In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I wanted to explore the 1995 classic Waiting to Exhale. Directed by Forest Whitaker and adapted from Terry McMillan’s novel, the film tells the stories of Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria—four African-American women navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth. With stellar performances by Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon, Waiting to Exhale offers an authentic portrayal of sisterhood and resilience. Also, stay tuned for a special guest near the end of this episode!

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Cleo went out like a legend. Set It Off (1996) was a story of sisterhood, survival, and defiance. From its gritty cinematography to that gut-wrenching final scene, tune in to listen to the breakdown of why this film still hits in 2025. Buckle up, we’re setting it off.

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Poetic Justice isn’t just a movie, it’s a moment! It’s poetry, love, grief, and fate all wrapped up in a road trip, with Janet and Pac at the center of it. Let’s break down why this film still hits all these years later.

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The heat is rising, and we’re stepping into one of the most powerful films ever made—Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. This isn’t just a movie; it’s a mirror. From the scorching streets of Brooklyn to the boiling tensions between cultures, this film forces you to confront hard truths.

In this episode, I break down how Spike uses the camera to make you feel the pressure, the characters that represent more than just themselves, and that gut-wrenching ending that still hits too close to home. Was Mookie right? Was Sal wrong? And why does this film still hold up after all these years?

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Kasi Lemmons’ Eve’s Bayou is an experience. A Southern Gothic masterpiece wrapped in memory, mysticism, and trauma. On this episode of The Cinematic Soul, we’re diving into the depths of this haunting 1997 classic.

🔹 How the film’s cinematography plays with memory and truth

🔹 Jurnee Smollett and Samuel L. Jackson’s unforgettable performances

🔹 The mystical elements of Mozelle’s visions, fate, and the ‘gift of sight’

🔹 The connection between Eve’s Bayou and Lovecraft Country

Plus, a look ahead at our next episode 🤫 .

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Gina Prince-Bythewood understood the assignment. In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I’m breaking down how she carved out a lane for Black love stories with Beyond the Lights. We’ll also talk about Cynthia Erivo’s rise to fame (shoutout to Fly Before You Fall for putting me on) and why this film never got the flowers it deserved. If you’re still feeling that Valentine’s Day love hangover, this one’s for you.

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“All’s fair in love and basketball right…” This week on The Cinematic Soul, we’re breaking down Gina Prince-Bythewood’s 2000 classic Love & Basketball.

Was Quincy really the villain, or was he just a product of his environment? Does the film still hold up after all these years? Let’s talk about it.

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In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, we’re diving into the legacy of Boomerang—not just as a romantic comedy, but as a cultural blueprint. From Reginald Hudlin’s sleek direction to the film’s rich cinematography, sharp costume design, and one of the smoothest R&B soundtracks ever curated, we’re breaking down the artistry that made this film an undeniable classic.

How did Boomerang redefine the portrayal of Black professionals on screen? What choices made it stand the test of time? And can we talk about how this soundtrack still hits today? Let’s get into it.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this movie and black cinema in general! Reach out at [email protected] and let’s keep the convo going!

Weddings are supposed to bring people together… unless, of course, a certain book exposes secrets that should’ve stayed buried. The Best Man gave us romance, brotherhood, and just the right amount of messy drama, all wrapped up in one of the most iconic Black ensemble films of the 90s!

📩 Got any thoughts, suggestions, or a movie you want me to cover? Hit me up at [email protected] and let’s keep the conversation going!

Is Love Jones the ultimate Black romance film, or does nostalgia make us see it through rose-colored glasses? In this debut episode of The Cinematic Soul, let’s dive into the poetry, the passion, and the beautifully flawed love story of Darius and Nina. From 90s Chicago’s cinematic glow to the way this film redefined Black romance on screen—let’s talk about why Love Jones still hits different. Tap in.