Desmond says good-bye to 2021, and previews what’s to come in season three next year!

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!

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...

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!

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”!

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!

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

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!

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.

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!