The FanDuel Super Bowl Party Powered by Spotify lit up New Orleans with a strong beat.
There were a number of high expectations for “Dicks: The Musical” as the film is A24’s first musical film. Thinking of the studio’s recent Oscar sweeps and reputation for producing critically acclaimed films, does “Dicks: The Musical” stand out?
Absolutely.
With “Dicks:The Musical”, Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson have created a story that’s .
Craig (Sharp) and Trevor (Jackson) are two businessmen who come into each other’s lives after a company merger. They soon become enemies after meeting due to their competitive nature and the title of “Top Businessman” being at stake. But soon, their competitive nature subdues after they find out their identical twins. The men then try to figure out why their parents abandoned them and soon switch lives for a day to get to know their other parent. They later envision how much better their lives would be as an entire family so they decide to come up with an elaborate plan to get their parents back together.
Now if you’re thinking this is pretty much “The Parent Trap,” you’re incorrect as “Dicks: The Musical” is unabashedly raunchy to the point Disney would never even touch the script. The film pushes beyond acceptable boundaries for comedy, and that’s exactly what makes it one of the strangest, but funniest movies of the year.
“Dicks: the Musical” is a surprise that oftentimes is pretty ludicrous, but hilarious. An example can be best seen through the Sewer Boys, swamp creatures that live in a cage with the boy’s father Harris (Nathan Lane). Harris takes care of the Sewer Boys in such an odd way that many humorous scenes are a result of their interactions.
The cast is filled with brilliant choices. Bowen Yang as God felt perfect. Yang brings his SNL skills to the big screen with each of his lines feeling more improved than scripted. Megan Thee Stallion pretty much acts as herself which makes her character all the more excellent. She’s Gloria, Trevor and Craig’s boss who ensures that they keep working hard to keep sales Roomba parts factory up. (Yes, that’s where they work, it’s literally a factory that sells Roomba parts and not the product) Furthermore, her number “Out Alpha the Alpha” is the one of the best in the film with her showing off her femme fatale side and notable rap style that we know and love.
The chemistry between Megan Mullally as the boy’s mother Evelyn and Lane as their father was unmatched. Both actors are strong on their own, but together they added an extra layer of intrigue. Mullally is a seasoned comedian so it comes as no surprise, and Lane has had a number of comedic roles in the past in different mediums. Mullally’s performance is strange, but quite amusing to the point where one wonders how she didn’t break character multiple times.
In terms of production value, the movie excelled. The set design matched the film spot on. As each musical number is eccentric and campy, the film itself follows suit. The car the boys are seen in feels almost like a fake old Hollywood 50s car. The decor in both parents’ homes captures a vintage vibe and some scenes feel right out of the old Warner Brothers lot, even though the film is set in the present day. The costumes are additionally flamboyant which added to the film’s overall whimsical tone by being both bold and striking. The story’s overall speed was improved by the cinematography and editing, which successfully captured the humorous moments.
However, with all these elements combined what truly sets the film apart was the musical aspect. Each song and dance number worked well and further pushed the plot along while being woven into each scene excellently. Additionally, the focal point of the musical numbers were less about vocal ability or dance skills, and instead about the lyrics and their interpretation. Each actor truly translated the lyrics well with their performance and there were no beats missing. Yet, there were times when ridiculousness of the musical numbers bordered on surreal, and confusing. This unique strategy would not appeal to everyone, but for those who can embrace the bizarre, it increased the suspense and interest in the film.
“Dicks: The Musical” is a 90-minute now stop jaw-dropping comedy full of moments guaranteed to leave you wondering how the movie got made. Even in a post credit blooper scene, Sharp and Jackson ask that same question, but after watching the film, why wouldn’t it made.
“Dicks: The Musical” is now running theaters.
Tamara Taylor, the young and innovative CEO behind Mastermind MGMT, marked an illustrious 10-year journey at the opulent Valley Villa in Los Angeles, surrounded by the luminaries of the entertainment and fashion worlds.
The NOAA Climate Forecast System predicted this year’s Fourth of July as a record breaking “hottest day” ever. While global warming could very well be the reason for this, we think it was just the residual heat from Megan thee Stallions performance at Essence Fest.
The annual Essence Festival was back in its home of New Orleans for another full weekend of fun events, performances and panels and more. Now, every year at Essence Fest is a good time but this year being the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop made it extra special. And the sweltering heat was no match for this year’s star-studded lineup.
Jill Scott, Monica, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Jagged Edge, Jermaine Dupri, Big Boi, Ludacris, Ice Cube, Slick Rick and Janelle Monae are only a few of the artists that graced the stage at The Caesars Superdome Friday and Saturday night.
Friday night’s headliner Lauryn Hill killed her performance, despite her tardiness. The Grammy-nominated songstress stylishly strolled on stage adorned in an all-black fit with a massive pleated, ruffle top and showed us why she is and will always be one of the most defining musicians of our time. Fellow Fugees member and long-time collaborator Wyclef Jean also joined the star on stage. Comedian and actor Deon Cole kept the good vibes going through in between performances as the host for the night.
Saturday night brought even more energy. Missy Elliot gave a show-stopping performance with a nostalgic medley of her award-winning catalogue.
Hosted by Abbot Elementary star Janelle James with sounds by the legendary DJ Spinderella, Sunday night’s concert included performances from several artists like Remy Ma, Salt-N-Pepa, Mia X, Eve, Angie Martinez and Megan Thee Stallion to help commemorate Hip-Hop 50. Rapper and New Orleans finest Lil Wayne surprised fans with an impromptu but, nonetheless, epic performance.
Wizkid and Tems brought Nigeria to New Orleans and linked up to perform 2022’s song of the summer “Essence.”
But Big Boi, Ludacris and Megan Thee Stallion took the cake (no pun intended) for our favorite performances from the weekend.
Big Boi had everyone on their feet as he rapped along to his iconic OutKast hit “The Way You Move” in his standard long, fur coat. Ludacris gave us hit after hit like “Move Bitch” and brought out Lil Jon for their 2000 collaboration “Bia Bia.”
And last but certainly not least, Sunday night the Houston Hottie Megan Thee Stallion had every cheek in Caesars Superdome shaking while dozens of fans joined her on stage for an iconic twerk battle.
Tons of events and panels took place, some simultaneously, at The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center where dozens of vendors from fashion to beauty were housed for the weekend. Guests could purchase from their favorite black owned businesses all under one roof.
Popular beauty and lifestyle company BeautyCon made their return to the beauty scene after a four-year hiatus and with a new owner — Essence Ventures, LLC. BeautyCon is an annual event made to highlight new trendy products in the industry, with the help of makeup influencers, celebrities and fans. It’s safe to say the company is in good hands as they plan to introduce a whole new BeautyCon experience for everyone to enjoy very soon.
What better way to make a comeback than at one of the largest festivals in the U.S.? Guests were able to stop by the BeautyCon booth and listen to singer Coco Jones and Shea Moisture President of Beauty & Wellbeing Cara Robinson Sabin recall their experiences in the beauty industry as black women.
Oprah Winfrey, Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks all came together for a special conversation surrounding the legacy of the 1985 coming-of-age film The Color Purple. Winfrey, Henson and Brooks all play a major role in the upcoming reboot of the film set to release later this year on Christmas Day.
Vice President Kamala Harris even joined the fun as she spoke on a panel for a conversation on the fight for reproductive freedom and the socioeconomic development of the black community alongside Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen.
Other panel speakers included Dominique Fishback, Tyler James Williams, Michelle Williams, YoYo, Roxanne Shanté, Jacob Latimore and Kim Whitley.
Megan Thee Stallion, Ben Stiller, Laverne Cox & More at this Year’s 26th Annual Webby Awards [Video]
The 26th Annual Webby Awards honored various internet visionaries and activists at Cipriani Wall Street on May 16th.
Coachella was so meta this year.
Last weekend the iconic Neon Carnival took place during weekend 1 of the Coachella Music Festival. The exclusive invite-only event made its triumphant return to the desert for its 11-year-anniversary. The late-night festivities took place back at its permanent home at the Desert International Horse Park, where guests enjoyed carnival-style games and exciting amusement park thrills.
This past Monday in NYC, the Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion held one of her famous “Hottie Parties.”
On March 10th, 2020 Tidal held a CRWN interview with Megan Thee Stallion at Gotham Hall.
Miami was on fire all weekend long with Super Bowl festivities in full swing. The iconic rum brand BACARDÍ threw an epic day-ger that continued into the late afternoon on Saturday. Although the Miami Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel made the perfect backdrop for the Caribbean inspired fiesta, the weather was trying to rain on everybody’s parade.