Cortland Wrote It

"Dickinson" might be the most underrated show right now. With shows like BMF dominating STARZ, INSECURE ruling HBO, SQUID GAME taking Netflix by storm, and Wu-Tang: An American Saga thriving on HULU, we must not overlook Dickinson on Apple TV+. Hailee Steinfeld is phenomenal as Emily Dickinson, bringing the poet and her poetry to life in a way we've never seen before. Given that we only have a few paintings of Dickinson, Steinfeld and the production team provide a vivid depiction of who she was, much like how we imagine dinosaurs from their bones. Dickinson's poems are her bones, providing the pieces to reconstruct her life. Steinfeld's on-screen chemistry with every character, especially with Wiz Khalifa, who plays "Death," is outstanding. Their interactions during the carriage ride scenes are captivating. The way they connect is so authentic that if someone told me they were a real-life couple, I'd believe it. The dynamics of their conversations ar...

First things first, whoever was in charge of casting for this series might be the greatest casting director of all time. Casting TJ Atoms as Ason, aka Ol’ Dirty Bastard, is one of the most accurate castings since Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles or Will Smith as Ali. TJ Atoms completely embodies the character of ODB, and it's even more impressive given that ODB is deceased and unavailable for TJ to study his full personality firsthand. Similarly, Ashton Sanders as Bobby Diggs, aka RZA, is a brilliant casting choice. Sanders nails RZA’s speaking voice and delivers a standout performance overall. He's one of those generational actors destined for greatness—I hope Hollywood recognizes his talent. This show was and is definitely needed. The Wu-Tang Clan never fully received the respect they deserved. The fact that they managed to set aside their Park Hill-Stapleton beefs and personal egos to form the Wu-Tang Clan is impressive. These guys took numerous risks, both calculated and uncalcula...

As a fan of West African culture and British accents, "In The Long Run" made my heart smile! Idris Elba's show is intriguing from start to finish—a hilarious, heartwarming, and culturally aware hit that deserves more recognition and accolades.  The story begins with Walter (Idris Elba) welcoming his younger brother Valentine (Jimmy Akingbola) to his home in England after moving from Sierra Leone. Set in the 80s, the show is filled with Jheri Curl juice and eccentric furniture. Valentine adjusts to his new life with the support of Walter, his wife Agnes (Madeline Appiah), and their son Kobna (Sammy Kamara). However, outside the home, Valentine faces the harsh realities of living in a majority-white country. Despite the cultural clash between his Sierra Leonian roots and England, his family and friends guide him along the way. Walter's best friend, coworker, and neighbor Bagpipes (Bill Bailey) is an understanding and modern-thinking man. Bagpipes and his wife Kristy (Ke...

First and foremost let me start by thanking Ed Helm’s character, Nathan Rutherford, for pronouncing “ NEVADA ” correctly. As a Vegas native I love hearing people from the other side of The Mississippi pronounce my home state correctly. Rutherford Falls, so far, has been a unique watch. I don’t think I’ve quite seen a (modern) show like this. Rutherford Falls is based in a town called…Rutherford Falls. A small town founded by European settlers who actually stole the land that they “found” from the local Native American tribe. That’s the typical American Discovery Story though so no one is surprised! The Town of Rutherford Falls is unofficially ran by Nathan Rutherford and officially ran by The Mayor, Diedre Chisenhall, who just so happens to be a Black woman, and officially unofficially owned and ran by the Minishonka Nation. See the dilemma ? Ultimately this show is about (the removal of) a controversial statue within the towns center square. Some want it removed because if it’s racis...

“White People Money” is an interesting watch! I always try to support my people and their art, regardless of the budget. This film is about 70 minutes long, but it covers a lot of important issues and topics within the African-American community. The beginning portrays a toxic relationship between a couple, which many can relate to. The film also highlights how Black women are often more financially mature than the Black men they date—a situation I've experienced myself. Kareem, the main character, works at a dead-end job with white colleagues who display implicit bias and racist behaviors, despite the company being Black-owned. Kareem and his toxic girlfriend, Nora, come into a lot of money and face the challenge of how to spend and invest it. While they have potential, the wrong people find out, and soon everyone wants a piece. Midway through the film, a burglar couple detains Kareem and Nora, and they deliver some harsh but valid truths about how many Black people handle newfoun...

“Free Guy” is an entertaining film about an 'Average Joe' who discovers he doesn't have to let life just happen to him every day. The CGI sequences and overall settings are top-notch, deserving of awards. The movie has a goofy, sarcastic tone that perfectly suits Ryan Reynolds. Having Lil Rel Howery as a co-star is initially surprising, but their comedic chemistry is spot-on, making their interactions hilarious. I can easily see them teaming up for another film. One of the standout features of “Free Guy” is its blend of multiple genres: science fiction, romance, comedy, and action. Initially, the romantic subplot seemed off to me, as Jodie Comer’s character, Molotov Girl, overlooks the love of her business partner for a virtual romance with the main character. However, this twist reflects the unpredictability of life, which often doesn't go as we imagine. This unpredictability adds to the film's charm. The cast also includes Utkarsh Ambudkar, Joe Keery, Taika Waitit...