My quick rating - 6,4/10. This flick takes an intriguing premise you have seen before and infuses it with elements of both missed opportunities and commendable humor. This horror-comedy film follows a group of black friends who gather for a Juneteenth weekend getaway, only to discover themselves trapped in a secluded cabin with a deranged killer. While the film falls short in some areas, it manages to deliver enough laughs and suspense to keep audiences engaged. One positive is its timely exploration of Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States. Setting the story during this period offers a unique backdrop that adds cultural significance and grounds the characters' experiences in a historical context. The cast of The Blackening shines, bringing a vibrant and relatable dynamic to their characters. Jermaine Fowler stood out for me since his laughs were dead on. The chemistry between the group of friends is palpable even though I didn't recognize some of them, and their interactions generate genuine humor throughout the film. The comedic moments help to alleviate tension and inject lightheartedness into an otherwise dark and suspenseful narrative. I just felt that they missed a lot of possible jokes that were obviously the target. The poster alone tells you exactly where they were going and I just felt it suffered from missed opportunities. The film sets up a promising premise with the friends being trapped in a remote cabin but fails to fully capitalize on the potential for horror and doesn't even really stick with the overused concept. The pacing feels uneven at times, with certain scenes dragging on while others rush through crucial plot points. Still, they managed to develop the mystery of who the killer is which has to be a staple for these flix, and does so quite well. It manages to entertain with its clever humor and occasional suspenseful moments. It successfully combines horror and comedy genres, creating a unique viewing experience. The film's Juneteenth backdrop adds depth and relevance, reflecting on the African American experience while incorporating elements of celebration and liberation while answering the question it presents on the poster LOL.
Playing on a few streamers for theater at-home pricing if interested.
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