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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Desmond says good-bye to 2021, and previews what's to come in season three next year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The time has finally come to go see THE WIZ! Desmond digs into the magic of this beautifully done, classic movie musical, and he also gets a chance to nerd out on all things that he loves from the Oz universe, as well as major differences from the movie and the Broadway production. Also, this week's Trust and Believe is also a foray into an incredible NYC-set 70s film! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's go to the 80's to revisit the classic satire, HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE! Desmond gets into how the White gaze pervades Hollywood and their ideas of Blackness, along with aspects of the film that he disagrees with, while still having the utmost appreciation for it. Also, Black Noir is a big theme in this episode. I wonder why that is... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Desmond dives into the Black indie classic, EVE'S BAYOU. He talks about the perfection of the film, the importance of seeing the story through a child's eyes, and how magic, mysticism, and curses figure into the real lives of these characters, as well as his own. Also, this week's You Betta Act award goes to a performance that you can check out on Netflix! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Favorite guest of the podcast, Shay Filmore, joins us again to talk about not just one CANDYMAN, but BOTH CANDYMANS! (Don't say his name too many times though!). We talk about how both the original and the sequel are related to each other, what we love about Nia DaCosta's work on the 2021 version, and what more we would like to see from Black horror in the future. Also, there's a special spoooooky season edition of “Who's Invited”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to cut up with this week's episode on the 2002 film, BARBERSHOP! Desmond gets into the importance of the diversity of Black characters in the film, spotlights the ensemble performances from this legendary cast (including a career best from Cedric the Entertainer), as well as the importance of spaces for Black folks to gather and have a great time! Also, Desmond highlights some amazing music from queer Black musical artists released this year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back! After a much needed summer break, Desmond returns to the pod with the animated comedy classic BÉBÉ'S KIDS! He gets into the ways in which this film feels like an authentically black narrative, what the film says about how Black kids are treated by society, and the ways in which genre films such as comedy and animation can convey important issues. Also, this week's Trust and Believe goes out to a wonderful film about an epic summer in the past Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wedding bells are ringing this week as Desmond gets into the classic dramedy THE BEST MAN. He talks about the elements of self-sabotage present in the film through the main character Harper, as well as the difficulties of writing personal stories for public consumption and the best elements of weddings! Also, this week's You Betta Act award finally goes to someone in a film that is in theaters NOW! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Belated Juneteenth y'all! This week, Desmond gets into the amazing hidden gem MISS JUNETEENTH and talks about how important tradition is in the Black community, as well as the idea of parents living their dreams through their children. Also, let's talk about In the Heights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's our 40th episode! Desmond discusses Spike Lee's feature debut She's Gotta Have It, and connects the themes to issues that he's dealing with in his own life in terms of love. He also takes time to shout out Summer 2021 and guess each main character's Zodiac sign!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Pride month, everyone! This week, Desmond dives into the Queer classic PARIAH with filmmaker Cai Thomas. They talk about the incredibly lived in performances, the craft of director Dee Rees and her team, as well as how they both connect to the film as young Queer Black people! And of course, no guest episode is complete without a game of Who's Invited!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Desmond gets critical about the 2020 slavery film, ANTEBELLUM. He talks about the confusing narrative, what he thinks the filmmaker’s intentions were, and other Black media that has portrayed these ideas correctly. Also, Desmond has the word on the street about one of Black film’s biggest Blockbusters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Desmond takes a deep dive into Jordan Peel’s second film, US! He gets into the incredible performance of Lupita Nyong’o and the rest of the cast, the brilliant allegory in the film about class systems, as well as the ways in which this film also portrays Trump’s america. Also, Desmond gives his reactions on this year’s Oscar ceremony! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Desmond is joined by the founder of the BlackStar Film Festival, Maori Karmael Holmes to discuss JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH! They dig into the brilliant performances, the history behind the film, and ways in which Fred Hampton’s legacy lives on. Also, Maori is put to the test with another round of “Who’s Invited”!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back to our regularly scheduled programming, Desmond gets into the lovely hidden gem THE FORTY-YEAR-OLD VERSION this week, and talks about the importance of artistic integrity as you age as a Black artist, and the magical expression of Hip-Hop. Also, there’s a new segment on the show!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Oscar Extravaganza!! In this week’s mega-sized episode, Desmond breaks down the Oscar voting process, his thoughts on this year’s major category nominations and some of this year’s history makers! Check it out and get those ballot pools ready!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love is never easy, but it can be extremely beautiful, as portrayed in Barry Jenkins film adaptation of James Baldwin’s IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK. This week, Desmond talks about the incredible performances in this ensemble film, as well as the gorgeous design, and the many awards that it could have been nominated for at the Oscars. Also, this week’s You Betta Act award goes to a performance in another Barry Jenkins film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that we’re back from our Girls Trip, let’s rob!! This week, Desmond reunites with Jada and Queen in their first film collaboration, SET IT OFF! Desmond and his guest, comedian Lynaé DePriest get into the Nitty Gritty about what this film says about how society antagonizes Black women, and the beautiful Black female friendship in this classic film. Also, listen to Lynaé absolutely slay a fresh round of Who’s Invited! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pack your bags! This week Desmond gets into the nitty gritty of the epic comedy GIRLS TRIP!! Desmond talks about the wonderful performances from the main cast, the fun moments in the film, and the important messages that the film carries about Black female friendship. Also, this week’s You Betta Act award goes to one of the last great Black sitcoms on network television, that you may not have seen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s our thirtieth episode!! This week, Desmond digs into one of the best films of all time, DO THE RIGHT THING. Desmond talks about Spike’s process while crafting the film, the incredible performances, the ways in which aspects of this film are similar to a play, and the reasons why this classic film will live on forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our first guest is back! Film programmer Shay Filmore is back to discuss the problematic and iconic fun thriller, Ma! Desmond and Shay talk about the issues with the film, the ways it could have actually been great, and of course Octavia Spencer’s committed performance as Sue Ann. Also, of course, there’s another round of Who’s Invited!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The White gaze is back with a vengeance in this week’s film, MALCOLM & MARIE! Desmond talks about Zendaya’s great performance in the film along with some other aspects that he did not enjoy as much, including the gaze that is ever present in the script. Also, Desmond puts you on to another Netflix film that shines bright and welcomes a new talent on to the scene! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Desmond gets into Regina King’s directorial debut, ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI. Desmond talks about these iconic performances of iconic figures in our history, while also discussing some of the things that make them complicated in the film as well as in real life. Also, Desmond gets into the buzz about Black films from this year’s Sundance Film Festival!

This week, Desmond is joined by film critic Jourdain Searles to talk about Pixar’s SOUL (a film Desmond mostly liked, and Jourdain mostly didn’t!). They talk about the history of Black representation in film animation and how SOUL fits into that conversation, what could have made the film better, and they recast the role of 22!

Are y’all ready to party? This week, Desmond digs into the classic 90’s comedy HOUSE PARTY! He talks about the brilliance of the film, how much he misses house parties IRL, as well as some of the film’s more problematic aspects. Also, Desmond dishes about an amazing actor that he didn’t know was gay until very recently!! 

Are y’all ready to party? This week, Desmond digs into the classic 90’s comedy HOUSE PARTY! He talks about the brilliance of the film, how much he misses house parties IRL, as well as some of the film’s more problematic aspects. Also, Desmond dishes about an amazing actor that he didn’t know was gay until very recently!! 

Welcome back y’all!! Season two of the show starts off with the classic romantic film, HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK. Desmond talks about relating to Stella’s single life, her issues with letting loose, and how much he misses going on vacation! Also, this week’s Trust & Believe highlights Steve McQueen’s five film masterpiece, SMALL AXE.

Welcome back y’all!! Season two of the show starts off with the classic romantic film, HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK. Desmond talks about relating to Stella’s single life, her issues with letting loose, and how much he misses going on vacation! Also, this week’s Trust & Believe highlights Steve McQueen’s five film masterpiece, SMALL AXE.

In this special bonus mini-episode, Desmond talks to filmmakers Elegance Bratton & Chester Algernal (from our "Paris is Burning" episode) about the incredible group of Queer, Black, award-winning filmmakers that they have created and nurtured over the years. Elegance and Chester discuss how they started this Black film family, and the systems in Hollywood that they want to challenge together with their work.

Happy Holidays, y’all! In our last episode of 2020, Desmond pays respect to the seminal Christmas film THE PREACHER’S WIFE. Desmond gets into Advent, one of his favorite times of the year, the accuracy of the Black church in this film as portrayed by director Penny Marshall, and the wonderful people involved in this movie that we have lost in the past few years. Also, Desmond talks about how GAY Christmas truly is!!

Just in time for the Holidays, Desmond dives deep into the ‘meet the parents horror film’, GET OUT! Though this film initially was thought of as a horror film about interracial relationships, Desmond talks about how it touches on so much more, including aspects of how Blackness is commodified in the United States. Also, this week’s TRUST & BELIEVE is a new Netflix horror film, and the YOU BETTA ACT award this week is what Desmond considers to be a classic performance.

In this hilarious episode, Desmond and his guest, actor/writer Sheldon D. Brown, discuss the 90’s classic comedy match-up, LIFE starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. They dig into the memorable lines and moments, Bernie Mac, the Queer representation in the film, and how they feel about the unity between Black men in our current times. Also, where there’s a guest, there’s another round of WHO’S INVITED!!

It’s our twentieth episode!! This week, Desmond finally gets into the subject he’s been talking about all summer and fall, Malcolm X! He not only digs into the famous Spike Lee film from 1992 starring a flawless Denzel Washington, but also the seminal 1972 documentary MALCOLM X, also based on the 1965 autobiography; and talks about the legacy that this incredible man has left behind.  

Are you hungry? This week, Desmond dives into the 90’s classic, SOUL FOOD. He praises Vanessa Williams iconic performance, reminisces on missing his extended family and eating soul food, and also clocks some of the weak sauce gender dynamics in the film. Also, there’s another “Some Gay Shit” centered around LOVECRAFT COUNTRY!

Yahhhs! Take a trip to the Ballroom this week as Desmond gets into the monumental documentary PARIS IS BURNING with two brilliant filmmakers and ballroom experts, Elegance Bratton and Chester Algernal Gordon! The three of them have a fun Kiki about the documentary, the ethics of white people directing black films, and also where the ballroom scene is today! And with two guests comes a DOUBLE edition of ‘Who’s Invited’!!

Are you ready to get weird?? This week, Desmond dives into the strange 2018 indie gem, SORRY TO BOTHER YOU! Desmond breaks down the incredible production design in the film, the aspects of protest in the film, and how both of these elements connect to the concept of Black folks assimilating to whiteness. Also, this week’s You Betta Act award goes to one of the best actors of this current generation!

This week join Desmond as he gets into the 90’s classic MENACE II SOCIETY. Desmond talks about the legendary character O-Dog (played to perfection by Pod favorite Larenz Tate) as well as an ABC History Lesson about the racist systems put in place that led to the Watts uprising and the tragic events of this film. Also, Desmond dishes out another Decease and Desist, and this time, it’s for an industry publication calling one of our longest working young actors a “breakout”.

In this special Mega-sized episode, Desmond is joined by friend and actor Tessa Claire Hersh to talk about the mega important film LOVE & BASKETBALL. Desmond and Tessa break down the amazing moments, brilliant acting, and brilliant direction in this film, as well as what it means to be a Black woman working hard in a professional space. Also, they spend some quality time at the top of the episode honoring the life of Breonna Taylor. Plus, we play another round of everyone’s favorite game, WHO’S INVITED!!

This week Desmond digs into the 2000’s comedy classic WHITE CHICKS! Desmond gets into the accuracy of the White stereotypes depicted in this Wayan's Brothers satire. He also talks about how the film can also function as a Terry Crews biopic. Also, there’s another edition of Some Gay Shit centered around LOVECRAFT COUNTRY! 

This week, join Desmond as he gets into the Nitty Gritty of the 2019 hidden gem LITTLE WOODS starring Tessa Thompson and Lily James. He talks about the excellent work from director Nia DaCosta (who directed the upcoming CANDYMAN), as well as the commentary that she makes on the systems of housing and healthcare in the United States in the film. Also, Desmond gives you a sneak preview of Regina King’s directorial debut, ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI!

This week, Desmond digs into the 90’s classic LOVE JONES! Desmond discusses the electric chemistry between Larenz Tate and Nia Long, and his own discoveries about love during Quarantine. He also talks about the importance of art in the Black community, love, and how hard it can be to be an artist in a relationship. Also, Desmond puts you on to a Black hidden gem from the early 80’s called LOSING GROUND.