Cinnamon

Finally got around to it and thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I appreciated the pace and cinematography. Even after watching the trailer, I still didn't know what to expect. It held my attention, made me laugh, and I liked the plot twists. I also love how memorable each character is, even in the smaller roles (like Toni lol).

I really came across this film because I had randomly been wondering 'why haven't I seen Damon Wayans in more stuff' right before this released, so the timing was a cool coincidence. Then recognizing more familiar actors casted prompted me even further to make sure I watched it. Hailey Kilgore & David Iacono did amazingly, of course. Everybody did.

The melody toward the end, right before they drove away, reminded me of 'Young, Dumb, and Broke' from Khalid. Nice touch. Lol.

In fresh & twisty small-town crime thriller "Cinnamon" Hailey Kilgore & David Iacono are down-beat young lovers with a dream who get mixed up in a deadly gas station robbery that unbeknownst to them (or is it?) also involves a wider web of drugs, murder & double-cross through the station's co-owners including Damon Wayans (in his first film in 15yrs), Pam Grier, Jeremie Harris (terrific) & Jay DeVon Johnson. The budget may be limited but third-time writer / director Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr draws terrific performances from his cast (also inc Racael Castillo & Nicole Sky) and applies a crisp, pacy, engaging (if not altogether original) style. Good 'n' entertaining fare.

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.

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.

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.