88

88 is a political thriller with a pointed message for *right now*. I went to the theatre for a few hours of mindful entertainment and was thrilled to find a thought-provoking, riveting and well-told story.

Lovers of political thrillers will be deeply satisfied. Movie buffs will notice the nods to Hitchcock, Scorsese and All the President's Men. 70s babies like me will reminisce about School House Rock during a brief and brilliant segment/explainer on SuperPacs and Citizens United. Must see.

Fantastic film that is extremely relevant to the corruption of Super PAC's and their contributions to political parties. It is beyond me how a film of this caliber can only have a a four star writing. I am also shocked this film is receiving the same level of media attention as most films these days received. Its a gem of a movie. Overall pacing of the film is great, acting fantastic, story intriguing. This film pulled me in in the same manner many other great corruption films of the past have like All Thr President's Men, JFK or Inside Man. Do yourself a favor and watch this film you won't be disappointed.

The film looks and feels like it could have been good. But, alas, it is not. It trots out all these conspiracies and endeavors to link them together. Some scenes are downright amateur. The politician being interviewed by the journalist, ugh. And, that whole narrative and journalist interview segment should have been cut. Now, for the most part, the acting is good. I thought Orlando Jones was great. We need to see more of him. And, Orlando demonstrates he can be effective in various genres. The writer/director should have had some supervision. Or, perhaps wear less hats on his/her next project. Brandon Victor Dixon as the main protagonist does a fine job.

Political drama "88" aims to be more eye-opening than the likes of "Irresistible" or "The Ghost Writer" - lofty & noble ambition, that it totally fails to meet as its plodding on-the-nose 2hr+ screenplay is poorly delivered by a virtually unknown cast (William Fichtner a minor exception). Super-PAC finance chief Brandon Victor Dixon discovers that 75% of funding for black presidential candidate Orlando Jones comes anonymously from white supremacist sources. Cue questions on 'Who' & 'How' (tho infuriatingly no-one asks 'Why' (to save the 'punchline' til the end - sigh)). Writer / director Eromose may have an important message to relay... but this ain't how to relay it.

An entertaining political thriller on the surface and an examination of racism and its many facets and disturbing history underneath. A rather unique and ambitious film with great performances that stays with you long after it ends. Highly recommended.