Film Reviews:

JULY 2023:

Directed by Regina King, Screenplay by Kemp Powers, Based on "One Night in Miami" by Kemp Powers, Produced by Jess Wu Calder, Keith Calder, and Jody Klein, Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr., with Cinematography by Tami Reiker, and Edited by Tariq Anwar, with Music by Terence Blanchard, Production companies: ABKCO, Snoot Entertainment, Royal Ties Productions, Germano Studios, Hit Factory, and Capital Studios, Distributed by Amazon Studios (2020)
One Night in Miami… (2020)

ONE NIGHT AT THE MOVIES…

Regina King‘s directorial debut, One Night in Miami…, stands as a brilliant adaptation of Kemp Powers‘ stage play, bringing to life a fictionalized account of a pivotal night in 1964 where Cassius Clay (Eli Goree), Malcolm X(Kingsley Ben-Adir), Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), and Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) convene in a Miami motel room at the Hampton House. This film is a compelling exploration of the personal struggles, ideologies, and the larger societal and political climate of the civil rights era, showcasing King‘s directorial prowess and the exceptional performances of the cast.

Regina King in los Angeles for the Los Angeles Times. Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times
Directed by Regina King, Screenplay by Kemp Powers, Based on "One Night in Miami" by Kemp Powers, Produced by Jess Wu Calder, Keith Calder, and Jody Klein, Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr., with Cinematography by Tami Reiker, and Edited by Tariq Anwar, with Music by Terence Blanchard, Production companies: ABKCO, Snoot Entertainment, Royal Ties Productions, Germano Studios, Hit Factory, and Capital Studios, Distributed by Amazon Studios (2020)
Kemp Powers attends the 93rd Annual Academy Awards at Union Station on April 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Matt Petit/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images
Photo of Muhammed Ali circa 1960s Photo Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Eli Goree as Cassius Clay in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Portrait of American political activist and radical civil rights leader Malcolm X (1925 - 1965) as he holds an 8mm movie camera in London Airport, London, England, July 9, 1964. Shortly after breaking his affiliation with the Nation of Islam, and just days after his formation of the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU), Malcolm X was in London en route to Egypt to attend a meeting of the Organization of African Unity and to meet with the leaders of various African states. Photo Credit: Express Newspapers/Getty Images
Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Jim Brown during Jim Brown File Photos by Ron Galella, United States. Photo Credit: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Sam Cooke circa 1960s. Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Leslie Odom jr. as Sam Cooke in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
The Hampton House Motel, now operating as Historic Hampton House Motel museum and cultural center, is a historic former lodging facility in the Brownsville neighborhood of Miami, Florida. The motel served Black patrons during segregation in the American South. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in February 2023. History The Booker Terrace Motel opened in 1954 to satisfy Miami's growing need for lodging facilities for African Americans. The building was purchased by Jewish couple, Harry and Florence Markowitz, who remodeled the existing hotel into the Hampton House Motel, which opened in 1961. The remodeled Hampton House Motel was designed by architect Robert Karl Frese in the Miami Modern architecture style. Throughout the 1960s, the Hampton House Motel hosted many prominent Civil Rights leaders, athletes, and musicians, including Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Sammy Davis Jr., Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Jackie Robinson, and Joe Louis. Documents have revealed that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered an early version of his "I Have A Dream" speech at the motel. Photo Credit: Boston Globe
Visitors to Miami’s Historic Hampton House can view the historically-styled room where the film "One Night in Miami...was filmed. Photo Credit: Necee Regis/For The Boston Globe
200,000 Americans participated in the civil rights movement's Freedom March on Washington, pouring down Constitution Avenue on their way to the Lincoln Memorial, where they would hear and be moved by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr's pivotal "I have a Dream" speech, 28th August 1963. Photo Credit: Ed Clarity/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
Behind the scenes photo of Regina King filming "One Night in Miami" in 2019. Photo Credit: Patti Perret/Amazon Studios

The narrative unfolds with Cassius Clay, on the cusp of becoming Muhammad Ali after winning the world heavyweight boxing title against Sonny Liston on February 25, 1964, celebrating his victory with his friends Malcolm X, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke. Regina King adeptly captures the tension and dynamics between these four men, each at a critical juncture in their lives, grappling with their roles in the civil rights movement and their personal aspirations.

Eli Goree as Cassius Clay in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Eli Goree as Cassius Clay in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
The 1964 press conference where Muhammad Ali announced he had officially changed his name to Muhammad Ali and would no longer respond to Cassius Clay as his name. The change came as a result of him announcing his joining the Nation of Islam the same week. Photo Credit: Associated Press
The above quote is Ali's response to his name change when asked why he decided to change hisname form Cassius Clay. Photo Credit: CNN
The fight lasted less than one full round, with Ali knocking out Liston at the 1:44 mark. It was a shocking result, not only because Liston was favored in the match, but because hardly anybody saw the punch that took him down. Liston had thrown a jab with his left arm and, leaning forward, took a right hook from Ali right to the skull. He sunk to the canvas, and as he was down, Ali stood over him, taunting and demanding his stunned opponent get back up. The photo captures the champion’s exhortations, with all the fire and passion and dynamic physicality that made him such a phenomenon. Liston did eventually rise from the mat, but soon after, the referee broke up the two boxers once again — the former champion had been down for more than 10 seconds, ending the fight. Photo Credit: Biography.com
Muhammad Ali holding the Heavyweight Title Belt that he received from Ring Magazine. Photo Credit: Phil Greitzer/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
The most iconic photo in boxing history documents the knockout that almost nobody saw happen. The fight lasted less than one full round, with Ali knocking out Liston at the 1:44 mark. It was a shocking result, not only because Liston was favored in the match, but because hardly anybody saw the punch that took him down. Liston had thrown a jab with his left arm and, leaning forward, took a right hook from Ali right to the skull. He sunk to the canvas, and as he was down, Ali stood over him, taunting and demanding his stunned opponent get back up. The photo captures the champion’s exhortations, with all the fire and passion and dynamic physicality that made him such a phenomenon. Liston did eventually rise from the mat, but soon after, the referee broke up the two boxers once again — the former champion had been down for more than 10 seconds, ending the fight. Photo Credit: Biography.com
THE BLACK POWER CIRCLE, 1964 - On February 25, 1964, At The Height of the Black Civil Rights Struggle, A 22 Year-Old Boxer Named Cassius Clay, Orchestrated One of the Greatest Upsets in Boxing, when He Beat the Most Feared Heavyweight of that Time, Sonny Liston, to Win Boxing’s Heavyweight Championship. After the Fight, Clay Retreated to OVERTOWN, A Black Section of Miami, & In MALCOLM X's Small Hotel Room at the Hampton House, He, Joined SAM COOKE, & JIM BROWN for a Quiet Night of Conversation. The Next Morning, Clay Confirmed to the Press that He had become a Member of the Nation of Islam — followed by the Announcement that His Name was now, Muhammad Ali. Photo Credit: Facebook
Regina King directing Eli Goree in "One Night in Miami..." Photo Credit: Goggle Images
Civil Rights March, Washington DC USA, Warren K Leffler, August 28, 1963. (Photo by: GHI Vintage/Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

ONE NIGHT WITH THE CAST…

(L) Leslie Odom Jr. as Sam Cooke, Eli Goree as Cassius Clay, Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X, and Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Directed by Regina King, Screenplay by Kemp Powers, Based on "One Night in Miami" by Kemp Powers, Produced by Jess Wu Calder, Keith Calder, and Jody Klein, Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr., with Cinematography by Tami Reiker, and Edited by Tariq Anwar, with Music by Terence Blanchard, Production companies: ABKCO, Snoot Entertainment, Royal Ties Productions, Germano Studios, Hit Factory, and Capital Studios, Distributed by Amazon Studios (2020)

Kingsley Ben-Adir delivers a riveting performance as Malcolm X, capturing the complexity of the historical figure. Ben-Adir skillfully portrays Malcolm X‘s inner turmoil, the conflict between his ideologies, and his loyalty to the Nation of Islam. His portrayal is marked by an emotional depth that vividly conveys the weight of Malcolm X‘s convictions and the struggle with the radical shifts in his beliefs.

Regina King directing Kingsley Ben Adir in "One Night in Miami..." Photo Credit: Goggle Images
Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
The Nation of Islam (NOI) is a religious and political organization founded in the United States by Wallace Fard Muhammad in 1930. A black nationalist organization, the NOI focuses its attention on the African diaspora, especially on African Americans. It identifies itself as practicing a form of Islam although this differs considerably from mainstream Islamic traditions. Scholars of religion characterize it as a new religious movement. It operates as a centralized and hierarchical organization. The Nation teaches that there has been a succession of mortal gods, each a black man named Allah, of whom Fard Muhammad is the most recent. It claims that the first Allah created the earliest humans, the Arabic-speaking, dark-skinned Tribe of Shabazz, whose members possessed inner divinity and from whom all people of color are descended. It maintains that a scientist named Yakub then created the white race. The whites lacked inner divinity, and were intrinsically violent; they overthrew the Tribe of Shabazz and achieved global dominance. Setting itself against the white-dominated society of the United States, the NOI campaigns for the creation of an independent African American nation-state, and calls for African Americans to be economically self-sufficient and separatist. A millenarian tradition, it maintains that Fard Muhammad will soon return aboard a spaceship, the "Mother Plane" or "Mother Ship," to wipe out the white race and establish a utopia. Members worship in buildings called mosques or temples. Practitioners are expected to live disciplined lives, adhering to strict dress codes, specific dietary requirements, and patriarchal gender roles. Wallace Fard Muhammad established the Nation of Islam in Detroit. He drew on various sources, including Noble Drew Ali's Moorish Science Temple of America, black nationalist trends like Garveyism, and black-oriented forms of Freemasonry. After Fard Muhammad disappeared in 1934, the leadership of the NOI was assumed by Elijah Muhammad. He expanded the NOI's teachings and declared Fard Muhammad to be the latest Allah. Attracting growing attention in the late 1950s and 1960s, the NOI's influence expanded through high-profile members such as the black nationalist activist Malcolm X and the boxer Muhammad Ali. Deeming it a threat to domestic security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation worked to undermine the group. Following Elijah Muhammad's death in 1975, his son Warith Deen Mohammed took over the organization, moving it towards Sunni Islam and renaming it the World Community of Islam in the West. Members seeking to retain Elijah Muhammad's teachings re-established the Nation of Islam under Louis Farrakhan's leadership in 1977. Farrakhan has continued to develop the NOI's beliefs, for instance by drawing connections with Dianetics, and expanding its economic and agricultural operations. Based in the United States, the Nation of Islam has also established a presence abroad, with membership open only to people of color. In 2007, it was estimated to have 50,000 members. The Nation has proven to be particularly successful at converting prisoners. The Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League have characterized it as a black supremacist hate group that promotes racial prejudice towards white people, anti-semitism, and anti-LGBT rhetoric. Muslim critics accuse it of promoting teachings that are not authentically Islamic. Photo Credit: Google Images
Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Directed by Regina King, Screenplay by Kemp Powers, Based on "One Night in Miami" by Kemp Powers, Produced by Jess Wu Calder, Keith Calder, and Jody Klein, Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr., with Cinematography by Tami Reiker, and Edited by Tariq Anwar, with Music by Terence Blanchard, Production companies: ABKCO, Snoot Entertainment, Royal Ties Productions, Germano Studios, Hit Factory, and Capital Studios, Distributed by Amazon Studios (2020)

Eli Goree embodies the energy and charisma of Cassius Clay, capturing the essence of the young boxer poised for greatness. Goree‘s performance brings to life Clay‘s exuberance, unwavering confidence, and infectious charm that made him an icon. He skillfully portrays the transformation from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, effectively showcasing the fighter’s moral and spiritual journey.

Regina King directing Eli Goree as Cassius Clay in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Eli Goree as Cassius Clay in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Eli Goree as Cassius Clay in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Eli Goree as Cassius Clay in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Eli Goree as Cassius Clay in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Directed by Regina King, Screenplay by Kemp Powers, Based on "One Night in Miami" by Kemp Powers, Produced by Jess Wu Calder, Keith Calder, and Jody Klein, Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr., with Cinematography by Tami Reiker, and Edited by Tariq Anwar, with Music by Terence Blanchard, Production companies: ABKCO, Snoot Entertainment, Royal Ties Productions, Germano Studios, Hit Factory, and Capital Studios, Distributed by Amazon Studios (2020)

Aldis Hodge‘s portrayal of Jim Brown is marked by a calm and composed demeanor, reflecting the wisdom and experience of the NFL star-turned-actor. Hodge embodies Brown‘s pragmatic approach and offers a grounded perspective amidst the passionate debates and discussions among the group. His performance resonates with authenticity and depth, contributing to the film’s emotional core.

Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Directed by Regina King, Screenplay by Kemp Powers, Based on "One Night in Miami" by Kemp Powers, Produced by Jess Wu Calder, Keith Calder, and Jody Klein, Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr., with Cinematography by Tami Reiker, and Edited by Tariq Anwar, with Music by Terence Blanchard, Production companies: ABKCO, Snoot Entertainment, Royal Ties Productions, Germano Studios, Hit Factory, and Capital Studios, Distributed by Amazon Studios (2020)

Leslie Odom Jr. delivers a captivating portrayal of Sam Cooke, capturing the essence of the legendary musician. Odom Jr.‘s performance brings forth Cooke‘s internal conflict as an artist seeking to balance commercial success with social responsibility. He skillfully navigates Cooke‘s journey, conveying the burden of using his platform to advocate social change while grappling with the expectations of the music industry.

Leslie Odom jr. as Sam Cooke in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Leslie Odom jr. as Sam Cooke in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Leslie Odom jr. as Sam Cooke in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Leslie Odom jr. as Sam Cooke in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios

ONE NIGHT WITH THE DIRECTOR…

Regina King’s direction in One Night in Miami… showcases her nuanced understanding of the material, allowing the characters to breathe and the dialogue to flow naturally. She adeptly balances the intimate interactions within the confines of the hotel room while infusing the film with a larger sense of the historical and social backdrop of the 1960s. King‘s directorial choices create an immersive experience, drawing the audience into the inner world of these iconic figures and their compelling conversations.

Regina King directing Kingsley Ben Adir in "One Night in Miami..." Photo Credit: Goggle Images
Regina King directing "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios

The film’s strength lies in its potent dialogue, which ignites debates on crucial themes of racial equality, personal responsibility, and the power of influence. King masterfully navigates the heated discussions, allowing each character to voice their perspectives and beliefs, which drive the narrative forward. The exchanges are rich with emotional depth and intellectual weight, creating a poignant reflection on the era’s struggles and aspirations.

(L) Leslie Odom Jr. as Sam Cooke, Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown, Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X, and Eli Goree as Cassius Clay in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios

The production design, costumes, and cinematography flawlessly capture the essence of the 1960s, immersing the audience in the era. The hotel room setting becomes a stage for both personal and ideological clashes, enhancing the tension and significance of the night’s conversations.

Production Design by Barry Robison, and Page Buckner for "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Costumes for (L to R) Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr. by Francine Jamison-Tanchuck for for "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Cinematography by Tami Reiker for "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
(L) Eli Goree as Cassius Clay, Leslie Odom Jr. as Sam Cooke, Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X, and Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios

ONE NIGHT IN THE STUDIO…

Additionally, the film’s soundtrack, featuring Sam Cooke’s iconic songs and musical performances, adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. The music serves as a powerful backdrop, complementing the themes and enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

The Soundtrack for "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
The Soundtrack for "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
(L) Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown, and Leslie Odom Jr. as Sam Cooke in "One Night in Miami..." (2020) Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Muhammad Ali & Sam Cooke in the 1960s when Ali, then Cassius Clay visited him in the studio while recording. Photo Credit: Google Images
Singer-songwriter Sam Cooke recording in the mid 1960s. Photo Credit: Google Images
"A Change Is Gonna Come" is a song by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke. It initially appeared on Cooke's album Ain't That Good News, released mid-February 1964 by RCA Victor; a slightly edited version of the recording was released as a single on December 22, 1964. Produced by Hugo & Luigi and arranged and conducted by René Hall, the song was the B-side to "Shake". The song was inspired by various events in Cooke's life, most prominently when he and his entourage were turned away from a whites-only motel in Louisiana. Cooke felt compelled to write a song that spoke to his struggle and of those around him, and that pertained to the Civil Rights Movement and African Americans. Though only a modest hit for Cooke in comparison with his previous singles, "A Change Is Gonna Come" is widely considered one of Cooke's greatest and most influential compositions and has been voted among the greatest songs ever released by various publications. In 2007, the song was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress, with the National Recording Registry deeming the song "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important." In 2021, it appeared on Rolling Stone's list of the Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, ranked at No. 3. Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons
The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), honored films released from January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021, at Union Station in Los Angeles. The ceremony was held on April 25, 2021, rather than its usual late-February date due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the ceremony, the AMPAS presented Academy Awards (commonly referred to as Oscars) in 23 categories. The ceremony, televised in the United States by ABC, was produced by Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher, and Steven Soderbergh, and was directed by Glenn Weiss. For the third consecutive year, the ceremony had no official host. In related events, the Academy Scientific and Technical Awards were presented by host Nia DaCosta on February 13, 2021, in a virtual ceremony. Nomadland won three awards at the main ceremony, including Best Picture. Other winners included The Father, Judas and the Black Messiah, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Mank, Soul and Sound of Metal with two awards each, and Another Round, Colette, If Anything Happens I Love You, Minari, My Octopus Teacher, Promising Young Woman, Tenet, and Two Distant Strangers with one. The telecast received mostly negative reviews, and it garnered 10.4 million viewers, making it the least-watched Oscar broadcast since viewership records began for the 46th ceremony in 1974. Phot Credit: Google Images
"Original Song" nominations for Oscars at the 93rd Academy Awards: 1. "Fight for You" (won) 2. "Hear My Voice" 3. "Husavik" 4. "io Sì (Seen)" 5. "Speak Now" Photo Credit: Google Images
Released: 2021 Album: One Night In Miami... (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Artist: Leslie Odom Jr. Photo Credit: Amazon Studios
Released: 2021 Album: One Night In Miami... (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Artist: Leslie Odom Jr. Photo Credit: Amazon Studios

One Night in Miami… stands as a testament to Regina King’s directorial prowess, seamlessly blending the historical context with the personal journeys of these influential men. The film resonates with audiences by offering a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of identity, societal expectations, and the quest for equality within the framework of the civil rights movement.

Regina King for the Variety Magazine. Photo Credit: Variety Magazine
(L to R) Championship Boxer Muhammad Ali, Recording Artist Sam Cooke, Football player Jim Brown, and Nation of Islam Leader Malcolm X. Photo Credit: Darren M. Haynes/Twitter

In conclusion, Regina King’s directorial debut is a tour de force, marked by exceptional performances, powerful dialogue, and a resonant exploration of the struggles and aspirations of these iconic historical figures. One Night in Miami… stands as a poignant and compelling cinematic achievement, solidifying Regina King‘s position as a formidable director and storyteller in the industry.

Directed by Regina King, Screenplay by Kemp Powers, Based on "One Night in Miami" by Kemp Powers, Produced by Jess Wu Calder, Keith Calder, and Jody Klein, Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr., with Cinematography by Tami Reiker, and Edited by Tariq Anwar, with Music by Terence Blanchard, Production companies: ABKCO, Snoot Entertainment, Royal Ties Productions, Germano Studios, Hit Factory, and Capital Studios, Distributed by Amazon Studios (2020)

On Night in Miami… is available now on Prime Video…

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