Queen & Slim ⭐️⭐️½
Not a film that received a theater recommendation (did suggest to see it on streaming) from me, but am moved to defend when I read about so-called “awards” that don’t consider and judge all movies fairly.
Including this one.
While I may not agree with others about whether or not a movie is good, there should be no disagreement that viewing is necessary in any critique or review process.
Should be obvious that one can’t judge whether or not something is liked if has never been watched!
“We held three screenings for the HFPA and almost no members attended,” Matsoukas said. “For me, it’s reflective of their voting body. It’s not reflective of the society in which we live in or the industry as it stands today. They don’t value the stories that represent all of us, and those stories are so often disregarded and discredited, as are their filmmakers.”
‘Queen & Slim’ Director: Golden Globes Voters Refused to Watch Film | IndieWire
Queen & Slim has held on at the box office, kudos to them and all those who enjoyed watching:
Will say one thing that this movie reminded me of, and no, not Bonnie & Clyde (Screenrant!), it’s a pensive song by Wyclef Jean called “Gunpowder” that deals with senseless gun violence.
In the movie there is a Black Lives Matters march and a young black boy takes out a gun and shoots a black policeman. Why? We never really find out in the film. Is this support for Queen and Slim? Taking action against the police?
In my Queen & Slim film critique, I missed the gun violence angle that was addressed, at least symbolically in the scene involving the protest and shooting.
I did mention the overzealous, racist cop who hassled the young couple just trying to drive home. Why the policeman drew his gun is left for the viewer to figure out. Seemed very heavy-handed.
More Reviews by Others
Since my last post about Queen & Slim, I came across some more good reviews to share. Not separating them, just grouping below:
- Cinema from the Spectrum: “This is a story that absolutely deserves to be told, because of the way black citizens’ lives have been immortalized at the hands of racism, but Queen & Slim never really lands fully, despite being undoubtedly entertaining.”
- greatmartin: “There are many unbelievable moments in “Queen & Slim” but the most shocking, head shaking and unbelievable are 5 that will make you gasp and wonder how these things can happen and be taken for granted today.”
- Major Film Reviews: ” I enjoyed the characters, and the journey they took, there was also some marvellous camera work and direction, and I feel with a tighter focus it might have been one of my favourites this year, as it is though, it’s an enjoyable,”
- M.U.S.E Enthusiasts: “…is beautifully shot, has cast chemistry and good acting. The common sense of how two law abiding citizens go on a first date and their lives forever changed, had me perplexed. “
- moviejoltz: “There were a couple of weaker scenes that did not work for me; but this would be only a minor complaint. My eyes were glued to the movie screen due to the incredible acting, directing and filming of this topical storied movie.”
- The Friday Night Cinema Club: “There’s something about its vision of the American road from the other side of the law that’s undeniable. Rough and blemished though it may be, it’s a gem all the same.”
- The Musings of Apple Juice: “The last section was the racial commentary in this which I felt was the weakest portion. Last years The Hate You Give (Juice Rating 92/100) was on my Top Ten for the year and it really balanced between overt statements and telling the story. This felt like the racial stuff was just shoe horned in and never felt natural. The riot scene was just so out of place and felt like a different movie while I was watching it.”
- wordyblerd: “the latest bloody reminder of what Black rebelion cost played in our minds as we stepped out of the darkness of the theater and into the the darkness and cold of the real world where the threat of state sanctioned violence is as constant as it is in the “entertainment” we just consumed. Yes, Queen & Slim was powerful, but it’s important to ask for whom.”
Movies, Movies, Movies 