Adventures In Black Cinema With Desmond Thorne

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!