The wild west, blazing saddles, gun slinging outlaws and… Black people? Late last week, the trailer for The Harder They Fall dropped online, and it quickly set the internet ablaze with excitement. We’ve been asking for a movie with Black people that didn’t center our trauma for so long. It’s nice to not have to collectively groan over a trailer and instead scream at our screens in joy.
Stellar Cast
For starters, the trailer for this movie wastes no time reeling us in by introducing us to it’s heavy-hitting cast. One by one, your draw drops a centimeter or two as they slowly reveal Regina King, LaKeith Stanfield, Idris Elba, Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, and Zazie Beetz. We also see some familiar faces in Edi Gathegi, Danielle Deadwyler, and RJ Cyler. After they introduce everyone, you have to start the trailer over because you didn’t pay attention to what the movie was about because you were distracted by all of these actors you know and love.
Quirky Fun
After you watch the trailer for the second, third, and fourth times, that’s when you see that this is a western, but one that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yeah, there’s action, killing, and mean looks, but it’s framed in a way where those things are secondary to everyone having a good time. The trailer also plays Fela Kuti’s “Let’s Start” as it weaves us through stylish outfits, flying bullets, and horse riding. There’s no way you watch this trailer and get the sense it’s gonna be a dense slow burn. It’s going to be a lot of fun.
No Yts
After the cast and the tone, the thing that stood out to me most was that there’s no white people, and when I say that I mean that there’s no white people billed in the main cast, and no recognizable faces. This is a Black movie, and they want to make sure that we all know it. The only white people we see in the trailer are either getting robbed, beaten, or getting a few slugs in the gut. *Insert Michael Jackson Joyously Eating Popcorn Gif*
We Have to Show Up
This movie is releasing on Netflix, but also in select theaters. Normally, I’d say why go to the movies when you can just watch it in the comfort of your own home? Especially since we’re still irresponsibly easing out of a pandemic. But with this not coming out until sometime in the Fall, I say if you’re able, go see this in theaters. Not because I’m some annoying dude who believes that movies should be seen on the big screen as intended, but because I’m a cynic who knows that money talks. And if we want to see more movies like this, we’ve gotta support the ones we do get. Hell, go see it at the movies and then watch it at home. Give it some double love. Whatever it takes for us to show Hollywood that we want more of this.
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The wild west, blazing saddles, gun slinging outlaws and… Black people? Late last week, the trailer for The Harder They Fall dropped online, and it quickly set the internet ablaze with excitement. We’ve been asking for a movie with Black people that didn’t center our trauma for so long. It’s nice to not have to collectively groan over a trailer and instead scream at our screens in joy.
Stellar Cast
For starters, the trailer for this movie wastes no time reeling us in by introducing us to it’s heavy-hitting cast. One by one, your draw drops a centimeter or two as they slowly reveal Regina King, LaKeith Stanfield, Idris Elba, Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, and Zazie Beetz. We also see some familiar faces in Edi Gathegi, Danielle Deadwyler, and RJ Cyler. After they introduce everyone, you have to start the trailer over because you didn’t pay attention to what the movie was about because you were distracted by all of these actors you know and love.
Quirky Fun
After you watch the trailer for the second, third, and fourth times, that’s when you see that this is a western, but one that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yeah, there’s action, killing, and mean looks, but it’s framed in a way where those things are secondary to everyone having a good time. The trailer also plays Fela Kuti’s “Let’s Start” as it weaves us through stylish outfits, flying bullets, and horse riding. There’s no way you watch this trailer and get the sense it’s gonna be a dense slow burn. It’s going to be a lot of fun.
No Yts
After the cast and the tone, the thing that stood out to me most was that there’s no white people, and when I say that I mean that there’s no white people billed in the main cast, and no recognizable faces. This is a Black movie, and they want to make sure that we all know it. The only white people we see in the trailer are either getting robbed, beaten, or getting a few slugs in the gut. *Insert Michael Jackson Joyously Eating Popcorn Gif*
We Have to Show Up
This movie is releasing on Netflix, but also in select theaters. Normally, I’d say why go to the movies when you can just watch it in the comfort of your own home? Especially since we’re still irresponsibly easing out of a pandemic. But with this not coming out until sometime in the Fall, I say if you’re able, go see this in theaters. Not because I’m some annoying dude who believes that movies should be seen on the big screen as intended, but because I’m a cynic who knows that money talks. And if we want to see more movies like this, we’ve gotta support the ones we do get. Hell, go see it at the movies and then watch it at home. Give it some double love. Whatever it takes for us to show Hollywood that we want more of this.
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
Apple TV+ announced the worldwide premiere date for Foundation, and unveiled a brand new teaser at the epic saga from visionary showrunner and executive producer, David S. Goyer (Batman Begins, Man of Steel). The teaser showcases the sweeping scope and scale of the eagerly awaited new Apple Original series, which marks the first-ever on screen adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s iconic, award-winning novel series of the same name. The 10-episode first season of “Foundation” will debut globally on Apple TV+ on September 24, 2021 with the first three episodes, followed by one new episode weekly, every Friday.
“In the decades since the ‘Foundation’ series first saw print, Asimov’s prophetic science-fiction work has never been more relevant than it is now,” said Goyer. “Growing up, I devoured ‘Foundation’ and dreamed of one day seeing it on screen – but a feature film didn’t seem big enough to embrace the ambition. Thanks to the broader landscape of streaming and a valuable partnership with Apple and Skydance, we are able to bring the series to the screen in a way that truly does it justice. ‘Foundation’ has always been at the top of my bucket list and I’m honored I get to play a part in finally bringing it to life. Whether you’re a fan of the novels or simply someone craving a mind-blowing epic, I’m excited to share with you what we’ve created.”
When revolutionary Dr. Hari Seldon predicts the impending fall of the Empire, he and a band of loyal followers venture to the far reaches of the galaxy to establish The Foundation in an attempt to rebuild and preserve the future of civilization. Enraged by Hari’s claims, the ruling Cleons — a long line of emperor clones — fear their grasp on the galaxy may be weakening as they’re forced to reckon with the potential reality of losing their legacy forever.
Starring Emmy Award nominees Jared Harris and Lee Pace, alongside rising stars Lou Llobell and Leah Harvey, this monumental journey chronicles the stories of four crucial individuals transcending space and time as they overcome deadly crises, shifting loyalties, and complicated relationships that will ultimately determine the fate of humanity. The Apple Original drama also stars Laura Birn, Terrence Mann, Cassian Bilton and Alfred Enoch.
Led by showrunner and executive producer David S. Goyer, Foundation is produced for Apple by Skydance Television with Robyn Asimov, Josh Friedman, Cameron Welsh, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Bill Bost also serving as executive producers.
The fire department sprays down the car then opens up the trunk. Belkacem takes a peek before getting in the car where Assane is being held. He asks her about his son, but she doesn’t reply. She diverts to stating that they have a lot to talk about in regards to his adventures and also asks him where Youssef is.
Back in Paris, Hubert and Juliette Pellegrini announce a dinner at the Hyatt hotel that will have generous donors to assist in giving kids of all backgrounds access to art. Hubert is informed by his assistant that his next appointment has arrived, one he was expecting: Claire.
Assane asks Belkacem about what was in the trunk as they make their way to Paris. An annoyed Belkacem informs him that there wasn’t anything in the trunk except a soda can. When they stop at a gas station, Assane tells her that she won’t try escaping until they reach Paris, then asks her for the bathroom. Belkacem has a male officer take Assane to the bathroom where he asks the male officer to help him because he can’t do anything with his handcuffs on. After Belkacem pays for the gas, she checks up on the guys. Assane makes his way over to another car, with a badge stating that the driver has a flat tire. When the driver checks for a flat, Assane takes the moment to shoot the tire of the police car and drive off with the other car. Belkacem sees that the male officer is locked up then runs after the speeding car but doesn’t catch Assane in time.
Flashback to when Youssef is left in the car by Assane. After hours of waiting, Youssef breaks the window, uses the cut glass to get himself out, then walks to the house. When he walks to the house, he sees the car on fire and hears Raoul yelling for his dad. He struggles to open the trunk but finds a tool to pop it open then pulls Raoul out of it. As the two run away, Leonard shoots at them but luckily they get back to the stolen car and drive off. Leonard makes a call when he can’t get them. On the drive, Raoul asks Youssef where his dad is. Youssef deflects by bringing up the story of Arsene Lupin, and the two chat about their favorite characters.
Dumont informs Hubert that Assane escaped again. Hubert informs Dumont that Youssef has Assane’s son. They will have to use Raoul as bait, then they will arrest him. At first, Dumont doesn’t think it is smart, but Hubert points out that it would be good for his career, which Dumont can’t resist. Assane pulls over when Youssef’s phone blows up with messages from Dumont. Assane responds as Youssef, who Dumont tells to meet at the Hyatt Hotel with the child.
Youssef and Raoul pull up near a place where one of Hubert’s men tells him that Dumont is waiting for him at the Hyatt. Assane stops by his place to prepare for the evening. Young Assane is instructed to wait in Principal Bouchard’s office where he overhears the violin store owner leave a message stating that he thinks Assane should be severely punished. Assane quickly steals the cassette from the answering machine just seconds before Bouchard enters his office. Bouchard is not impressed with Assane’s latest antics, and Assane is disappointed to hear that if Bouchard doesn’t hear from the shop owner, he will visit the store.
Youssef and Raoul arrive at the Hyatt and are greeted by Dumont. Dumont explains that he will be handling the case and Raoul isn’t safe unless he stays with Dumont. At first, Youssef isn’t willing to hand him over, but Dumont threatens his job. Hubert and Dumont have Raoul call his dad to tell him where he is, then Hubert tells him that Assane is a thief who doesn’t care about his family. Raoul doesn’t believe him, but Hubert claims that he will see him soon. Just as Youssef is leaving, he is given a small package with a phone and note thanking him.
At the dinner, Juliette gives a speech on how culture should be accessible to everyone. Outside, Assane, in disguise, gets in from the back kitchen but is almost caught by security in the basement elevator. He changes his costume then leaves the hotel, frustrated about what to do. Then he sees a couple of boys walking by with a phone…
Young and Benjamin listen to the stolen cassette tape and think about what to do.
Hubert calls Dumont with instructions to leave with the kid in five minutes. Dumont leaves with Raoul, and several security guards escort them down to a black van. Once outside, Dumont has Raoul get in the car that he thinks that one of Hubert’s men is driving.
Later, an excited Dumont goes to find Hubert, giving him a signal that all went well. Hubert is confused and walks over to Dumont but not before Dumont receives another call from Hubert stating that they have been deceived. Principal Bouchard receives a call from young Assane who impersonates the shop owner. He and Benjamin hope that it works out. Assane utilizes his tech to copy Hubert’s voice and an extra phone to make the calls to Dumont.
Raoul and Assane embrace in the car as Assane drives off. Raoul asks Assane about his past. Assane tells him that Hubert framed his father, Babakar, and is now targeting him. Raoul asks how far Assane will go, but Assane states he will change once he figures everything out. He sees the look on Raoul’s face and states that he will stop if Raoul tells him to. Raoul tells him to continue.
Twenty-four hours earlier, a tearful Claire is on a train. She notices a paper about the suicide of a journalist and sees Assane in disguise. Claire reaches out to Benjamin about finding Raoul and how this is different. Dumont insists that voice sounded exactly like Hubert’s. Hubert is extremely calm about this situation. Claire visited Hubert proposing an exchange: Raoul for the diamond necklace. However, Hubert is more interested in Assane, not the necklace.
Claire watches as Assane pulls up with Raoul in tow but then remembers the deal she made. Inside the house, several of Hubert’s men are waiting, and Claire asks for a moment with her son. She steps outside the house to greet Raoul. While she is holding him, she gives Assane a fearful look then whispers for him to go.
SO glad that Raoul was alive. Good job Youssef! It took me a minute to realize that the men who told Youssef to take Raoul to the Hyatt hotel are the same ones that were in Claire’s apartment. Claire was really about to turn in Assane for her child but the least she could do is trust that he would get their child home safely. But. I get it. Raoul’s life is more precious than Assane’s. Now, will Assane get out of Hubert’s latest trap?
According to a report from Axios, Toyota has donated tens of thousands of dollars this year to politicians who encouraged the January 6th insurrection by objecting to Joe Biden’s election certification.
In addition to donating more than twice as much as the next-closest PAC, Toyota also donated to 37 election objectors—nearly five times as many as any other company. When asked what they had to say for themselves, Toyota really outdid itself and issued a statement that might actually be even worse than the donations themselves. (Maybe.)
“We do not believe it is appropriate to judge members of Congress solely based on their votes on the electoral certification,” a Toyota spokesperson told Axios.
The spokesperson did go on to say “Based on our thorough review, we decided against giving to some members who, through their statements and actions, undermine the legitimacy of our elections and institutions.” But Axios writes that “The spokesperson did not respond to a follow-up about the specific threshold for statements that cross that line.”
Toyota has actually been issuing that terrible statement for a while. After January 6, Toyota said it would be reevaluating its “future PAC criteria.” It was one of more than 100 companies that said they would cut ties (to varying degrees) with Republicans who objected to the 2020 election certification and helped incite the insurrection. But back in April, Popular Information reported that many of those companies had done nothing of the sort. At the time, Toyota gave the outlet the same statement we’re hearing now, which, as Popular Info’s Judd Legum pointed out, was “taken word-for-word from a memo issued by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in March.”
In May, the company also told Business Insider, “Toyota supports candidates based on their position on issues that are important to the auto industry and the company.”
One of those candidates whose position on auto industry issues apparently outweighs his position on sedition is Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona. Axios writes that Biggs “has been one of Congress’ most vocal election conspiracy theorists. According to an organizer of the ‘Stop the Steal’ rally prior to the Capitol attack, Biggs also helped put on that event, a charge Biggs has denied.”
So Toyota might not have donated to Marjorie Taylor Greene or Josh Hawley, but it seems entirely disingenuous to pretend like they have any sort of ethical standard that matters.
(via Axios, image: ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty Images)