My Review of "Sinners"

Sinners is sort of a socially aware horror movie. I guess this is kind of a genre nowadays. I like the fact that they've been able to keep this movie somewhat of a mystery. Going into the movie blind is pretty fun so I won't give too much away. Needless to say, there is a lot of fun to be had but there is a bit of a slow start.

The movie starts out introducing some mythology to explain one of our characters named Sammie. He's basically got this gift of music. I can see how this mythology is based off of existing mythology that other cultures pass down in real life. Sammie doesn't really know that he has this gift. He's the son of a preacher.

I liked how Sammie is challenged from the very beginning. He has a duty to follow his father but he still wants to branch off to do what he loves. The problem with branching off with music is that it's largely frowned upon. In order to follow his dreams he has to associate with seedy people. They're the only ones able to open doors for him.

Let's not forget that this movie is based in the 1930s. There are not a lot of opportunities for minorities in these times. We see their struggles and tribulations. It's everyday life for them though, so they're all used to it. Sammie can see brighter lights for himself.

In this case he associates himself with his cousins, Smoke and Stack. These two are twins that are notoriously violent. They get what they want because they don't mess around. Smoke and Stack recently came back from Chicago to open a night club for the community. They're hoping to make a lot of money doing this.

The first half of this movie is basically getting ready to open the night club. Smoke and Stack introduce us to all of the players involved in creating their night club. They're basically a whole bunch of individuals that are part of their inner circle.

In some ways, I found this a little disjointed. What could have been a movie focused on Sammie who seemed like the main character instead diverts to Smoke and Stack. Sure Smoke and Stack are interesting characters but this movie starts to become about them. Sammie becomes a side character throughout the movie and kind of used as a plot device.

That first introduction is quite long too and I thought the pacing was a little off with it. Then when they finally open up their night club, the movie goes into hyper mode. This is basically what you're here for. There is so much fun to be had with this last half of the movie. I could forgive them for the slow opener because the last half is quite satisfying.

There is a ton of comedy, intrigue, horror, violence and even sex. It's all over the place but it's paced very well. You have to pay attention to everything because it does go quite fast. In fairness, the first half is to build some rapport with the characters to build that investment in their lives. When their lives are at stake we start to genuinely care what happens to them.

While all this is happening, the movie also brings up important historical facts that are worth mentioning to us. Lest we forget about the problematic history of America. It's quite interesting to note that all groups involved in this movie are all marginalized groups as well. Even the villains of the movie are marginalized as well.

I like the questioning the motives of the villains and heroes in this movie. They do a good job in bringing to light there are other perspectives to each of them. Technically, they're all doing what they're naturally ingrained to do. Who are any of them to fault the other? Well I guess the villains plan initially was quite wrong but they kind of change up in the end. The more you think about the ending, the more you start questioning if it's actually a good ending.

Overall, the most important thing is that I had a great time with this one. Though it got a little boring in the first half this really ramps up once they get to the night club. That's pretty much the bread and butter of the movie. It is nonstop thrills and giggles in the second half of the movie. That's why I would still recommend this movie and I think a lot of people can have a great time with this movie. I have to give this movie a 7.5 out of 10.