29. Will Smith - Bright (2017)

Good evening and welcome to the bootleg version of Inside the Actor's Studio, this bonus episode we are taking a trip back and discussing Will Smith's guest appearance alongside James Lipton on the program Inside the Actor's Studio. This show was often a right of passage and a honor for most successful thespians in Hollywood. So as we wrap up our deep dive into Will Smith, let's see how our thoughts align with Sir James Lipton and if we learn anything unknown from our own journey. 

Take a trip back with us as we discuss the show that made Will Smith a bonafide super star, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Starring Will Smith alongside iconic actors/characters James Avery (Uncle Phil), Janet Hubert (OG Aunt Viv), Daphne Maxwell-Reid (Light-skinned Aunt Viv), Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton), Karyn Parsons (Hillary), Tatyana Ali (Ashley), Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey), and Jeff Towns aka DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jazz). We'll discuss the reunion, our favorite/iconic episodes, iconic guest stars, and so much more. 

Take a trip back with us to 2021! Right after the reckoning we got another Oscar worthy movie and performance from Will Smith with the tale of two of the greatest athletes ever and how their father made that happen. King Richard is not the biopic you expect about the Williams sisters, but it's a love letter and a thank you in the form of film from daughters to their father. Richard Williams and his dream for his daughters is an inspiring family story. Will, with the help of Venus, Serena and Isha Price, brings to life the softer loving side of a man who was often misunderstood and misinterpreted by the main stream media. Starring Will Smith in the titular role, anchored by an amazing performance by Aunjanue Ellis, and young stars in the making Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton. Will this be a movie theatre regret or a Blockbuster (HBOMax) fave?

Take a trip back with us accompanied by two old pals, Marcus and Mike as we talk about 2020's Bad Boys for Life. The latest installment of the Bad Boys franchise that helped Will Smith and Martin Lawrence breakout as movie stars, this buddy cop movie reminds us of a tale as old as time 'we ride together, we die together, bad boys for life'. Just when you're unsure what you should expect from a third Bad Boys movie starring two aging stars, they're able to take another leap with this movie giving Mike a bit more to work with other than just his good looks and trigger finger. Will this be a movie theatre regret or a  Blockbuster rental fave?

Take a trip back to 2019 with us as we watch one of Blue Sky Studio's last animated films (now available on Disney+). This fun spy caper stars the charming Will Smith as Agent Lance Sterling and his quirky tech specialist along for the ride is played by Tom Holland. This animated movie is funny and not just for the kiddos, we get to talk about the issue of Black characters turning into animals (too frequently IMO), and the funny dynamics between these two characters. So will this be a movie theatre regret or a Blockbuster (Redbox?) fave?

Travel back with us to 2019, Will Smith was getting jiggy with it as this was his third movie of the year. This time we're getting a double dose of Mr. Smith in Gemini Man. A film that utilizes new technology that allowed Robert Deniro and Al Pacino to be aged down in the Irishman. In Gemini Man Will Smith is going up against a very impressive and familiar looking younger version of himself. While technological advancements in movies can sometimes like gimmicks and can take time to get to the right level of believability (3D), we were pretty impressed by this feat. Will this be a Blockbuster movie rental fave or a movie theatre regret?

Take a trip back with us to a year most of us will always look back on fondly, even if it wasn't great...2019! This episode we're taking a trip to Agrabah and getting re-acquainted with some old but new friends in Disney's live action remake of Aladdin. We'll be getting to know a new rendition of a childhood fave and talking about Will's spin on a classic Robin Williams character Genie. So put your booty on the floor or in a chair, just don't go no where because you ain't neva had a pod like us! Will this be a movie theatre regret or a new Blockbuster (Disney+) fave?

Take a trip back to 2017 with us as we watch Will Smith in Netflix's biggest original movie Bright, co-starring Joel Edgerton. This movie takes Los Angeles as we know it and adds in a little chaotic magic with Elves and Orks living and working alongside humans. Will this be a Netflix and Chill regret or a Netflix and Chill fave?

Take a trip back with us to 2016 and grab your tissue boxes! Join us as we watch Collateral Beauty a holiday season tear jerker with a FULL ALL STAR CAST. We’ve got our main man Will Smith alongside some Academy Award winners including Ed Norton, Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, Michael Peña, Naomie Harris, and Jacob Lattimore. This movie is a nice spin on a classic trope used in A Christmas Story that allow's Will's character to process his grief. Will this be a movie theatre regret or a Blockbuster fave? 

Take a trip back with us to 2016, when there was just only 1 Suicide Squad movie and almost every girl was Harley Quinn for Halloween. We're talking about 2016's Suicide Squad starring Will Smith as Dead Shot and Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, the two standout characters in this ensemble. Director David Ayer brings together this fun cast is full of standout actors like Viola Davis, Joel Kinnaman, Cara Delevingne, Jai Courtney, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and Jared Leto. Hyped and well marketed, will this be a movie theatre regret or a Blockbuster fave?