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Here’s Why You Should Watch HBO’s Lovecraft Country

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HBO's Lovecraft Country
Image: HBO

Lovecraft Country is a TV adaptation of the novel of the same name, released in 2016. It tells the story of Atticus Freeman, who goes on a road trip with his childhood friend and uncle in search of his father, who’s gone missing.

The time period is 1950s Jim Crow America, and the trio encounters their fair share of racism and prejudice. But that’s not all. Since the story is inspired by HP Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos, the show also has its fair share of surreal monsters.

So, should you watch it? Yes! Lovecraft Country is one of the most exciting TV shows of 2020 and a stellar piece of entertainment that manages to be both interesting and horrifying.

Below are all the reasons why you should give it a try!

Atticus Freeman Montrose Lovecraft Country

Image: HBO

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Family Drama

Atticus has an awful father. Yet, when he returns home from the war and finds his father missing, he decides to go search for him. But the rest of his family more than makeup for it.

Uncle George and Aunt Hippolyta are the perfect couple, who are still madly in love after a lifetime together. They also have a daughter who loves to draw comic books—and is actually good at it. Together, all three give Atticus the support system he needs for the horrors he’s going to face.

Harsh Realities of Jim Crow

A lot of people assume that the segregation in Jim Crow simply meant that black people weren’t allowed to share the same things as white folks—like water fountains or different seats on the bus.

But Lovecraft Country shows all of its horrors. The characters are mocked, insulted, and even have their lives threatened just because of their skin color.

For instance, Atticus and co enter a diner that they think is safe for black people. However, the three are promptly chased away by a pickup truck ferrying gun-toting racists. If not for Leti’s superb driving skills, they’d be dead before their adventure really kicks off.

They also visit a sundown county, where the sheriff makes it crystal clear that if they are not gone by dusk, they’ll be hunted and lynched. He points this out when it’s already evening, which gives Atticus and the rest little time to escape.

In Lovecraft Country, the harsh realities of Jim Crow racism are arguably more frightening than the monsters themselves.

Excellent Production

Lovecraft Country isn’t the most fast-paced show in the world, but it squeezes out emotion from every second it has. It could easily have become a sensationalist drama, but the writers elegantly veered away from this.

They focused on telling Atticus’ story in a way that feels authentic. Misha Green, the showrunner and writer, does her job admirably.

It also helps that Jordan Peele was involved in this. After Get Out, The Twilight Zone and Us, Peele is proving himself to be one of the great new horror auteurs.

The casting is also excellent. All of the characters, both major and minor, feel like actual people. The main characters, especially, give their all whenever they are on screen.

The Timing of Lovecraft Country

Lovecraft Country couldn’t have come at a better time. The Black Lives Matter movement is finally gaining traction along the world, though it’s unfortunate that it has to.

The world is finally realizing that black people are still being discriminated against—by officers of the law, no less—and people are finally coming to accept that we have a racism problem.

Lovecraft Country parallels these atrocities in a way that’s not subtle but just shows how far we still have to go if we are to get rid of systemic racism.

It’s essential viewing for everyone who still thinks that slavery ended ages ago, or who underplays those injustices. Like 2019’s Watchmen, Lovecraft Country reminds us of our bloodstained past so that we won’t repeat it.

Cast:

Jonathan Majors – Atticus Freeman

Jurnee Smollett – Letitia “Leti” Lewis

Courtney B. Vance – George Freeman

Michael Kenneth Williams – Montrose Freeman

Abbey Lee – Christina Braithwhite

Aunjanue Ellis – Hippolyta Freeman

Wunmi Mosaku – Ruby Baptiste

Jada Harris – Diana Freeman

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Did You Miss Them? See What Happened to The Cast of ‘Martin’!

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Martin

In the 90s, Martin was one of those comedies you couldn’t afford to miss.

It was hilarious, well-acted, and had lots of heart.

The show wrapped up its run in 1997 but recently made its comeback.

Martin: The Reunion reunited the cast, now older and wiser.

The cast discussed how they got their catchphrases, how they knew each other, and if they were willing to do a reboot of the show.

That’s cool and all, but what happened to them between the end of Martin and now?

Let’s take a look.

Martin Lawrence

Martin

Photo credit: Twitter – Martin Lawrence

Let’s start with the most obvious one: the show’s star.

Martin Lawrence continued acting in films like:

  • Big Momma’s House
  • Bad Boys 2 & 3
  • Wild Hogs
  • Blue Streak
  • Life

But acting isn’t the only thing he’s been up to.

Martin also owns a farm in Virginia.

Tisha Campbell

Martin

Photo credit – Instagram – Tisha Campbell Martin

Tisha Campbell also continued acting after the show.

She had minor roles in several TV shows for a couple of years.

But in 2001, she landed a leading role in My Wife & Kids and even won an NAACP award for her outstanding performance.

Since then, Campbell has had recurring roles in The Protector, Dr. Ken, and Rita Rocks.

Personally, she was married until 2020, when she finalized a divorce with her long-time husband, Duane Martin.

She also had beef with Martin Lawrence (which made her leave the show), but the two reconciled and are good now.

Carl Anthony Payne II

Martin

Photo credit – Twitter – Carl Anthony Payne II

Payne also continued acting after the show ended.

He appeared on The Rickey Smiley Show, The Breaks, NYPD Blue, Step Up, and more.

But his most prominent role remains Martin.

Thomas Mikal Ford

Martin

Photo credit: Colorlines

Ford got a recurring role in The Parkers between 1999 and 2001 and had a memorable role in New York Undercover as Lieutenant Malcolm Barker.

Besides acting, Ford also wrote two inspirational books for kids: I Am Responsible for Me and Positive Attitude.

And he was married between 1997 and 2014 to Gina Sasso; they had two kids together.

Tragically, Ford passed away in 2016 from a ruptured abdominal aneurism.

Tichina Arnold

Martin

Photo credit: Twitter – Tichina Arnold

Other than Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold has also had memorable roles in her career.

She played Rochelle in Everybody Hates Chris between 2005 and 2009.

She also starred in Happily Divorced, and Survivor’s Remorse and currently acts in The Neighborhood.

Jon Gries

Martin

Photo credit: WarnerMedia Pressroom

Jon Gries only acted in the first two seasons of the show.

After that, he had minor roles in a wide range of TV shows and movies.

He even provided the voice for a video game, Hitman: Absolution.

Gries might not have had another memorable role, but he’s been in a ton of stuff you’ve probably watched.

Garrett Morris

Martin

Photo credit: Twitter – Garrett Morris

Garrett Morris was among the most prominent names to join the cast of the show.

He is among the original cast of Saturday Night Live and had significant roles in:

  • The Jeffersons
  • The Jamie Foxx Show
  • Diff’rent Strokes
  • 227
  • 2 Broke Girls
  • Cooley High
  • Car Wash

Morris is an acting legend with a career that spans nearly six decades.

Remembering Martin: A Classic Sitcom

Martin

Photo credit: Twitter – Martin Lawrence

Martin is one of the greatest 90s sitcoms.

So, it’s great to see that most of the main cast is still working, even if not at their level.

And will the show be resurrected?

We hope so!

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Warner Brothers Released First Trailer for ‘King Richard’ Starring Will Smith

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Warner Brothers released the first trailer for its anticipated sports drama King Richard, starring Will Smith.

Via Deadline – The film is based on the inspirational, true story of Richard Williams (Smith). An undeterred father, Richard was instrumental in raising Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena Williams (Demi Singleton) — two extraordinarily gifted athletes who ended up changing the sport of tennis forever.

Driven by a clear vision of their future and using unconventional methods, Richard has a plan that will take Venus and Serena from the streets of Compton, California to the global stage.

“This world ain’t never had no respect for Richard Williams,” he tells his daughters in the trailer. “But they’re going to respect y’all.”

According to Deadline King Richard demonstrates the power of family, perseverance and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world.

Reinaldo Marcus Green directed the film, from a script by Zach Baylin. Its all-star ensemble also includes Aunjanue Ellis, Jon Bernthal, Tony Goldwyn, and Dylan McDermott.

Pic’s producers are Tim White and Trevor White via their Star Thrower Entertainment banner, and Will Smith under his Westbrook banner.

Serena and Venus Williams exec produced the project alongside their sister Isha Price. Its other executive producers are James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith, Adam Merims, Lynn Harris, Allan Mandelbaum, Jon Mone and Peter Dodd.

King Richard will be released in theaters in the U.S. on November 19th. The drama will also be available to stream on HBO Max (via their Ad-Free Plan) for 31 days following its theatrical release.

To check out the first-look trailer for King Richard, click play below

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Our 7 Most Anticipated Movies of 2021

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Eddie Murphy and Jermaine Fowler COMING 2 AMERICA Photo Courtesy of Amazon Studios

2021 feels like a breath of fresh air, compared to 2020. Vaccines have started rolling out around the world—meaning there is an end in sight to the pandemic—and a lot of the highly-anticipated films we didn’t watch in 2020 will come out this year.

You could be seeking blockbusters—this year will have numerous tentpoles—or indie films—Netflix alone has guaranteed to release a new movie every week this year. So, it’s a major year for cinephiles.

Here are some of the movies that should be on your watch list for the year. Let’s keep our masks on and hope that the cinematic road ahead is bright.

No Time To Die

The latest Bond film is also the last to feature Daniel Craig (unless he gets an offer he can’t refuse). It has received multiple delays, directors have changed, and cast members have been injured while filming. However, No Time To Die will finally hit theaters this year, though rumors have started circulating that it will get a further release from April 2nd to sometime in the fall.

The movie’s plot focuses on Bond searching for a kidnapped scientist. During his search, he encounters a mysterious villain wielding some dangerous new tech.

Coming 2 America

Eddie Murphy’s career is back on an upward trajectory, thanks in large part to the success of Dolemite Is My Name. So, we are naturally interested in Murphy’s next project, which happens to be a sequel to his most-loved film: Coming to America.

In the first film, Murphy plays Prince Akeem, an African prince who heads to the US in search of his future wife. The film packs everything we love about Eddie Murphy movies: a romantic arc, tons of humor, and Murphy playing multiple characters. If Coming 2 America is even half as good as the first one, it’s certain to be a success.

A Quiet Place Part II

2018’s A Quiet Place was a smash hit, so it’s no surprise that a sequel is on the way. Initially meant to come out in March 2020, it’s now been scheduled for April 2021.

The sequel follows the Abbott family as they adapt to a new life without the father. They are forced to venture beyond their home and look for people who can help them survive the monsters they faced in the first film. However, they soon learn that the monsters aren’t the only threat they should fear.

F9

F9 is the ninth installment in the Fast & Furious franchise. Here, Dominic Toretto and his crew face the most skilled driver and assassin they have encountered to date: Dom’s brother, Jakob. Jakob has teamed up with Cipher, who was the main baddie in The Fate of the Furious.

The Fast & Furious franchise has never been one for subtleness. Judging by the bonkers trailer, the latest entry is going to be more ludicrous and action-packed than ever.

Dune

Dune is one of the most celebrated science fiction novels of all time. So, it makes sense that the upcoming movie adaptation is one of the most anticipated movies of the past few years. Alongside the popularity of the novel, the film has a revered director in Denis Villeneuve, and it boasts a stellar cast with everyone from Jason Momoa to Josh Brolin. Expectations are sky-high for Dune, and after Blade Runner 2049, we know the director can make something special.
Dune will come out on October 1st.

Mission: Impossible 7

The Mission: Impossible films aren’t just among the most popular and highest-grossing action films; they are also among the best-made. With each sequel, the movies get progressively better, with better action, higher stakes, and an ever-increasing bond with Ethan Hunt and his team.

The studio hasn’t released any details of the plot, but there’s little doubt it will be as bombastic as the rest. Here’s hoping it actually releases on its scheduled date, on November 19th.

The Matrix 4

What a time to be Keanu Reeves. His career stalled in the late 2000s, but then John Wick came out and his action-star status returned. The first three films have all been hits with both critics and audiences, to the extent that two more sequels are being produced. And that’s not all; Keanu Reeves has also returned to his most popular franchise: The Matrix.

We don’t know much about this latest entry, especially since Reeves’ character Neo died at the end. However, it’s sure to be an interesting movie for fans of the original trilogy.

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