Tag Archives: Michaela Watkins

“The American Society of Magical Negroes” Sharp Satirical Comedy

adventure, comedy, , , , , ,

Produced, written and directed by Kobi Libii, The American Society of Magical Negroes follows Aren, played by Justice Smith. He joins a magical group of negroes whose mission is to help keep white people happy and comfortable. That way, Black people stay safe.

Forbidden Romance

Aren receives training to effectively soothe white discomfort. One challenge is Jason, a nervous white coworker, as he navigates his blossoming feelings for Lizzie. She also works at the company.

Price of Staying Silent

Everything seems fine until Aren follows his heart instead of what the ASOMN tells him to do. He finally pushes back and asserts his desire to exist on his terms.

The ending has an appropriate twist discovered when Aren reunites with Lizzie.

The satire premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

The cast includes Justice Smith, David Alan Grier, An-Li Bogan, Drew Tarver, Michaela Watkins, Aisha Hinds, Tim Baltz, Rupert Friend and Nicole Byer.

watch the way back about redeeming your past mistakes

Redemption Wins in “The Way Back” Poster and Clips

drama, sports, ,
watch the way back, starring ben affleck

Co-written and directed by Gavin O’Connor, The Way Back follows Jack Cunningham, played by Ben Affleck, who had everything going for him back in high school. 

A basketball phenom, he could have punched his ticket to college or even the pros, but he walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. 

Jack’s glory days are long gone but not forgotten. Years later, he gets to take back his life when he offers to coach the struggling basketball team at his alma mater. 

Jack reluctantly accepts, surprising no one more than himself, and as the boys come together as a team and win, he may get his last shot at redemption.

Brad Ingelsby co-wrote the screenplay with O’Connor. The cast also includes Janina Gavankar and Michaela Watkins.

The clip is Affleck promoting the movie at a Clippers game. Also included are soundbites about the film. 

“Sword of Trust” Poster and Trailer

comedy, , , , , ,

Co-written and directed by Lynn Shelton, Sword of Trust is a riotously funny, improv-based story about Cynthia, played by Jillian Bell, and Mary, played by Michaela Watkins, show up to collect Cynthia’s inheritance from her deceased grandfather.

The sole item she received is an antique sword that her grandfather believed to be proof that the South won the Civil War. Cynthia and Mary attempt to unload the object to a curmudgeonly pawnshop owner Mel, played by Marc Maron, and his man-child sidekick Nathaniel, played by Jon Bass.

Mel and Nathaniel discover there’s a black market for the relic. They reluctantly join forces to sell this rarefied ‘prover item’ to the highest bidder. The adventure that ensues takes the four of them on a wild journey into the depths of conspiracy theory and Southern disillusionment.

Maron also wrote and performed the music for the movie, and Mike O’Brien co-wrote the script with Shelton.

Also starring in the movie are Toby Huss and Dan Bakkedahl. Jillian Bell is busy these days and stars in the Sundance audience favorite Brittney Runs a Marathon.