Boldly going where few first-time (or however–many-time) directors dare, actor-turned-filmmaker Mo McRae fashions a high-wire juggling act of a debut, in which half the breathless, uneasy entertainment value comes from wondering when it will all come tumbling down. That it eventually does, therefore — in a final act that overworks some unnecessarily soapy twists — feels slightly inevitable. But it can’t undo the sly, stylish first impression McRae makes: Ironically, considering it revolves around a kidnapping, this is a film that takes no prisoners.
The provocative, intersectional dynamics of race, class and sex are announced elegantly, as Dp John Rosario’s sinuous camera delivers a cleverly choreographed 17–minute one-shot opening. Introducing not only the main characters, but their pointedly affluent environment and the see-sawing internal power-play of their relationship, this terrific scene plays like “Malcolm and Marie” given a sense of humor and a social conscience, as James (Y’lan Noel...
The provocative, intersectional dynamics of race, class and sex are announced elegantly, as Dp John Rosario’s sinuous camera delivers a cleverly choreographed 17–minute one-shot opening. Introducing not only the main characters, but their pointedly affluent environment and the see-sawing internal power-play of their relationship, this terrific scene plays like “Malcolm and Marie” given a sense of humor and a social conscience, as James (Y’lan Noel...
- 3/14/2022
- by Jessica Kiang
- Variety Film + TV
Racial divides, mistrust and misunderstandings get a rambunctious, if understandably inconclusive workout in A Lot of Nothing, a dynamic and agitating feature debut by Mo McRae that had its world premiere at South by Southwest in the Narrative Feature Competition section. Layers of suspicions, animosity and aggressive feelings ebb and flow as an upscale Los Angeles black couple plays host to another couple and, unexpectedly, to a lower-class white cop who’s paying a price for what he did the night before. After a powerful first act, this turbulent work is obliged to downshift somewhat as it seeks some kind of conclusion that won’t be too pat or simplistic given the complex dynamics at hand. While it doesn’t end on a satisfying note, this is nonetheless an excitingly combustible piece that announces a vibrant talent unafraid to confront thorny issues head-on.
Co-written by McRae, who has acted in...
Co-written by McRae, who has acted in...
- 3/13/2022
- by Todd McCarthy
- Deadline Film + TV
Kcet picked up a leading six wins tonight at the Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards, including awards for local color and culture/history. Kmex, Ktla and Kvea followed with five wins each.
Ktla’s wins included the best daily morning newscast and best daily daytime newscast categories. Kvea won the best evening newscast honor. The awards were handed out at the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center in North Hollywood.
Below is the complete list of winners at the 71st Los Angeles Area Emmys, including a breakdown of wins by each outlet.
L.A. Local Color
Louis & Jazz (The Migrant Kitchen) Kcet
Matthew Crotty, Producer
Juan Devis, Executive Producer
Antonio Diaz, Producer
Stef Ferrari, Producer
Ben Hunter, Director, Editor
Jacqueline Reyno, Producer
Austin Straub, Camera
Environment News Story
Plastic And Our Oceans NBC4
(NBC4 News At 7Am And 5Pm)
Shanna Mendiola, Reporter
Andres Fernando Pruna, Camera, Editor, Producer
Sports Special
Dodgermentary:...
Ktla’s wins included the best daily morning newscast and best daily daytime newscast categories. Kvea won the best evening newscast honor. The awards were handed out at the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center in North Hollywood.
Below is the complete list of winners at the 71st Los Angeles Area Emmys, including a breakdown of wins by each outlet.
L.A. Local Color
Louis & Jazz (The Migrant Kitchen) Kcet
Matthew Crotty, Producer
Juan Devis, Executive Producer
Antonio Diaz, Producer
Stef Ferrari, Producer
Ben Hunter, Director, Editor
Jacqueline Reyno, Producer
Austin Straub, Camera
Environment News Story
Plastic And Our Oceans NBC4
(NBC4 News At 7Am And 5Pm)
Shanna Mendiola, Reporter
Andres Fernando Pruna, Camera, Editor, Producer
Sports Special
Dodgermentary:...
- 7/28/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
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