Cinnamon

Cinnamon_720p(480P)

The story was a basic: boy meets girl, boy looses girl, boy gets girl in the end, that leaves you with, and like that I'm stopping. You'll have to watch. The story was well written, it stayed to the point, and never left you: bored, wondering, shaking your head, or feeling like, "Hollywood must think I'm stupid". The acting was beyond believable & even though it's a, Bonnie & Clyde, film you still find yourself hoping for the best. The Actors (Director, Editor, Lighting, Wardrobe, Etc, Etc, Etc...capped to replace the roles) kept you engaged & I like the, Sweetheart Chemistry, between the main characters & how it was portrayed. The comedy was where it needed to be, & stopped when it needed to stop. The Continuity was another great aspect of the film. There's nothing I hate more than when, the protagonist of the story, is running through a mud filled jungle, to come out with white socks. One, was does that say how the stories going, and two, about the detailed passion of The Director? Everyone did their part to make this movie what it was. An excellent film to watch. I've sat through bad features on my screen (Scorpion King, True Blood, any Jurassic Park after the original, Watchmen...which I was really excited for) and this was NOT one of them. It's a shame an independent film like this can't get a, For Your Consideration, billboard. I don't understand (and would love to hear why) anything under a 8 star rating would be given. Like I said in my title, " Maybe I need Film Schooling".

I recently watched Cinnamon (2023) on Tubi. The film follows a young couple eager to make it big and resorting to creating their own opportunities. The young woman's job is a tool for money laundering, prompting them to steal the cash with dreams of heading to Los Angeles. However, their journey turns out to be much tougher than they anticipated. This picture is both written and directed by Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr. (Lori Sheedy: F You). The cast includes Damon Wayans (In Living Color), Pam Grier (Coffy), David Iacono (The Summer I Turned Pretty), Hailey Kilgore (Respect) and Lauren Buglioli (Florida Man). Damon Wayans stands out as the highlight of the movie, with his commercial being my favorite scene from this picture. The dialogue is generally well-written, but the storyline falls short of expectations. I found the acting of Iacono and Kilgore, as well as the direction of their characters, lacking. It's also puzzling why Pam Grier chose this role, as it doesn't make the best use of her talents. The film concludes with a worthwhile showdown that's fun to watch unfold, even if the end is predictable. In summary, Cinnamon had the potential to be a solid film but falls short when all its elements come together. I would rate it 3/10 and suggest skipping it.

Directed and written by Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr., Cinnamon is all about Jodi (Hailey Kilgore), who starts the movie working in a gas station and dreaming of being a singer. A cowboy comes in and asks if he can use the bathroom, followed by a man in a motorcycle helmet who asks her to empty out the register. The cowboy tries to play hero and gets shot right in the face, spraying blood everywhere. As for the thief, he ends up being in Jodi's bathtub, because he's her boyfriend Eddie (David Iacono) who will do anything to make get her to Los Angeles. The problem? Her boss Wally (Damon Wayans) is in deep with a crime family led by Mama (Pam Grier) and one of their members is the cowboy who just bled out in Wally's gas station. That's when we realize that this movie may start in blacksploitation but will end up feeling like one of those Tarantino-style films that came out so often in the 90s. That's not a bad thing. Wayans is divisive in this, as you could see his over the top performance as the wrong note to strike in an otherwise dark drama. But it worked for me and it's always good to see him in a movie. Grier is great, communicating only through gesture and motion in this. She conveys that she's in charge and that you could pay the price for crossing her with just the simplest of looks. I'm not used to Tubi movies having budgets or casts like this, to be perfectly honest.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie! Damon Wayans delivered hilarious performances, while Pam Grier was flawless and truly terrifying. Jeremie Harris portrayed the perfect antagonist, and his handsome presence added to the film's appeal. Hailey Kilgore's acting and character were both believable and engaging. The film's comedic elements help to overlook some noticeable plot holes, creating an overall lighthearted energy that made it perfect for a relaxing weekend watch. In a world that can often be heavy, seeing it through a comedic lens was therapeutic and enjoyable. However, I felt that Harris's character's catchphrase, which included the n-word, was a bit excessive and casual. While it was used less frequently than in movies like Django, the unoriginality of the catchphrase reminded me of black exploitation films, as did the cover art.

source: Cinnamon

In fresh & twisty small-town crime thriller "Cinnamon" Hailey Kilgore & David Iacono are down-beat young lovers with a dream who get mixed up in a deadly gas station robbery that unbeknownst to them (or is it?) also involves a wider web of drugs, murder & double-cross through the station's co-owners including Damon Wayans (in his first film in 15yrs), Pam Grier, Jeremie Harris (terrific) & Jay DeVon Johnson. The budget may be limited but third-time writer / director Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr draws terrific performances from his cast (also inc Racael Castillo & Nicole Sky) and applies a crisp, pacy, engaging (if not altogether original) style. Good 'n' entertaining fare.

Finally got around to it and thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I appreciated the pace and cinematography. Even after watching the trailer, I still didn't know what to expect. It held my attention, made me laugh, and I liked the plot twists. I also love how memorable each character is, even in the smaller roles (like Toni lol). I really came across this film because I had randomly been wondering 'why haven't I seen Damon Wayans in more stuff' right before this released, so the timing was a cool coincidence. Then recognizing more familiar actors casted prompted me even further to make sure I watched it. Hailey Kilgore & David Iacono did amazingly, of course. Everybody did. The melody toward the end, right before they drove away, reminded me of 'Young, Dumb, and Broke' from Khalid. Nice touch. Lol.

Cinnamon, has all the flavors! Action, romance, comedy, drama, thrills AND chills, with a dash of mystery & music sprinkled on top. A top tier ensemble cast brings to life this wildly entertaining and wonderfully written/directed filn by Brian Keith Montgomery Jr.. Including, The first lady of action, Mz. Pam Grier, who only has one line in the whole movie yet, speaks volumes as the menacing matriarch of her country crime family, despite being deaf. Damon Wayans' on cue comedic timing creates a convincing characterization of the conniving convenience store owner/used car entrepreneur, Wally. Hailey Kilgore lends her exquisite voice and earnest vulnerability to this hidden gem. As David Iacono serves up a slice of bittersweet yet, seriously saucy, truth to this tale. While, Nicole Sky, as Toni the pizza delivery girl, just straight up delivers. So, if you're sick of the same ol' tired, tasteless attempts at today's cinema, add Cinnamon to your watch list. You won't be disappointed.

Cinnamon is a thrilling and stylish genre neo-noir film that pays homage to the 70's blaxploitation classics and who done-it films. Directed by Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr., the film follows Jodi Jackson (Hailey Kilgore), a gas station attendant and aspiring singer who gets caught up in a robbery and a dangerous web of crime and betrayal. The film features a stellar cast of veteran actors, such as Damon Wayans as Wally, the shady convenience store owner who owes money to the wrong people, and Pam Grier as Mama, the ruthless leader of a criminal organization who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. The film also showcases the talents of young actors like David Iacono as Eddie, Jodi's loyal boyfriend and music manager, and Jeremie Harris as James, Mama's son and enforcer. The film is filled with twists and turns, as well as witty dialogue and memorable characters. The film also boasts a catchy soundtrack that blends soul, funk and hip hop, creating a perfect mood for the story. Cinnamon is a film that Quentin Tarantino would have loved to make, and that fans of his films will surely enjoy. It is a tribute to the genre that made Pam Grier a star, and a showcase for the new generation of actors who are ready to take on the mantle. Cinnamon is a spicy and satisfying film that will leave you wanting more.