What happens when love turns into a chess match? Vivica, Morris, Gabrielle, and the messy brilliance of Two Can Play That Game.
We got Shanté’s 10-day plan, the soundtrack that still hits, we’ll talk about the culture, the comedy, and if it really holds up in 2025!
Timestamps:
00:18 – Introduction
08:28 – Character Analysis and Dynamics
16:14 – The 10-Day Plan
21:01 – Soundtrack and Musical Impact
27:59 – Final Thoughts and Ratings
You can support the show on IG & Threads → @cinematicsoulpod
@ebeknowing
*Sorry for the delay! There was an issue uploading and I had to talk to Riverside support for two days 🥱*
Angela Bassett. Taye Diggs. JAMAICA! This week on The Cinematic Soul, let’s get into the 1998 romantic dramedy How Stella Got Her Groove Back, the film that sparked tropical getaways, auntie fantasies, and more than a few side-eyes at Winston’s accent (respectfully 😂). Would you date someone 20 years younger? Let’s talk about it!
[00:39] Intro: Welcome back
[06:40] How Terry McMillan’s novel became a movie
[10:48] Black excellence across the cast (Whoopi, Regina, ANGELA!)
[17:43] Jamaica’s glow as a character of its own
[25:29] Let’s talk about that age gap
[30:41] Happily ever after… or was it?
[31:20] The real-life story behind Terry & Jonathan Plummer
[36:38] Final thoughts, honest ratings & a question 🤔
Let’s go on a soulful deep dive into Brown Sugar (2002), one of the most beloved Black romantic comedies of the early 2000s. This episode of The Cinematic Soul explores how the film blends hip-hop culture, Black love, and friendship into a timeless story.
On this episode I get into the chemistry of Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs to Rick Famuyiwa’s direction and the iconic neo-soul/hip hop soundtrack featuring Erykah Badu, Common, and Mos Def, and unpack why Brown Sugar still resonates with fans of Black rom-coms, hip-hop films, and nostalgic cinema!
If you love movies like Love Jones, The Best Man, Love & Basketball, or anything from the golden age of Black cinema, this one’s for you.
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📧 Email: cinematicsoulpod@gmail.com
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What does it mean to grow up Black, goofy, and just trying to see who can get the most numbers? This week, I revisit one of my all-time favorite films, The Wood, and the layers Rick Famuyiwa gave us in his 1999 ode to brotherhood and coming-of-age 🙌🏾. Let’s go to The Wood!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:20 – Introduction to The Cinematic Soul and The Wood
03:16 – Cultural Reception & Impact
07:47 – The Journey of Rick Famuyiwa
13:38 – USC Film School Legacy & Black Cali Directors
18:43 – The Bet: Dares and Dumb Decisions
30:19 – Real-Life Reflections: “Don’t Say My Name, Homie!”
39:11 – Cinematography, Soundtrack & the Warm Glow of Nostalgia
46:12 – The Legacy of The Wood and Giving Flowers
51:17 – Final Thoughts & Outro
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This week on The Cinematic Soul, I’m revisiting Claudine with all of my thoughts and reflections. From Diahann Carroll’s layered performance to James Earl Jones redefining what love looks like under pressure, this one’s personal. I talked about what this film taught me about my own mother, the broken systems our families navigate, and the Curtis Mayfield soundtrack that still speaks volumes. If Claudine meant something to you, or if you’re just discovering it, take a listen!
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Claudine
04:31 Diahann Carroll’s Groundbreaking Performance
11:06 The Complexity of Claudine’s Character
15:29 James Earl Jones as Roop: A New Perspective
16:45 Love Under Systemic Oppression
21:37 The Broken Welfare System: Then and Now
32:54 Resilience Amidst Struggles
34:50 The Soulful Soundtrack of Claudine
39:16 Cinematography and Authenticity in Storytelling
42:32 Describing, The Makings of the Music
48:12 Beauty in Simplicity
51:08 Final Thoughts on Claudine
Social Media
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IG: @Cinematicsoulpod
Mara Brock Akil dropped a gem with Forever! This coming-of-age love story that hits deep. From family scars to first love and flashing lights, it’s layered and loud in all the right ways. I couldn’t wait to talk about this in my own way! This one’s a smash. Let’s get into it.
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IG: @cinematicsoulpod
Threads: @cinematicsoulpod and follow my personal page as well @ebeknowing!
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to Season Two
02:22 Exploring 'Forever' by Mara Brock-Akil
04:26 Mara Brock-Akil's Impact on Black Television
11:40 Character Dynamics: Keisha and Justin
15:27 The Weight of Expectations: Keisha's Journey
22:38 Navigating First Love and Trust Issues
26:50 Family Dynamics and Parental Influence
35:23 The Silent Terror of Being Black While Driving (w/Personal Reflection)
44:06 Mothers Supporting Mental Well-Being in Youth
49:28 The Importance of Positive Father Figures
53:19 The Impact of Absent Fathers
56:24 Representation of Black Wealth
01:01:05 Visual Artistry and Cinematography
01:09:23 The Role of Music in Storytelling
01:16:19 Final Episode Reflections and Character Growth
If Part One cracked the door open, Part Two will really leave you thinking!
Let’s talk about the blues, legacy, and history Cinematic Soul style!
Timestamps:
0:00 – Thank You / Response From Part 1
04:08 – Ancestors on The Dancefloor
12:17 – “I Lied To You” and Its Roots
17:29 – Delta Connections / Black & Chinese Solidarity
20:48 – The Southern Chicago Legacy and Accents
29:42 – Music as a Memory and Time Machine
35:25 – Legendary Blues Stories / Robert Johnson at the Crossroads
39:01 – Rewriting the Narrative on How We View and Respect Dark-Skinned, Curvy Black Women
43:57 – Trauma Passed Down Through Generations
49:51 – History and Legacy Lessons
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In this bonus episode of The Cinematic Soul, let’s step back into the layered world of Sinners but this time, dig deeper than folklore and sexual scenes. I pull up a chair at the crossroads with Robert Johnson and reflect on what his myth still means today. I dig into the untold history of Black and Chinese solidarity in the Mississippi Delta. I unpack how Chicago accents carry the rhythm of Southern migration. And, challenge the way media continues to sideline dark-skinned, curvy Black women like Annie—when they’ve always been the heart of the story.
Instagram: @cinematicsoulpod | Threads: @ebeknowing
I had to hop on the mic for this one! Sinners isn’t just a movie. It’s a sermon, a spirit bath, and a cultural reckoning all wrapped in blues and blood. In this special bonus episode of The Cinematic Soul, I’m breaking down Ryan Coogler’s newest film and why it shook me to my core. From the Hoodoo-rooted power of Wunmi Mosaku’s Annie to the haunting beauty of the cinematography, the generational trauma, the music, and that juke joint scene? Yeah… we’re going there.
We’re talking horror with a message, vampires as metaphors, Black and Chinese Southern history, Irish folklore, and how kinfolk will always be the heartbeat of survival. If you’ve seen it, you already know. If you haven’t, this episode just might move it to the top of your list.
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First off, from the bottom of my heart, thank you all for listening this season! Carving out a space for niche content like this that is FUBU is vital, and your engagement verifies the necessity of diverse voices in the cinematic conversations. In this season finale, we dive into B.A.P.S., a feel-good flick that delivers the hearty laughs we all need sometimes. Joining me is the vibrant Shani Showbiz, whose insights add an extra layer of depth to our discussion. Get ready for the sermon! Be sure to follow Shani on Instagram @damngirlyouknoweverybody and on TikTok @tinyybiggs. Don’t forget to follow The Cinematic Soul podcast on Instagram @cinematicsoulpod to stay updated on future episodes and content for season 2! 🙏🏾
In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, let’s delve into the remarkable narratives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, the African American mathematicians whose brilliance propelled NASA’s missions during the Space Race. Join me as we celebrate these trailblazing women who transformed the face of science and space exploration. 
For more insights and black cinema lore, follow on Instagram: @cinematicsoulpod
In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I wanted to explore the 1995 classic Waiting to Exhale. Directed by Forest Whitaker and adapted from Terry McMillan’s novel, the film tells the stories of Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria—four African-American women navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth. With stellar performances by Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon, Waiting to Exhale offers an authentic portrayal of sisterhood and resilience. Also, stay tuned for a special guest near the end of this episode!
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Cleo went out like a legend. Set It Off (1996) was a story of sisterhood, survival, and defiance. From its gritty cinematography to that gut-wrenching final scene, tune in to listen to the breakdown of why this film still hits in 2025. Buckle up, we’re setting it off.
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Poetic Justice isn’t just a movie, it’s a moment! It’s poetry, love, grief, and fate all wrapped up in a road trip, with Janet and Pac at the center of it. Let’s break down why this film still hits all these years later.
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The heat is rising, and we’re stepping into one of the most powerful films ever made—Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. This isn’t just a movie; it’s a mirror. From the scorching streets of Brooklyn to the boiling tensions between cultures, this film forces you to confront hard truths.
In this episode, I break down how Spike uses the camera to make you feel the pressure, the characters that represent more than just themselves, and that gut-wrenching ending that still hits too close to home. Was Mookie right? Was Sal wrong? And why does this film still hold up after all these years?
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Kasi Lemmons’ Eve’s Bayou is an experience. A Southern Gothic masterpiece wrapped in memory, mysticism, and trauma. On this episode of The Cinematic Soul, we’re diving into the depths of this haunting 1997 classic.
🔹 How the film’s cinematography plays with memory and truth
🔹 Jurnee Smollett and Samuel L. Jackson’s unforgettable performances
🔹 The mystical elements of Mozelle’s visions, fate, and the ‘gift of sight’
🔹 The connection between Eve’s Bayou and Lovecraft Country
Plus, a look ahead at our next episode 🤫 .
Hit play, and let’s get into it. Follow The Cinematic Soul on Facebook and Instagram (@cinematicsoulpod) to keep the convo going ya dig??
Gina Prince-Bythewood understood the assignment. In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I’m breaking down how she carved out a lane for Black love stories with Beyond the Lights. We’ll also talk about Cynthia Erivo’s rise to fame (shoutout to Fly Before You Fall for putting me on) and why this film never got the flowers it deserved. If you’re still feeling that Valentine’s Day love hangover, this one’s for you.
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“All’s fair in love and basketball right…” This week on The Cinematic Soul, we’re breaking down Gina Prince-Bythewood’s 2000 classic Love & Basketball.
Was Quincy really the villain, or was he just a product of his environment? Does the film still hold up after all these years? Let’s talk about it.
Follow @cinematicsoulpod on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes content, and updates on upcoming episodes!
In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, we’re diving into the legacy of Boomerang—not just as a romantic comedy, but as a cultural blueprint. From Reginald Hudlin’s sleek direction to the film’s rich cinematography, sharp costume design, and one of the smoothest R&B soundtracks ever curated, we’re breaking down the artistry that made this film an undeniable classic.
How did Boomerang redefine the portrayal of Black professionals on screen? What choices made it stand the test of time? And can we talk about how this soundtrack still hits today? Let’s get into it.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this movie and black cinema in general! Reach out at cinematicsoulpod@gmail.com and let’s keep the convo going!
Weddings are supposed to bring people together… unless, of course, a certain book exposes secrets that should’ve stayed buried. The Best Man gave us romance, brotherhood, and just the right amount of messy drama, all wrapped up in one of the most iconic Black ensemble films of the 90s!
📩 Got any thoughts, suggestions, or a movie you want me to cover? Hit me up at CinematicSoulPod@gmail.com and let’s keep the conversation going!
Is Love Jones the ultimate Black romance film, or does nostalgia make us see it through rose-colored glasses? In this debut episode of The Cinematic Soul, let’s dive into the poetry, the passion, and the beautifully flawed love story of Darius and Nina. From 90s Chicago’s cinematic glow to the way this film redefined Black romance on screen—let’s talk about why Love Jones still hits different. Tap in.
