‘One Night in Miami’ and ‘Promising Young Woman’ – two films to see

“One Night in Miami” (US Rated R)

Cast: Leslie Odom Jr., Aldis Hodge, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree

Genre: Drama

Dwight’s Rating:

Boxing’s Muhammad Ali; crooner Sam Cooke; NFL fullback Jim Brown; human rights activist Malcolm X – four legends who rose to the top of their fields, and were tremendously influential across the globe.

The year 1964 found them all at critical points in their lives – two of whom would soon lose theirs. They were all either at the peak of their careers and/or rapidly ascending in public awareness and scrutiny.

A new film, based on many very real events, examines a fictional encounter, and posits that this meeting changed the trajectory of the four men’s lives.

“One Night in Miami” is based on Kemp Powers’ play of the same name. First staged in 2013, it is remarkable how timely it seems for what the world is experiencing right now, and how in step it is in a film year that appears unshackled in tackling tough subject matters.

In the film, it’s the night of February 25, 1964. In Miami, after just winning the world heavyweight boxing championship for the first time, Cassius Clay, is about to announce he’s converted to Islam, and is just months away from changing his name to Muhammad Ali. He’s joined by his mentor Malcom X, and friends NFL record-breaker Jim Brown, and pop superstar Sam Cooke. They discuss the responsibility of being successful black men during the civil rights movement.

The conversations get deep and often devolve into arguments. Feelings get hurt, and it’s all very intense.

Now while these men did know each other, and while, by many accounts, the foursome did indeed meet up after Clay’s victory that night, it is unclear whether they had any such conversations.

Nevertheless, the source material is incredibly smart. Perhaps not all, but most of these timelines do work and seem to fall within the realm of possibility. So, credit must be given to Powers, who also wrote the film’s screenplay; he has crafted a wonderfully imaginative piece of work.

While it is based on a one-act play, it certainly doesn’t feel like one – with the exception of the eloquence of the actors, and the poignancy of their words. Those aren’t quite characteristics of most films these days.

For that magical transition from stage to screen, we must salute Regina King – making her directorial debut here. This is a very polished production, exuding the master touch of a veteran. Is there nothing this Oscar and multiple Emmy-winning actress can’t do?

Being both incredibly well written and directed already makes “One Night in Miami” better than most of the flicks released each year. However, that’s not even the best part. It also features some of the best performances all year.

Close your eyes and you’ll think the late Muhammad Ali was playing himself here. Not only does Eli Goree (HBO’s “Ballers”) share a resemblance with “The Greatest”, but he has Ali’s voice and mannerisms down pat. This is more than just an impersonation, though. Goree brings warmth and sensitivity to the role as well.

Aldis Hodge (“The Invisible Man” and TV’s “Underground”) is also quietly powerful as the calm voice of reason in Jim Brown – the only one of the four still alive.

Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr. (“Hamilton”) sings and acts his heart out in a powerfully emotional performance as Sam Cooke.

Odom’s would be the strongest one here, if it weren’t for British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X. Ben-Adir’s is the breakout performance of the year. You must remember his name!

“One Night in Miami” is a triumph of excellence all around, and a fitting tribute to the four legends the film examines.

“Promising Young Woman” (US Rated R)

Cast: Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Laverne Cox, Jennifer Coolidge, Alison Brie

Genre: Thriller

Dwight’s Rating:

We are blessed with another strong directorial feature film debut.

Not only did actress Emerald Fennell – who played Camilla Parker Bowles in Netflix’s “The Crown” – direct “Promising Young Woman”, she also wrote the screenplay. And here again, we have a 2020 film that is boldly tackling a very timely and serious topic.

While it is a thriller, many are calling it a dark comedy as well. Indeed, it is amusing at times – reminiscent of “Gone Girl” (2014) – but the subject matter is certainly not a laughing one.

British actress Carey Mulligan plays Cassie. Traumatized by a tragic event in her past, she’s been living a secret double life by night. An unexpected encounter is about to give her a chance to seek out vengeance against those who wronged her.

This is arguably Mulligan’s most memorable of her numerous memorable performances to date. The role allows the Oscar nominee to run through the full gamut of emotions. She is simply outstanding. You can bet you’ll be hearing her name frequently come awards season.

Mulligan – who will surely be catapulted to the front of the line in the Oscar race – is surrounded by a fantastic supporting cast as well, especially Bo Burnham, in a performance almost as multilayered as Mulligan’s.

“Promising Young Woman” is entertaining and captivating from the beginning to its very surprising ending.

• Dwight Strachan is the host/producer of “Morning Blend” on Guardian Radio and station manager. He is a television producer and writer, and an avid TV history and film buff. Email dwight@nasguard.com and follow him on twitter @morningblend969.

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