About me, my market, and what I love most about my work:
I am a native Chicagoan and I love Chicago for its diverse population as well as its diverse views. I got into talking about the movies because I loved watching Siskel and Ebert talk about the movies they loved and why. Their discussions went beyond cinematography and set design and sometimes included culture and world impact. When I saw the “Men on Film” sketch on the Fox comedy series In Living Color, I knew there was a place and a need to discuss film from a different perspective – one that was a bit more inclusive and a bit more fun. I began reviewing movies in print and now I review in print and on radio but nothing beats talking to people about their thoughts on a film. Currently, I write an article or prepare a radio segment with my thoughts and opinions and while that is exciting, it is simply a monologue. I love the discussion more than I love my opinion as I learn more about a film and its impact when I talk with others. I also love that moves can be both a reflection of society as well as an influence on society.
This is my passion project, or passion in general:
Before the pandemic, I had been working on getting a group of film critics together to discuss movies but it was difficult to assemble everyone on a weekly basis to come into the studio for a taping. Everyone had different schedules and was traveling so I could never get it off the ground. But the pandemic prevented us from traveling and I was able to make my passion project come true. I created a weekly online movie and entertainment show, The Reel Critic Roundtable, and was able to have African American Film Critics from around the world join and discuss film for over 52 consecutive weeks. Unfortunately, most of my colleagues are back to traveling and very busy so we are trying to work out how we can keep the show alive. The format included 2 to 4 people and the goal was to always feature an African American female critic because USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative highlighted the lack of opportunities for Black women film Critics. Stay tuned, The Reel Critic Roundtable will be back.
What it means to me to be part of CCA:
I initially joined the organization to gain access. It was all about me and my ability to do my job as a critic. I wasn’t looking to vote on films for awards as much as I wanted to be able to view as many films as I could. Little did I know, that CCA would also provide an opportunity to connect and collaborate with other film critics. I was looking for a dialogue about film and I found it as part of CCA. I also found an opportunity to contribute diverse voices to the Awards circuit and the film industry in general.
My Favorite Film/ TV series that I am currently watching and why:
I’m watching Shrinking on Apple TV+ and I love that the show gives shine to all the characters. They are all flawed in their own way and this peek into their lives confirms that people are individuals, not stereotypes. And amid all the individuality, there is a universality that permeates this show, providing us all with someone or something we can identify with. The mark of a good piece of art is that it makes you feel something beyond “I like it” or “I hate it.” Shrinking has you laughing, caring about the characters and even thinking about your own life. When you leave a show or a movie and are looking for someone to discuss it with, that piece of art has done its job. And when you have to see the next episode or next season you know, the show has struck a cord and probably one beyond just sheer entertainment.
My social media and where you can find my work:
Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok (not active yet) @TheReelCritic. Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic. Reviews can be found at https://vocalo.org/category/featured/arts/film/ or http://thevoicenewspapers.blogspot.com/
