HBO Max
King Richard Reminds Us That Black Fathers Matter, Even If They’re Not Perfect And I Love It


With all the talk about whose story this really is, and why Richard Williams shouldn’t be at the forefront of the Williams sisters success story, despite him being their father and carrying them there, I think a lot of people are overlooking the more important message of this film.
And that’s that Black fathers matter!
Even when they’re not perfect! Despite that they’re not perfect, Black fathers do indeed matter!
King Richard Review


It’s not often that Hollywood bothers to give us a story about a great Black dad, let alone one whose kids are incredibly famous. So when we DO get one, why do we tear it apart and pretend like they’re not important?
Richard Williams by no means is a perfect dad, and we saw that highlighted throughout the film.
He was overprotective, a complete asshole to his wife and undermined her contributions to their family’s success, and a terrible communicator.
He cared more about his 78 page plan, than their feelings!
He clearly played favorites. Did y’all even know Venus and Serena had 3 other sisters and a whole brother before this film? Because I sure as hell didn’t!
And the movie hinted that there may have been more children that weren’t mentioned?
He projected his insecurities onto his children.
But he protected them and supported them like no other.
Despite me hating the beginning (especially since this film is supposed to be PG 13, and all them cuss words and harsh scenes feel like they belong more in a PG 14 film) I have to believe those scenes were added to help show what kind of father Richard was.
He protected them, despite the repercussions.
From the grown ass men in the hood who couldn’t keep their eyes, or nasty thoughts to themselves. From the press, and brands, who wanted to use the girls success for their own gain.
Richard, reminds us what Black fatherhood looks like.
It’s not always easy, because while fatherhood brings a ton of complicated issues on its own, being a BLACK father, with BLACK kids, adds another layer of intensity that only those who live through it could ever understand.
Yet through it all, he stayed, and he fought to protect them. To give them a better life than what he had. To make sure people not only recognized their name, but respected their name!
And isn’t that what fathers are supposed to do?
We watched him uplift his kids, and teach them valuable life lessons at a young age!
Not only did he believe in them, he helped them believe in themselves.
And I can only imagine what that did for their self confidence.
Richard also made sure they had a childhood and focused on education, instead of shoving them into the cruel world, and letting them fend for their own, to make a profit off of their talent.
So while the movie itself may have flaws, and while some may not agree that this is Will’s best work, I can easily say that King Richard is a must watch for all families (with older children) and for all adults.
King Richard reminds us that Black fathers matter, even when they’re not perfect.
And as a single mother, with a Black daughter, whose father seems to struggle with understanding this simple concept. As so many other people do.
I can’t overlook how great this film is, and what it could do for us, if we focus on the real matter at hand here.
This film gave us a Black father, with all his flaws laid out on the table, and showed us that even though he wasn’t a perfect man, a perfect husband, or even a perfect dad, he still mattered!
He helped his daughters become the best tennis players in the world!
And he mattered enough for those daughters to help make an entire movie about him! So I’m begging you all, please don’t miss out on this one.
Don’t ignore an inspiring story about a Black dad!
We already have so few of them.
HBO Max
If You Can Get Past All The Fuckery In Peacemaker Episode 1 (Including Some Racism) You’re In For A Wild Explosive Finish


But again … that’s only if you can make it to the end of episode 1 of HBO Max’s new DC Comics “Peacemaker” series.
Which if I’m being honest, is a little hard to do.
I finally started the series last night, and I was a little surprised that it’s not as “light” as The Suicide Squad movie, which I loved.
While the movie was incredibly funny — because it was incredibly foolish, this series feels a tad bit more serious.
Episode 1 starts us off with one of my favorite comedy actors, Rizwan Manji (who I loved in Perfect Harmony), and for those first few minutes I thought we were getting a silly series similar to The Suicide Squad.
But something feels different about this. What exactly? Keep reading to find out.
Peacemaker Episode 1 Review
Spoiler Alert – If you haven’t seen Peacemaker episode 1 yet, this recap will spoil things a bit. Not much, so if you don’t mind small spoilers, you can totally read this. But if you loathe all kinds of spoilers, bookmark this joint and wait until you’ve seen the episode.
So, is it seeing John Cena’s bare ass on screen, in a hospital robe, that bothers me?
Of course not.
Despite me not liking the Peacemaker character, and not being attracted to the former wrestler, seeing his bare ass on screen isn’t what bothers me.
It’s also not the Black girl working at the hospital being a snitch.
Okay, okay fine. That bothered me a little bit.
But not as much as that foolish ass dance in the title sequence.
However, none of those bother me like hearing Danielle Brooks’ character Leota Adebayo say pussy over and over again.
Why?
Because if you watched Orange is the New Black, you remember how similar the words pussy and the name of her good friend Poussey sound!
And I’m still not over her death in the show. So yeah, that triggered a lot of feelings.
And on top of that, her character is married to a woman?
I’m a little tired of folks casting straight actors as gay characters, as if there aren’t any actual gay actors in the world?
But that’s another argument for another day. That you can expect to see soon, because I just watched Eternals and of course it’s the same shit there.
Anywho … the humor I thought would be in this, doesn’t hit like it did in The Suicide Squad.
The Suicide Squad was wild, and that’s what made it so intriguing to me. Although everything in the movie felt stupid, I could tell it all had a purpose. And it was SO damn insane that it made me laugh.
But I don’t get those same feelings from Peacemaker episode 1.
So when they made it absolutely clear that Peacemaker’s dad (played by Robert Patrick) is in fact racist.
Not just slightly racist because he says fucked up shit. No, no he’s actually racist!
That’s where it all went downhill for me.
And when Mr. Racist laughed at the story about Bloodsport being bitten by rats as a child, I lost it. Sir literally nearly died from laughter, and I just can’t.
I’m sensitive about kids and the way they’re treated. Can you tell?
So even though we learn that Peacemaker’s dad makes his helmets, and they all have special abilities, the racism is hard to get past.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t bothered by how much people love throwing racism into tv shows that are meant to be “funny”.
I know James Gunn does crazy shit, and everyone loves him for it, but racism is hard to ignore when you’re Black.
I also get that he’s probably not making these series for me … or for us … so that’s another thing to take into consideration. White folks don’t get triggered by racism.
So racism, on top of an inhuman female killer machine, or whatever that “girl” was at the end, is a bit too much for my scary ass.
But the wicked cool explosion at the end almost makes cringing through this worthwhile.
Almost.
I’m still not fully convinced that I should continue watching this, because the bone breaking sound effects feel like they belong in a horror film, and we all know how much I hate those.
But despite the fact that I’m easily frightened, hate horrors and thrillers, and hate seeing blood. There’s something so creative about the way James Gunn approaches explosions, that always excites me.
So the ending of episode 1 was kind of amazing. And exactly what I was hoping this series would be. The ending felt like The Suicide Squad, and I want more of that.
I’m just not sure this entire series is gonna be worth the watch. Because if I have to suffer through an entire 40+ minute episode just for a single, captivating moment that truly excites me, this one ain’t for me.
HBO Max
Issa Rae Sent Fans On A Scavenger Hunt Throughout Inglewood To Celebrate ‘Insecure’ Final Season


If you’re an Insecure fan, then chances are … you’ve already seen the final season!
I haven’t but I know you have!
But what you probably haven’t seen is this cute video showcasing the scavenger hunt Issa sent fans on throughout Inglewood, California to celebrate Insecure’s final season! It actually looks pretty freaking cool!
So what was this ‘Insecure’ scavenger hunt (that I wasn’t invited to) all about?
Well … Issa Rae’s Audio Everywhere Company, Raedio, partnered with Community (an innovative text message marketing platform) on a first-of-its-kind live scavenger hunt activation.
The viral video creation agency, Keithcity Group (known for creating Bill Nye’s viral Tik Toks) planned and executed the videography of the event, as well as the post-event reel.
The scavenger hunt, designed for Insecure superfans to celebrate the show’s final season (and featuring a final soundtrack produced by Raedio), took place in Inglewood, California, last month. Last freaking month! And yet nobody told me? I coulda used an excuse to visit Cali last month man!
Anywho … Fans received exclusive Insecure-themed messages and videos via text that led them to several landmark locations and small businesses spotlighted in Rae’s hit HBO show.
The scavenger hunt culminated in a private immersive experience.
The Insecure Final Season Scavenger Hunt …
- Took fans to black-owned businesses in Leimert Park and businesses featured on Insecure, including the place Rae tried to make a difference in the Inglewood Community during the first half of the series.
- Gifted Raedio prizes to fans, such as hand sanitizer, t-shirts, and tote bags upon arrival at different locations.
- Spotlighted The Coffee Shop co-owned by Issa Rae, and upon arrival, fans found the QR code that led them to a clue about the second location via text message.
- Culminated with a private event where fans got to hear the season five soundtrack, produced by Raedio. Music artists featured on the soundtrack, like B.K. Habermehl and Josh Levi, also attended this private event.
So yeah, it sounds pretty cool, and a really special way for fans to celebrate a show they loved! I’m hoping we get more events like this in 2022. That I get invited too. Just saying.
Here’s a sneak peek of what the scavenger hunt was like …
All 5 seasons of Insecure are now streaming on HBO Max.
HBO Max
8 Of The Best Quotes From Dune


Listen, if you haven’t seen the new Dune film yet … I’m sorry, but you missed out! The moment it comes back on HBO Max you better RUN! I’m still shocked at how much I enjoyed it, and I watched it at home! And if I’m being completely honest, I’m still kicking myself for not seeing it in theaters.
However, while watching the Dune movie on HBO Max, I couldn’t help but notice these quotes. These quotes are my absolute fave so I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Here Are The Best Quotes From The “Dune” Movie


“If you want it, make me give it to you.”
“Dreams make good stories. But everything important happens when we’re awake.”
“You fight when necessity rises no matter the mood.”
“They’re not human they’re brutal.”
“Don’t be too sure it’s an act of love.”
“You dismiss my mother in her own house.”
“So much potential wasted in a male.”
“Should we remove them, save the water?”
Are any of these quotes above your favorite? Did I miss a good one that you loved?
If so, leave your favorite quotes in the comments below!
Dune is no longer streaming on HBO Max, but it’ll be back soon!
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Alicha
November 21, 2021 at 1:20 pm
Love this review! Some movies aren’t solely about putting the direction or cinematography or etc. in the forefront but also about cultural impact. Definitely inspired me to go have a watch.
Shaye Wyllie
November 28, 2021 at 12:48 pm
Thank you!! And YESS! Sometimes the narrative the movie spreads is enough. I hope you enjoyed it!