏
Appreciate you for this vid, bro, I definitely agree.
There should've been a stronger critique of the society itself, not some last-minute revelation that only challenges some of the ideas.
!!!! SPOILER ALERT !!!!
Ideas that, if just one person held them, would jepordize the ENTIRE ORGANIZATION! 😩
How do they still exist?!
And they coulda left that love story in the drafts 😂
Appreciate you tuning in, man! 🙏🙏🙏
Agreed! It was missing so many layers to the story. You mean to tell me that NO ONE, until this character comes along, has questioned the foundations of the organization?
The love story had zero relation to the rest of the film. So pointless. 🙃🙃🙃
The name of the movie is...😬...Out there. It's just weird.
It's not unlike the movie itself. Trying hard to make a statement but falling flat in the process.
@@DMovieman I agree. 😊
So, is this the magic that Janet Jackson uses? 😅
13:43 😂😂😂
**Sigh** I always have a flair for melodramatics..... 🙃😏🙃
This is very interesting film. I have not heard of this movie. What the heck?! Im so sorry that you did not care for this movie. I don't think i will see this movie.
Hey, Katie! Consider yourself lucky. 🙃🙃🙃
@DMovieman thank you. I'm not going to watch it. I hope your doing well D
The script sounds horrible and juvenile and completely illogically ideological and cultish
This is not an inaccurate statement.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks for the support, Joan! 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks for your review on this. This trailer looked terrible. - Kevin
Hey, Kev! I didn't get to see the trailer originally, but the dragfest told me everything I needed to know.
Definitely can't wait to hear your thoughts on this one. 👌👌👌
This just got posted to Twitter and I'm so glad to find a fun Black film critic (they're lacking in the UK, unfortunately).
Oh, wow! Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting. I'm always happy to see more Black film critics on this platform myself.🙏🙏🙏
High concept. Not well executed. Fell asleep on this flick. Twice.😮
I understand! I tend to fall asleep on bad movies myself. 🙃😂🙃
Hello D. Movieman I'm a White Woman and I watched the trailer for this movie and I find it appalling and I don't think it should have ever been made I just don't think that a movie about making someone that's racist feel better it's a good thing everyone has the right to be happy and everyone has the right to follow their dreams in this movie is basically if the trailer is Right it's saying that someone else's feelings are more important than yours and I will never watch it for that reason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No lies told. There's a way to provide insight into societal issues without reinforcing stereotypes and tying into false narratives.
I definitely agree with you there hopefully someone will come along to tell a better story than this one because it needs to be told the right way!!!!!!