Detroit director’s new movie called throwback to classic 90s comedies 

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

At a time when Los Angeles is being devastated by fires and the rest of the national landscape is fraught with division, critics are greeting “One of Them Days” as a much-needed pause for some fun.The L.A.-set comedy, which opens Friday, stars Keke Palmer and SZA as two young women with nine hours to find $1,500 to cover their rent before they’re evicted. The Associated Press calls it “a welcome warm breeze for a movie landscape that has largely frozen out the comedy.” The Hollywood Reporter says “many of the best scenes punctuate social analysis with ribbing humor,” while the New York Times describes it as a “joyous comedy” where “genuine emotion attends the humor.”Lawrence Lamont, the former Detroiter who is making his feature-film directing debut with “One of Them Days,” always had this vision for the project. Sitting inside downtown Detroit’s Shinola Hotel this week during a press tour, he says his favorite comedies are ones with heart.“When you can lean in to something that’s heartfelt and you have those moments that are serious, I think it only enhances the comedy. And this is a story that’s pretty serious,” he says. “The economy is crazy; inflation is crazy. Everyone has had one of those days. The first of every month, people are stressed out. But somehow human beings have been able to laugh at pain, and laughter has become healing. I like to make sure that the heart is there.”This is a big weekend for the Motor City native, who got his start in music videos and moved to the West Coast to pursue his filmmaking dreams. On Tuesday night, he brought the movie home to the Royal Oak Emagine multiplex for a screening that was heavily attended by his family and friends.Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.During the q-and-a session afterward, Lamont gave credit for his understanding of female characters to the strong women who raised him, pointing out his mother, Travice Hall, in the audience. And when asked what he would do if he needed $1,500 in a pinch, he said he would “call on my grandma D.J.,” Dorothy Jenkins, who also was there and raised her hand as the audience laughed and clapped appreciatively.So how many people did Lamont know at the screening? “Probably like 95% of the audience,” he says with a smile. That warm community feeling is echoed in “One of Them Days,” which features a star-studded cast, fall-down-funny moments of pure slapstick and a believable friendship between the characters portrayed by the multi-talented Palmer, an Emmy-winning television and film star, and SZA, a Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated singer-songwriter .Palmer plays Dreux, a struggling waitress aiming for a management job, while SZA is Alyssa, an artist with more talent than planning skills. When Alyssa’s boyfriend keeps their rent money instead of handing it over to their unforgiving landlord, the roommates find themselves forced into a series of slapstick situations and dangerous misadventures as the clock threatens to run out.Besides Palmer and SZA, the cast includes comedian and actor Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James of ABC’s “Abbott Elementary, Vanessa Bell Calloway of films like “Coming to America” and “Harriet” and, in a small standout role as a mysterious figure named Lucky, comedian and actor Katt Williams.Shot in a brisk 20 days, “One  of Them Days” is being called a throwback to classic 1990s comedies by some. It was produced by Issa Rae of “Insecure” fame and written by Syreeta Singleton, the showrunner for Max’s “Rap Sh!t” (which was created by Rae). Lamont says he got attached to the project four years ago and never gave up on believing that it would get made. In fact, one of the things that has fueled his career is his belief that he is destined to be a filmmaker — a dream encouraged by those closest to him.Lamont says his interest in entertainment goes all the way back to a church play he appeared in at age 5 or 6. “I think that was the first time I was, like: ‘Wow there’s something to this storytelling. People are laughing. People are reacting to stuff onstage’,” he remembers.Growing up, he schooled himself in the cinematic arts by watching his aunt’s collection of movies on VHS tapes. “I would, like, lock myself in her room, and I was watching classics I didn’t know. So I’m watching ‘Taxi Driver’…’Clockwork Orange’… stuff from Spike Lee, (like) ‘Crooklyn,’” he says.While immersed in theater at Southfield High School, he started learning how to put together a production. “We weren’t just actors in the plays,” he says. “We did tech crew, we did wardrobe, all the things. … I think that started sparking my mind as to what I could do as a filmmaker.”Around that time, Lamont says, he also had a number of friends who were musicians . “Eventually, musicians need music videos. I was, like, I could direct  these videos, so I started writing treatments. My first time directing a video as a teenager, I was on set  (and thought) this is what I need to be doing forever.”Lamont got his start helming music videos for Big Sean, a friend and classmate at Southfield High. They wound up working together on several videos, including “IDFWU, which has gotten 390 million views on YouTube and earned a video of the year prize from BET, and “Single Again,” which was framed as a love story starring Detroit’s Ryan Destiny (who’s currently having her own breakout moment in the movie “The Fire Inside”).  While making videos with Big Sean, J. Cole, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Nas and others, Lamont says he gravitated toward “very narrative, super-cinematic” ideas that resembled short films. “Being able to be creative in music videos has definitely enhanced my skill set as a filmmaker. … I’ve always wanted to do things that help shift the collective consciousness or make people feel moved in a positive way,” he says.The ultimate goal, however, was making movies and television, which Lamont prepared for by doing the  actual work, not studying it in an academic setting. Referring to director Quentin Tarantino’s well-known quote about his path to success, he says he didn’t go to film school, but just went to films.Lamont moved to Los Angeles more than a decade ago in order to focus on things like taking meetings with studios. He has written on Instagram that he made the move “with my laptop, a couple hundred dollars, and a dream.” He says the support he received in Detroit made the daunting leap possible.“Growing up, my mom and my family and my teachers, they never snipped my creative wings. Any idea I had, nobody said, ‘You shouldn’t do that.’ … .Just them believing in all my dreams made me feel like this isn’t that crazy of a risk.”Lamont, who has directed episodes of “Rap Sh!t,” describes his style on sets as “super collaborative, honestly,” but with a strong vision for the content. “It’s about making these characters feel authentic and real,” he says. Unlike comedies that have a mean undertone, his “One of Them Days” offers kindness at unexpected points.Says Lamont: “We shouldn’t bring people down. I want people to leave this film inspired and hopeful. I just wanted to make it out of love, pure love and pure joy. That comes from when it’s organically funny, not tearing someone else down.”Lamont says he would love to direct a movie in Detroit and views the city as the source of so much talent these days, both recognized and untapped. “Maybe I’m biased, but I truly think it’s always been that way, since Motown. I think Detroiters have a finger on the pulse in a way that other cities don’t. … Not to compare or make it a competition, but it just seems like when Detroiters are in the forefront or involved in something, things are just elevated even more.”As he wraps up an interview, Lamont notes that he is scheduled to speak the next day at a University of Southern California film course taught by legendary critic Leonard Maltin. Among Maltin’s prior guests at the popular course are former students Ryan Coogler (“Black Panther”) and Jon M. Chu (“Wicked”) and director Guillermo del Toro (“The Shape of Water”).There, he’ll be talking about “One of Them Days” and, undoubtedly, sharing stories of his hometown. As he says, “I always think about Detroit, forever.”Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds at [email protected].’One of Them Days’In theatersRated R; language, sexual material, drug use1 hour, 37 minutes

Supreme Court upholds looming TikTok ban

2024 Election

The Supreme Court on Friday upheld a federal law that would ban the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok just two days before the bipartisan divestiture law is slated to take effect. “There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and…

Supreme Court upholds looming TikTok ban

2024 Election

The Supreme Court on Friday upheld a federal law that would ban the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok just two days before the bipartisan divestiture law is slated to take effect. “There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and…

David Lynch’s top 10 films and TV shows ranked as legendary director dies aged 78

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

FBI Agent Cooper is back with Twin Peaks The ReturnThe directorial maestro David Lynch has sadly died, leaving the film world in mourning just shy of his 79th birthday. Much-loved for his groundbreaking work on the cult phenomenon Twin Peaks and movies including Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, Lynch’s legacy as a pioneer in cinematic arts will endure.His grieving family shared a heartfelt message in a statement, which read: “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time.”They continued, reflecting his distinctive outlook: “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole’. It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”To celebrate Lynch’s extraordinary impact, here is a list of his top 10 films and TV shows, as rated by fans on IMBd. This homage excludes pieces like as his Weather Report and What Is David Working on Today?, focusing instead on his main contributions to screen entertainment.A special mention must also go to noteworthy works like Wild at Heart (1990), On the Air (1992), Inland Empire (2006) and his adaptation of Dune (1984). Don’t miss… David Lynch film voted greatest film of the 21st century by critics worldwide [NEWS] Hollywood legend David Lynch dies aged 78 as tributes pour in [LATEST] David Lynch has died at the age of 78 (Image: GETTY)10. Eraserhead (1977)Starting the tribute at number 10, we have Eraserhead (1977), Lynch’s influential debut film offering a surreal take on the terrors of fatherhood, reports the Mirror US.The plot revolves around Henry Spencer (Jack Nance) and his girlfriend (Charlotte Stewart), who gives birth to a monstrous creature.When she leaves, he is stuck caring for the ‘child’ and is haunted by disturbing visions.The black and white film contains minimal dialogue and has a nightmarish quality to it and – while it has proven to be divisive – is certainly one of Lynch’s most memorable works.9. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)The first of four Twin Peaks projects on this list, 1992 film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me acts as a prequel to the iconic original series, helping fans fill in some of the blanks.The movie once again delves into dark surrealism, with Sheryl Lee delivering an unforgettable performance as murdered teenager Laura Palmer.8. Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces (2014)Subsequent film Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces contains deleted scenes from Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) assembled together for the first time in an untold portion of the story’s prequel. Fans clearly loved discovering these hidden clues, as it ranks even higher than the original film.Kyle MacLachlan and Laura Dern star in Blue Velvet (Image: PARAMOUNT)7. Lost Highway (1997)This unsettling thriller is Lynch’s ode to Los Angeles, following the plight of saxophonist Fred Madison (Bill Pullman), who’s sentenced to death for apparently murdering his wife, Renée (Patricia Arquette).The plot thickens as the man in Fred’s jail cell turns out to be someone else entirely, auto mechanic Pete Dayton (Balthazar Getty), who starts up an affair with an identical woman (also played by Arquette).6. Blue Velvet (1986)1986 film Blue Velvet is one of Lynch’s best-loved classics, depicting how much evil can lurk beneath the banality of modern day suburbia.The movie stars Lynch’s longtime favourite Kyle MacLachlan, who portrays college student Jeffrey Beaumont, who finds a severed ear near his home.He soon discovers a sadistic criminal underworld after finding singer Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini).The film also sees Laura Dern take on one of her earliest roles as Jeffrey’s neighbor and romantic interest Sandy.Mulholland Drive was a career-defining role for Naomi Watts (Image: UNIVERSAL/FOCUS)5. Mulholland Drive (2001)2001’s Mulholland Drive is another iconic surrealist film in Lynch’s impressive portfolio. The twisty but ethereal film stars Naomi Watts as a wide-eyed budding Hollywood star Betty, who moves to Los Angeles to pursue fame.Here, she meets a woman named Rita (Laura Harring), who suffers from amnesia and things take an unsettling turn.The film depicts an equally glitzy and sinister version of Hollywood, and remains one of Lynch’s most famous works.4. The Straight Story (1999)Lynch’s 1999 movie The Straight Story is very different from his other works, largely because it is pretty solidly grounded in reality.The film is based on the true story of the interstate tractor journey undertaken by Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) to visit his dying brother.The movie is a story about forgiveness, endurance and a version of America that feels long-forgotten.3. The Elephant Man (1980)A favourite with film buffs, Lynch’s The Elephant Man is sure to tug on your heartstrings, as it follows the journey of a lonely misfit growing up in a world that has rejected him.John Hurt turns in a career-defining performance as the tragic central figure, while Anthony Hopkins shines in one of his earliest film roles.Twin Peaks is David Lynch’s most famous project (Image: GETTY)2. Twin Peaks (2017)Twin Peaks fans were overjoyed to learn that the show would be returning for a limited series in 2017, picking up decades after the original series had aired. The complex and ambitious follow-up show arguably raised a lot more questions than it answered – a classic Lynch trope – but it certainly left viewers on the edge of their seats.1. Twin Peaks (1990)The original Twin Peaks is the favourite show of many film fans, mainly because it pushed the boundaries of what a television series could be.Alongside Mark Frost, Lynch created one of the best murder mystery series of all time, focusing on the peculiar inhabitants of a small town in the American Pacific Northwest.Originally airing on ABC, Twin Peaks was watched by millions, who were all on tenterhooks to find out who killed teen homecoming queen Laura Palmer.It stars Kyle MacLachlan as cheery FBI agent Dale Cooper, who explores the horror and evil lurking beneath the surface of the charming small town, Twin Peaks.

Couch Critic // Space movies: An unexpected comfort

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

While the barren cold of winter is settling in, I’ve found great comfort in cozying up with movies that are both grand in scale but undeniably intimate. This week, I found myself drawn to a genre I’d completely overlooked until now — space movies. Despite their often desolate, otherworldly settings, these films have a surprising way of capturing the emotional depth of the human experience. I’d never really considered that films about lonely, empty planets could stir such strong emotions, but here we are.
In just one week, I’ve watched three very different space movies — “Fly Me to the Moon” (2024), “Interstellar” (2014) and “The Martian” (2015). From rom-com to drama, each film offers a unique take on the concept of space exploration, yet all of them have one thing in common — an intimate study of humanity. 
“Fly Me to the Moon,” the least popular among both audiences and critics, actually ended up surprising me. Sure, it’s not as emotionally devastating as “Interstellar” is, and somehow, it’s even less grounded in reality than “The Martian” is, but I had a great time with this movie, and I’m frankly disappointed that so many people haven’t given it a chance. Directed by Greg Berlanti,  “Fly Me to the Moon” is a historical fiction rom-com that takes us back to the 1969 moon landing, but with a playful twist. Laughing in the face of the well-worn conspiracy theories that the moon landing was faked, the film imagines the disaster that would have been a fabricated moon landing. It’s a fun, campy take on a moment in history that’s usually treated with gravitas, and it has a surprising amount of heart for a film that could have easily been all style and no substance. Behind the romance and the ‘60s costumes, there is a thoughtful conversation about guilt and accountability, particularly through Channing Tatum’s portrayal of the fictionalized launch director of NASA who feels responsible for the Apollo 11 disaster. Beneath the laughs, this film is about learning to let go of the weight of our mistakes, embracing the chaos and finding peace even in the most unlikely places.
Then there’s “Interstellar”, Christopher Nolan’s epic exploration of time, love and sacrifice. In the not-so-distant future, Earth has grown uninhabitable from crop failure and dust storms, prompting a select team of astronauts to embark on a perilous endeavor through wormholes in search of a new home for humanity. The caveat is that time on Earth continues to pass at a far quicker rate than the wormhole, creating a devastating dilemma for the astronauts. As they venture deeper into space, they face the physical challenges of surviving a black hole and the emotional cost of leaving loved ones behind. Although the movie’s ending feels a bit rushed to me, I can certainly see why “Interstellar” is considered one of the most popular movies of all time. Matthew McConaughey’s performance is nothing short of palpable, and the visual effects are just simply breathtaking. I must have seen the clip of McConaughey crying countless times, and yet it still stunned me to see it in the context of the film. That scene is the culmination of everything this film wants to say — the overwhelming responsibility to save humanity, all while saying goodbye to the humanity you once knew. For me, the film’s greatest sentiment is about saving a world that you won’t live to see. Nolan’s depiction of space is both a physical frontier and an emotional one, serving as a crushing reminder that to save the future means to let go of the present.  
Finally, I watched Ridley Scott’s “The Martian,” my favorite of the three. Rather than a grand, cosmic exploration, it zoomed in on the very human story of survival. Stuck alone on Mars after a mission gone awry, astronaut Mark Watney tackles overwhelming odds with humor, ingenuity and sheer determination. I’d argue that Matt Damon’s portrayal of Watney is the pure form opposite of the aforementioned McConaughey performance, and I find this to be a strength. For most of this film, Damon’s character is clever, witty and ultimately just unserious. He dances to disco music, cracks jabs at his former crew and maintains a sense of optimism in spite of the insurmountable odds stacked against him. It isn’t until his rescue that he finally shows some emotional brevity. It is this moment that the film shifts from a movie about survival to a movie about the inherent quality of humanity — to look out for one another, no matter how distant or costly the circumstances may seem.
I don’t know what it is, but every time these space movies cut to mission control at NASA — everyone high-fiving and hugging each other after accomplishing their mission — my eyes inexplicably well up. There’s just something about witnessing the collective joy and relief of everyone’s hard work that tugs at my heartstrings, even if it’s from lightyears away.