Cinnamon

I recently watched Cinnamon (2023) on Tubi. The film follows a young couple eager to make it big and resorting to creating their own opportunities. The young woman's job is a tool for money laundering, prompting them to steal the cash with dreams of heading to Los Angeles. However, their journey turns out to be much tougher than they anticipated.

This picture is both written and directed by Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr. (Lori Sheedy: F You). The cast includes Damon Wayans (In Living Color), Pam Grier (Coffy), David Iacono (The Summer I Turned Pretty), Hailey Kilgore (Respect) and Lauren Buglioli (Florida Man).

Damon Wayans stands out as the highlight of the movie, with his commercial being my favorite scene from this picture. The dialogue is generally well-written, but the storyline falls short of expectations. I found the acting of Iacono and Kilgore, as well as the direction of their characters, lacking. It's also puzzling why Pam Grier chose this role, as it doesn't make the best use of her talents. The film concludes with a worthwhile showdown that's fun to watch unfold, even if the end is predictable.

In summary, Cinnamon had the potential to be a solid film but falls short when all its elements come together. I would rate it 3/10 and suggest skipping it.

Cinnamon, has all the flavors! Action, romance, comedy, drama, thrills AND chills, with a dash of mystery & music sprinkled on top. A top tier ensemble cast brings to life this wildly entertaining and wonderfully written/directed filn by Brian Keith Montgomery Jr.. Including, The first lady of action, Mz. Pam Grier, who only has one line in the whole movie yet, speaks volumes as the menacing matriarch of her country crime family, despite being deaf. Damon Wayans' on cue comedic timing creates a convincing characterization of the conniving convenience store owner/used car entrepreneur, Wally. Hailey Kilgore lends her exquisite voice and earnest vulnerability to this hidden gem. As David Iacono serves up a slice of bittersweet yet, seriously saucy, truth to this tale. While, Nicole Sky, as Toni the pizza delivery girl, just straight up delivers. So, if you're sick of the same ol' tired, tasteless attempts at today's cinema, add Cinnamon to your watch list. You won't be disappointed.

This is a piece of a review from Tribeca Capsule Reviews - by Mike McGranaghan. "Here's yet another crime movie that unsuccessfully tries to emulate the style of Quentin Tarantino." This bs comment is getting so old already, it's like every time a film is made, particularly the ones that have Black lead actors they're accused of trying to emulate the thief himself, Quentin Tarantino.

They said the same thing about, "The Harder They Fall". But they never mention how the biggest thief of all time had admitted to stealing in a 1994 interview with Empire magazine by saying, "I steal from every single movie ever made." And his visual references to other movies have become his trademark. But "they" don't have anything negative to say about that.

So, if any other filmmaker does anything similar to what he has done, they have to be emulating after him. His style? Give me a break already with that bs! "Almost all of Tarantino's eight films have a main source for his thievery. For "Jackie Brown," it was the 1974 film "Foxy Brown." For "Kill Bill," the 1973 Japanese film "Lady Snowblood." And his "Inglourious Basterds" is, in a lot of ways, similar to the 1967 war film "The Dirty Dozen." So, who the hell would want to emulate after him!

This is an entertaining film and it has nothing to do with, or was even made with the thief Tarantino in mind.

Surprisingly a great movie with talented actors. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm at a point where I am watching this daily (at 29 mins in tho) and I need to stop!

The movie builds into the plot, some surprises along the way. But for the most part, I didn't pick any sides on this one. None of them deserved to win, but oddly enough, no one deserved to lose either...

I will say there are a few plot holes which leaves me wondering about the QA protocol. I have so many questions. What city did this take place?! The western theme was a very nice added touch for uniqueness bc most themes are over done. An African American cowboy?!?! Yas, I am here for it! It made the film quite entertaining.

I encourage you to watch and put your friends and family up on this movie as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie! Damon Wayans delivered hilarious performances, while Pam Grier was flawless and truly terrifying. Jeremie Harris portrayed the perfect antagonist, and his handsome presence added to the film's appeal. Hailey Kilgore's acting and character were both believable and engaging.

The film's comedic elements help to overlook some noticeable plot holes, creating an overall lighthearted energy that made it perfect for a relaxing weekend watch. In a world that can often be heavy, seeing it through a comedic lens was therapeutic and enjoyable.

However, I felt that Harris's character's catchphrase, which included the n-word, was a bit excessive and casual. While it was used less frequently than in movies like Django, the unoriginality of the catchphrase reminded me of black exploitation films, as did the cover art.