Adventures In Black Cinema With Desmond Thorne
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Join movie 'Blackspert' Desmond Thorne on an exploration of your favorite Black films as he breaks down what makes them classic gems! And discover new Black films you've never heard of! It's time to take off and enter the mind of Desmond!
62 Episodes
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And we’re back! This time Desmond dives into the CLASSIC 90’s film, DEAD PRESIDENTS, and gets into the nitty gritty of the historical context of the film and the importance of learning more about Black and Latin men’s experiences during and after the Vietnam war. He also discusses the incredible performances from the ensemble, as well as some amazing gay shit that just dropped for us late last month!
As a new Beyoncé album looms and Jennifer Hudson is a new EGOT winner, it’s time to talk about DREAMGIRLS! Desmond gets into the film version of this classic Black musical with writer/director of the Indie Spirit nominated film TEST PATTERN, Shatara Michelle Ford! They talk about the aspects of filmmaking, performance, and storytelling that they love in the film, and throw some well-meaning side-eye to the aspects that don’t work quite as well. Also, Shatara SLAYS an edition of “Who’s Invited”!
This week, Desmond gets into a past Trust & Believe, the landmark Queer film, THE WATERMELON WOMAN. The first feature film to be released by a Black Lesbian (Cheryl Dunye) carries a great deal about inventing your own history, as well as interracial relations, and Desmond digs right into both, as well as how much this film and its ideas mean to him. Also, this week’s You Betta Act award throws it back to 1986 with a spectacular British Noir film.
Finally after diving into almost all of the film it parodies, Desmond gets into the nitty gritty of the CLASSIC comedy DON’T BE A MENACE! He talks about the intelligence in the visual comedy that drives the film, the commentary that the film provides, and why laughter is so needed within the Black community. Also, this week’s Trust and Believe spotlights a film by a newly out entertainer!
We are finally joined by Amanda Seales to discuss her favorite movie of all time, COMING TO AMERICA!! This joyful conversation about this comedy classic focuses on the brilliance behind the script, the performances, and the legacy that this film has created. It also leaves Desmond and Amanda yearning for the heyday of Black comedy films. Also, Desmond puts Amanda to the test with an in depth round of Who’s Invited!!
The time has come to talk about one of the only Black films up for Oscars this year, KING RICHARD. Desmond gets into this general thoughts on the film, and digs into Will Smith’s performance, his legacy, and of course touches on everyone’s favorite subject…the slap. Also, Desmond gives out some well deserved snaps and claps to ANOTHER winner from the land of Philly!
It’s time to sink our teeth into the FIRST Black Marvel comics film, BLADE! Desmond talks about the Black Excellence coursing through the veins of this film, the main characters, and Wesley Snipes’ iconic portrayal of the title character as well as how blood works its way into the major themes of the film (and makes Desmond a bit squeamish).
This week, Desmond is joined by Eliel Lucero and Tevon Gonzalez for another Kid n Play film! This time they talk CLASS ACT, and the ways in which the concept of having game influenced them as high schoolers, as well as the growth aspect that’s present in the film. And of course, it’s an episode with guests, so get ready for a double round of Who’s Invited!!
It’s our fiftieth episode!! Desmond covers another classic Spike Lee joint, and connects Crooklyn to the fun of summer as child, and the different dynamics presented in this family as well as his own. Also, the word on the street is about the legendary cast of an upcoming musical film!
Keep up with us on Instagram! @adventuresinblackcinema
Welcome back, y’all!! This week, Desmond digs into the relationship dynamics explored in the classic POETIC JUSTICE, as well as the relationship dynamics in his own life. Also, another “Trust and Believe” spotlights a hilarious music mockumenatry from the 90s!
Desmond says good-bye to 2021, and previews what’s to come in season three next year!
The time has finally come to go see THE WIZ! Desmond digs into the magic of this beautifully done, classic movie musical, and he also gets a chance to nerd out on all things that he loves from the Oz universe, as well as major differences from the movie and the Broadway production. Also, this week’s Trust and Believe is also a foray into an incredible NYC-set 70s film!
Let’s go to the 80’s to revisit the classic satire, HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE! Desmond gets into how the White gaze pervades Hollywood and their ideas of Blackness, along with aspects of the film that he disagrees with, while still having the utmost appreciation for it. Also, Black Noir is a big theme in this episode. I wonder why that is...
This week, Desmond dives into the Black indie classic, EVE’S BAYOU. He talks about the perfection of the film, the importance of seeing the story through a child’s eyes, and how magic, mysticism, and curses figure into the real lives of these characters, as well as his own. Also, this week’s You Betta Act award goes to a performance that you can check out on Netflix!
Favorite guest of the podcast, Shay Filmore, joins us again to talk about not just one CANDYMAN, but BOTH CANDYMANS! (Don’t say his name too many times though!). We talk about how both the original and the sequel are related to each other, what we love about Nia DaCosta’s work on the 2021 version, and what more we would like to see from Black horror in the future. Also, there’s a special spoooooky season edition of “Who’s Invited”!
It’s time to cut up with this week’s episode on the 2002 film, BARBERSHOP! Desmond gets into the importance of the diversity of Black characters in the film, spotlights the ensemble performances from this legendary cast (including a career best from Cedric the Entertainer), as well as the importance of spaces for Black folks to gather and have a great time! Also, Desmond highlights some amazing music from queer Black musical artists released this year!
We’re back! After a much needed summer break, Desmond returns to the pod with the animated comedy classic BÉBÉ’S KIDS! He gets into the ways in which this film feels like an authentically black narrative, what the film says about how Black kids are treated by society, and the ways in which genre films such as comedy and animation can convey important issues. Also, this week’s Trust and Believe goes out to a wonderful film about an epic summer in the past
Wedding bells are ringing this week as Desmond gets into the classic dramedy THE BEST MAN. He talks about the elements of self-sabotage present in the film through the main character Harper, as well as the difficulties of writing personal stories for public consumption and the best elements of weddings! Also, this week’s You Betta Act award finally goes to someone in a film that is in theaters NOW!
1Happy Belated Juneteenth y’all! This week, Desmond gets into the amazing hidden gem MISS JUNETEENTH and talks about how important tradition is in the Black community, as well as the idea of parents living their dreams through their children. Also, let’s talk about In the Heights.
It’s our 40th episode! Desmond discusses Spike Lee’s feature debut She’s Gotta Have It, and connects the themes to issues that he’s dealing with in his own life in terms of love. He also takes time to shout out Summer 2021 and guess each main character’s Zodiac sign!
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