Urban Poets Society reviews top TV shows and films of the year

Being entertainers, we are giant fans and lovers of the art of storytelling — especially Black stories. With one of us being an actor and both of us writers, we love to dissect the different characters and nuances of the art that we watch, and find the deeper meanings and inspirations behind it. This was a beautiful year for TV and film, and if you are looking for things that uplift you, inspire you, make you think, and help you to emote, here are some of our favorites of the year. 

They Cloned Tyrone

This movie was brilliant. We easily think it’s one of the top five movies of the year. It was a great metaphor for the various hidden (and not so hidden) injustices that happen to Black communities and the way we often internalize them. This movie defined the term woke, and although it was mostly fiction, it still pointed to so many real world issues that our communities face every day. Jamie Foxx, John Boyega, and Teyonah Parris delivered a masterclass in satire, specifically in Black culture. The cinematography was amazing. Screenwriter Juel Taylor came out with a bang in his directorial debut. Looking forward to more from this brilliant mind.

Candy Cane Lane

It’s SO hard to find good Black Christmas movies for the family. Jingle Jangle stole our hearts in 2020, and this movie came and saved the day in 2023. The message was beautiful, and Reginald Hudlin directed this film beautifully. Eddie Murphy and Tracey Ellis Ross were incredible (as usual), and the story line was cohesive and HILARIOUS. 

Creed III

The Creed franchise has been one for the books. Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan have done such an amazing job at giving this generation a fight song through films. We wondered where they would go in the 3rd movie, and we’re shocked by the fact that it was just as good as the other two. Michael did wonderfully in his directorial debut. In a standout moment, Jordan paid homage to his favorite anime shows and films in the final fight scene and successfully executed the art. This movie reminded us that it's never too late to turn a new leaf. So, so good. 

The Little Mermaid

‘Our’ Halle Bailey smashed this role! She gave the original score a run for its money with a voice that can move mountains, and she acted beautifully. I didn’t care so much for the coloring of the movie — we weren’t sure why it was so much duller than the original. The ending, however, was very nicely written. 

Bel-Air

This TV show deserves standing ovations. We weren’t sure how they would give this generation the magic of the Fresh Prince, but OMG. Not only did they do it, but they did it while still giving us ALL of the feels. The new dramatic take is so necessary for a generation that’s craving realness and solutions. We hope this show lasts for 20 seasons and then some. 

Harlem

We will never get tired of TV shows that highlight the nuances of Black people and Black friendship. This show is colorful, hilarious, and provoking. This is another show that we could easily see being a classic in the future. 

The 1619 Project

If you are a sucker for a good documentary, you will love The 1619 Project. We don’t have to even say much besides the fact that it is PACKED with truths that are both heartbreaking and gut-wrenching but 100% necessary to revisit. To know where we’re going we have to know where we’ve been, and you will find that here. 

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

We watch at least 30 rom-coms a year… absolutely hopeless romantics. Queen Charlotte gave us everything that we love. The story line was so deep and nuanced, and the intersectionalities were realistic and thought provoking. Shonda Rhimes cannot miss. 

Share?

Melvin Gregg is becoming a favorite among Black actors of this generation. He chooses thought provoking projects and we love how he respects the art of twisted sci-fi. Share? is an amazing take on social media. Writer and director Ira Rosensweig tackles the idea of people gaining social recognition and material gains by performing inanely for each other. A brilliant metaphor for today.

You People

You People has a hilarious ensemble cast and a brilliant director in Kenya Barris. Kenya and Jonah Hill wrote this film seemingly with Eddie Murphy in mind the entire time. This movie is a racial standpoint’s Meet the Fockers. Eddie and Nia Long played an amazing couple, Lauren London as Amira is an amazing leading lady to Jonah’s cool but quirky Ezra. A very well executed effort across the board.

The Blackening

So, when we refer to a movie as an ‘All-Star effort’, we mean that it’s an all Black, all-star cast with a Black director and Black writers. And this one was the perfect comedy/horror movie ‘All-Star effort’. Tim Story and Tracy Oliver deliver very well as director and writer. They had us from the tagline: “We can’t all die first.” We haven’t been this satisfied with a horror comedy style of film since the early Scary Movie cuts. They didn’t make us wait too long between an image or a line that would fill the room with laughter, and they executed the social commentary of racial identity perfectly. This film is great for a friends-over movie night.

Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse

Shameik Moore returns as the beloved Miles Morales and brings some new and familiar friends to the party. Issa Rae as Jessica Drew and Daniel Kaluuya as Hobie Brown had us nerding out in our seats. The five years of waiting for this sequel was completely worth it. This was an animated Marvel version of Empire Strikes Back. No spoilers, but we’ve never been left wanting more from an ending than we were from the ending of this film right here. Best animated movie.

The Perfect Find 

The queen of the rom-com, Gabrielle Union, gives us a masterclass on love once again. This film was the perfect balance of funny and real. We love a good ‘All-Star effort’ that plays to its genre perfectly. Keith Powers proves himself a worthy leading man, and Sterling Brim and Godfrey make hilarious guest appearances. A great watch for date night.

Rye Lane

Perfect. Another great ‘All-Star effort’ — this time, across the ocean. David Johnson and Vivian Oparah’s on-screen chemistry was palpable. We almost felt that they had to be dating in real life. This film deconstructs the tired and worn-down idea of a classic romantic comedy and brings a reassembled package that is relatable beyond measure. Riane Allen Miller is an incredible director. A must watch.

The Color Purple

Best acting of the year, best directing of the year. Perhaps the greatest ‘All-Star effort’ we’ve seen this decade thus far. Fantasia Barrino takes Celie from the stage to the screen perfectly. Taraji P. Henson?! Who knew she had that voice? Danielle Brooks wows us every time she touches the screen; the true surprise is that we’re surprised at all. The casting directors need to be rewarded and awarded. Blitz Bazawule has truly outdone himself as director. Our one piece of advice: If you’re going into this film as a lover of the original, go in with zero expectations.

Honorable Mentions:

Swarm

Unprisoned

The Power Book Series

Rap Sh!t 

Lupin 

Twenties 

The First Wives Club 

The Chi 

Run The World 

High on the Hog 

Urban Poets Society is a nonprofit in Pasco, Washington dedicated to creating a support system to uplift the community and the youth.

“Everything is poetry”

Instagram: @ urbanpoetssociety

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