Is This Actually the Best Movie of the Year So Far

Summary

The movie *Sinners* has been hyped as one of the best-reviewed films of the year, blending genres and offering a fresh take on vampire lore. While some may expect a horror film, it’s more of a character-driven story with a focus on music and relationships. The film stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, with vampires introduced later in the plot. While the movie creatively uses vampire mythology, it doesn’t fully explore its musical themes, especially at the climax. Overall, *Sinners* is a unique, well-executed film worth seeing, but not the best vampire movie ever made.

Takeaways

• 😀 The movie 'Sinners' has received exceptional reviews and is being highly praised as one of the best films of the year.
• 😀 Despite being marketed with a horror tone, 'Sinners' is not primarily a horror film—it’s more about character development and a unique take on vampire lore.
• 😀 The film features Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as the Smoke Stack Twins, alongside his cousin Sammy, focusing on the opening of a juke joint.
• 😀 The first half of the film is slow and focuses on setting up the characters and their motivations, which is crucial for emotional investment.
• 😀 The introduction of vampires in the second half of the film is executed creatively, building on classic vampire lore, particularly the need for an invitation to enter.
• 😀 There are some jump scares in the movie, but they are not used just for shock value—they serve a purpose in building tension.
• 😀 The movie emphasizes music, especially through the character of Sammy, a gifted blues musician, and how his music plays a pivotal role in the story.
• 😀 A key scene involving a musical performance showcases a blend of old and modern musicians, though the inclusion of break dancing and turntables felt a bit out of place for the 1930s setting.
• 😀 The narrative sets up music as a tool for both good and evil, but the movie ultimately shifts the resolution to be about guns and wooden stakes, not music.
• 😀 Although the action-packed ending was satisfying, the expected conclusion involving music as a savior wasn’t fully realized.
• 😀 While the movie might not be the 'best vampire film ever,' it makes effective use of vampires and blends them with strong character-driven storytelling.
• 😀 Overall, 'Sinners' is a solid movie that delivers a fresh take on vampire lore, interesting characters, and engaging action, making it worth watching.

Q & A

What genre does the reviewer believe *Sinners* actually falls into?

The reviewer believes *Sinners* is not primarily a horror film, despite its marketing suggesting otherwise. It explores various themes creatively, with some unnerving scenes, but it's not focused on scaring viewers through jump scares or intense horror.

Why does the reviewer criticize people writing off the film as just another horror movie?

The reviewer criticizes this because many people dismiss *Sinners* simply because they dislike horror films, not acknowledging its deeper creative elements and character-driven narrative, which transcend typical horror movie conventions.

How does the film use vampire lore in a unique way?

The film builds on traditional vampire lore, such as the need for an invitation to enter, but twists it in a way that adds tension and makes it an integral part of the plot. The vampires are not just there to cause chaos but are used to explore deeper themes.

What role do the Smoke Stack Twins and Sammy play in the plot?

The Smoke Stack Twins and their cousin Sammy are central characters who aim to open a juke joint and create something significant. Their backstory and motivations are crucial in building emotional investment in the movie before the vampire element is introduced.

How does the reviewer describe the film's pacing in the first half?

The reviewer describes the first half of the film as slow, focusing on setting up the characters and their motivations. This slower pace is necessary to build the emotional stakes before the more intense vampire plot takes over.

What is the significance of Sammy's music in the film?

Sammy's music, particularly his blues guitar playing, plays a central role in the plot, drawing the attention of the vampires. The film explores how music can connect to the past and future, though its ultimate role in saving the characters is not fully realized by the end.

Why does the reviewer feel the modern elements in the music scene were out of place?

The reviewer feels that incorporating modern elements like turntables and breakdancing into a film set in the 1930s felt odd and somewhat comical. Although it visually represented the theme of music bridging time, it undermined the historical setting of the film.

What did the reviewer expect from the film's conclusion regarding the role of music?

The reviewer expected music to play a crucial role in saving the day, reflecting the earlier emphasis on its power. However, the conclusion instead relies on traditional action elements like guns and wooden stakes to defeat the vampires.

How does the reviewer describe the final action sequence?

The final action sequence is described as satisfying—bloody, intense, and well-executed. While the reviewer appreciated the action, they were slightly disappointed that it overshadowed the earlier thematic emphasis on music as a force for good.

Does the reviewer think *Sinners* is the best vampire movie ever made?

No, the reviewer does not think *Sinners* is the best vampire movie ever made. While it uses vampires in an interesting way, the film is more about character development, and the vampire elements don’t dominate the story until the end.