They Cloned Tyrone

This Blaxploitation sci-fi comedy is clearly among the more fun, inventive films that Netflix has decided to pick up. The grainy visual texture, the funky costumes and hairdos, the energetic soundtrack, and much of the film's aesthetics are carefully designed to remind us of some of the finest entries in the Blaxploitation subgenre. The setting could be somewhere in or around 2008, as we still see picture-tube TVs, CDs being sold, mentions of Obama, and Blockchain being the future (LOL!). The absence of smartphones is also a notable aspect. Yet, even with the aesthetics already standing out and a pretty exciting (and potentially scary) sci-fi plot on the cards, it's the lead trio's performances and fun camaraderie that holds it together.

The revelations keep coming, but it's the banter between Boyega's Fontaine, Teyonah Parris' Yo-Yo, and Jamie Foxx's Slick Charles that keeps you entertained and invested in their fates. After the first hour, there were moments in the screenplay where it could've all looked and sounded artificial. However, director Juel Taylor keeps the conspiracy theories coming, complemented by wonderful production design work and sustained focus on the protagonist's journey. The finale (++the eventual antagonist reveal) is somewhat tepid when compared to the rest of the film, and it may also seem 10-15 minutes too long for the story it has to say, though I'll definitely recommend They Cloned Tyrone if you're an enjoyer of absurdist humour.

Lovers of Jordan Peele's off-centre take on Black cinema should like co-writer (with Tony Rettenmaeir) / director Juel Taylor's comic-thriller "They Cloned Tyrone". Hard-ass drug dealer John Boyega, flamboyant pimp Jamie Foxx & sassy ho Teyonah Parris (terrific) discover a sinister plot (led by Kiefer Sutherland... or is it?) to experiment on & control all the folk in their run-down 'hood... and they fight back against it. Initially darkly stylish it soon becomes too silly, before deeper undertones emerge. Taylor's ambition can't be faulted, but he may have bitten off a little more than the average audience can chew on here. He is however, clearly one to watch out for.

I just read a review about people who give this film anything but a 1 either being family members etc etc. Quite the tirade.

With a third of their review concentrating on a child slurping a drink. That's their review.

This one is mine.

Look. This is quite a different output than your usual.

It is very much influenced by blaxploitation (and at the end that is the point) films and the modern revisionism of someone like Jordan Peale.

A completely off the wall plot that mixes multiple genres into one.

John Boyega is such a good actor. He really, really is.

With multiple roles, he manages them well.

Jamie Foxx adds silliness and humour to proceedings.

This isn't an Oscar winner. Nor is it garbage. It is just different.

I was engaged throughout the film.

To give you in a nutshell what to expect think Groundhog Day meets Invasion of the body snatchers, meets Nancy Drew meets Shaft meets Get Out meets Boyz n The Hood.

It's just a crazy mix which on the whole, IMHO, works.

And as to the title....it'll all make sense by the end.

And it lends itself to a sequel (which likely it will get).

Off the bat I was interested in this movie from the title alone. This movie was reminiscent of Undercover Brother, Black Dynamite, and especially Sorry To Bother You.

You can gather what the movie is about just from the title, but the story leading to everything is a fun ride. John, Jamie and Teyonah individually did a great job playing their characters. All providing something different to their unique, mystery solving trio team.

The elements of this movie were great too. Combining the eeriness with fantasy and bits of comedy. At times it almost had an 80's sci-fi feel to it too, where I would question what year it was even though it was modern day.

Overall, this movie was fun. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Again, if you're a fan of Undercover Brother, Black Dynamite or Sorry To Bother You, then you should check this movie out.

I live in Montgomery Alabama and usually we don't get nothing here. But our local theatre had They Cloned Tyrone for the weekend, and I'm glad I got to see it in a theatre with an audience.

I'm excited for this new director, Juel Taylor, and want to see more. We are entering a time where anyone can do what Tarantino did. Thanks to streaming there are so many films that if you want to see them, they're there. The film has got so many references. The script is funny. Filled with references for all. Be it comparing someone to the bad guy on Spongebob, to the carpet from the Overlook Hotel. There were several Kubrick references all throughout the film. I'm sure there were some I missed as well.

Additionally, I'm pretty sure the clones in how they were held was a reference to "V". Really the set design, was solid. You could tell the budget was well spent. Lighting and cinematography helped to pull it together.

I like John Boyega. He's a good lead. Having seen him in this, as well as Attack the Block this past weekend, we see this tough guy. But I think one of the reasons he's in demand is because he is also vulnerable. The scenes where he's partnered with a child playing with juice boxes, it's nice to see a tough guy that way.

Jamie Foxx. I wish that guy the best. He's flashy and comedic. He steps aside for Boyega to be the lead because he's smart, and knows that his role has the best lines.

The stand-out, who we're going to want to see more from is Teyonah Parris. She does not play a victim despite being called a "Ho" multiple times in the movie. She's both smart and adorable at the same time. When they're hiding out in her childhood room, again the set design and script give space to the character and she runs with it.

The film is fun. The film is science fiction.

IF you are a Kubrick fan you'll enjoy it on that level. If you like movies where people get to be goofy, you'll enjoy it on that level..

There are some parts with the drama, and conspiracy where it was hard to switch hats. Because there is some plot that is dropped in there to tie it all together. So if there is something missing it is some of that evenness of story development.

HOWEVER I get it. The visuals are strong, and if I was a director wanting to bring a comedy in on time that's what I'd probably slip on as well, as it is a fun film over-all.

The film reminded me of The Killing and I'm looking forward to more from Taylor.

I'm glad the new technology is there and we got new directors who reflect that. Give them space.