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Welcome to the Season 2 Finale. We wrap up this season with the ending of our 3-part series on, Roots (1977). The final two episodes shows viewers the complexities that came with emancipation after the Civil War and the dangers of white rage. How will the descendents of Kunta Kinte fair with the dangers of freedom? We find out together in this final episode. 

This week, before our season finale, we are dipping into the archives one last time this season. In this episode we examined the confusing politics and mixedness of everyone's favorite half-giant, Rubeus Hagrid. This episode is from a series in which we examined "mixed" characters and tropes in media. Enjoy this rewind and a little break from our Roots review. 

In Part Two of our 3-part, Season 2 Finale, we continue to tackle the 1977 mini-series, "Roots". In episode 3 and 4 we meet our hero, Kunta Kinte, as an older man as he navigates building relationships and having a family within the power structures of slavery. Join us as we draw connections between slave catchers and modern policing, family separation during slavery and today, and the importance of knowing your past so as to be able to dream about a more expansive future. mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

Welcome to Part 1 of our 3-part season finale! In this special we will be covering the 1977 mini-series "Roots". This show was a cultural moment nearly 50 years ago. Based off the book written by Alex Haley (The Autobiography of Malcolm X) this show traced his own roots and follows the story of the young West African man, Kunta Kinte who was stolen and sold into the Transatlantic Slave Trade. In Part 1, we cover the first two episodes where we meet Kunta Kinte in his home land and follow his journey on a slave ship to a Virginian plantation. Join us as we break down this famed series. mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

For our eleventh episode of the season, we watched  Kasi Lemmons' 1997 independent film, "Eve's Bayou".  This film starring Samuel L. Jackson, Jurnee Smollet, Lynn Whitfield, and Diahann Carroll is a complex narrative about that examines difficult topics such as memory, complicated family dynamics, and Black spirituality. Written and directed by Lemmons, the story is set in the romantic and mysterious bayous of Louisiana during the mid-20th century. Join us as we review this week's film. 

In this special throwback episode we are going back in the archive and recovering an episode from our first podcast, Gray Spaces. In this episode we were experimenting with a different series where we examined how "mixed" people were discussed in film. We look at Killmonger as mixed by being half Wakandan and half American. Did he fulfill any mixed tropes? Was Killmonger right? We tackle all of that in this throwback episode. mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

In the ninth episode of our second season we watch F. Gary Gray's 1996 bank robbing, action film, "Set It Off". This film has an all-star cast with Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, Kimberly Elise, and Blair Underwood. This film focuses on four best friends who have all been hurt by the system and decide to rob a bank to change their situations. This film tackles issues of race, capitalism, gender, and relationships. Join us as we review this genre-bending film. mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

In our 8th episode this season, we watch Steven Spielberg's interpretation of Alice Walker's novel, "The Color Purple" (1985). In this episode we discuss violence against Black women, the historical context around this film and the time period in which it takes place, and the lens of white directors in Black cinema. Join us as we ask the question, "Can white directors make Black movies?" mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

Welcome to our First Annual Mixed Reviews Oscars Bonanza...or something. In our seventh episode of our second season, we review all of the Black films nominated for the 93rd Annual Academy Awards Ceremony. We discuss "Judas and the Black Messiah", "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", "Da 5 Bloods", "Soul", "The United States vs Billie Holiday", and "One Night in Miami..." Join us as we review and give our predictions for what will happen on April 25th. Whether we loved the film or not, we still rooting for #everyoneblack mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

In our sixth episode of the second season we finally take on the producer giant, Tyler Perry in his film, "Daddy's Little Girls" (2007). This film focuses on single dad attempting to regain custody of his children. Join us as we disentangle the tropes and ideologies buried within this script. mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

In our fifth episode of the second season, we review a film that we've been planning since the beginning of the show, "Training Day" (2001). This film, which won Denzel Washington his oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Academy Awards, follows the journey of a rookie cop (Ethan Hawke) and his Training Officer (Washington) on his first day on the job. Join us as we break down this early 2000's hit and try to breakdown what exactly about this movie people liked so much.We apologize for the recording quality this week, it is all Allison's fault.  mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

In our fourth episode, we watch the early 2000's comedy "Soul Plane".  This film, starring a young Kevin Heart, focuses on a Black airline's maiden voyage where hijinks ensue. Join us as we watch this film for the first time and give our thoughts on this highly recommended film. mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

In our third episode of the season, in time to catch the end of Black History Month, we tackle Spike Lee's epic biopic, "Malcolm X" (1992). This film based of Alex Haley's "The Autobiography of Malcolm X", takes a sweeping look at the entirety of this giant's life. Through his life events, Lee takes us on a journey through the political theory and philosophy of Malcolm X. This is a must see, y'all and a first for us! Join us in this week's episode!mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

In our second episode of the second season we review the newly released biopic, "Judas and the Black Messiah". In this minisode we give our initial thoughts about this highly anticipated film. Together we get into the weeds about this film that focuses on the FBI conspiracy to kill Black Panther political leader, Fred Hampton. Why was this story chosen? How were women treated in this film? Is this a fair representation of the BBP and should we expect more of these films in the future? We get into all that and more in this week's episode. mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

In the premiere episode of Season 2, Allison and Aubrey are joined by the 3 Masters podcast! In this episode the three masters chose the film "The Wood" (1999) for the girls to watch and discuss. This film follows the story of a group of three friends on the day that one of them is supposed to be getting married. The other two friends attempt to reassure him about marriage as they reminisce on their friendship and their time growing up in Englewood.  Join us as we tackle Black boyhood, friendship, and early romantic relationships in this exciting talk. Contact:mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_podCheck out our guest appearance on the 3 Masters podcast:The Best Film Podcast Ever! (feat: Mixed Reviews Podcast)

In our 12th and LAST episode of the season, we review one of the greatest Christmas films, "The Preacher's Wife" (1996). Based off the 1947 film, "The Bishop's Wife", this star studded cast is able to seamlessly blend Christmas miracles with the lived reality of Black life. Join us as we watch Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston,  and Courtney B Vance discover the meaning of faith, love and hope while struggling with the consequences of gentrification. Join us in our season finale for some holiday cheer. Contact:mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

In our eleventh episode we visit another Eddie Murphy classic, his 1988 hit film, "Coming to America." In this episode we tackle some big questions about colorism, fatphobia, the complex relationship between Africans and African Americans, hair relaxer, the problem with white directors in Black cinema, and so much more. This wildly successful film had so much to break down so join us on this week's episode. Contact:mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

In our second minisode, we are reviewing the new Christmas musical from Netflix, "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey". In our minisodes we take a break from the classics and take time to watch the newest films from today's Black filmmakers.  Listen in to find out if this is film by David E. Talbert is one that you and your family should watch this holiday season or if this is one to skip. Contact:mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

In our ninth episode, we review George Tillman Jr's 1997 film, "Soul Food". This film centers around the ups and downs of one family and the power of food and the family dinner to table to bring people together...or that was the film he tried to make. Join us as we break down the unfortunate reality of this movie's messaging. Contact:mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod

In our eighth episode we watching this 1995 classic directed by Forest Whitaker, "Waiting to Exhale". In this film we see some of Hollywood's greatest female actresses come together to portray Terry McMillan's hit novel.  Tune in as we watch every relatable moment for the very first time.  Contact:mixedreviewspodcastlewis@gmail.comTwitter - @mixedreview_podInstagram - @mixedreview_pod