Sinners

After completing “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” without the late Chadwick Boseman, Ryan Coogler (Creed, Black Panther) commenced development on an original idea with Michael B. Jordan. Set in the early 1930s during The Great Depression, gangster twin brothers open a juke joint (Blues themed nightclub) in a small town in Mississippi. They hire a few people to run the place. One night, the brothers encounter bloodthirsty vampires. The Premise I’m referring to is none other than “Sinners.”

Sinners earned unanimous praise from critics and movie goers alike. It made enough revenue at the box office. Anyway, Michael B. Jordan confirmed he’ll star in another vampire movie, “Blood Brothers.” Plus, he’ll collaborate with Ryan Coogler again in another movie, “Wrong Answer.”

This review contains no crucial SPOILERS whatsoever.

Lifted & Cursed Elements

Lifted: Michael B. Jordan did an excellent job for his dual performance as Smoke & Stack.

Other Cast Members such as Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku (Hunter B-15 from Loki) & Jack O’Connell all did a decent job for their respective performances.

Ryan Coogler did a great job writing and directing.

Ludwig Goransson (Black Panther, Tenet, Oppenheimer) orchestrated the soundtrack. Metallica drummer, Lars Ulrich assisted Ludwig as one of the drummers.

Scare Factor heavily relies on atmosphere. No Jump Scares present. I prefer atmosphere over Jump Scares.

Cinematography was shot in widescreen format and IMAX for epic scenes.

• Fun Fact 1: My hero, Christopher “Chris” Nolan is given a “Special Thanks Credit.” He gave Mr. Coogler advice to shoot epic scenes in IMAX. Both directors are good friends. Chris and his wife, Emma Thomas shot some of the scenes in 65mm. This is the closest thing for Mr. Nolan to direct a vampire film.
• Fun Fact 2: Most of the costumes are actually from the MCU’s cancelled Blade movie.

Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. I was hooked since Act I. First Half builds up on character relationships. Second Half gets better when all heck breaks loose.

Death Scenes are realistic and brutal.

Authentic Costume Designs and Set Pieces were crafted. Matches the early 1930s.

Smoke & Stack’s chemistry serves as the main highlight.

Practial Effects were heavily involved. Digital Effects were used sparingly.

Prosthetic Makeup transformed some of the cast into vampires.

Editing was spot-on.

Not 100% Musical, good singing and dance choreography with some of the cast performing Blues music.

Unlike many classic horror movies from the 1930s-1960s, I really give a crud about the characters. Getting to know the twins, their cousin, associates and loved ones.

Opening Scenes establishes vampire lore.

Blues guitarist, Buddy Guy makes a brief appearance.

Mr. Coogler mentioned “From Dusk til Dawn” as a primary influence. Both films are a crime-thriller vampire hybrid. Didn’t feel like a carbon copy of Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. Sinners was its own thing not copying somebody’s essay.

A “cultural consultant” was hired to assist the film crew researching historical accuracy, black and Chinese communities working during a time when racial segregation wasn’t fun and games. I do not endorse racism. Growing up in that era wasn’t fun. The depictions of black and Chinese people were handled perfectly as three-dimensional characters. The consultant really did a good job giving pointers.

Primary Themes are Siblinghood, Religion, Racism, Music, Community & Identity. Each one’s handled maturely.

A Plot Twist near the end changes everything. Worth a rewatch for subtle clues.

Stay tuned for an important Mid-Credits Scene.

Cursed: Second Trailer gave away a prominent character as a vampire. If a piece of crucial info appears in a trailer. I have to give decrease its merit. An automatic point down prior to release. Other trailers accidently gave away important plot points listed below. You gotta keep it under wraps.

• Free Willy
• Cast Away
• Chicken Run
• Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle
• The Island
• Quarantine
• Terminator: Salvation
• Funny People
• The Call
• Oblivion
• The Amazing Spider-Man 2
• Terminator: Genisys
• Batman vs. Superman
• Please Stand By
• Spider-Man: Homecoming

The Final Verdict: A-

Sinners is a unique vampire movie in recent years. If it weren’t for one flaw, I would’ve given it my highest rating an A, FOR APEX! An A- will do. If you like vampire movies, check it out on HBO Max. I think Sinners is an Oscar worthy contender. Who knows if it’ll receive “Best Picture” nomination. Only time will tell.