'Sinners' delivers originality sorely lacking in Hollywood

Are you tired of all the sequels, prequels, re-makes, and re-imaginings? Are you hungry for original content? Can you handle a little horror with your drama? If you answered yes to all these questions, then make your way to your favorite theater as soon as possible, because you will love "Sinners." The year is 1932 and the Smokestack twins have returned to Clarksville, Mississippi. Smoke (Michael B. Jordan) and Stack (also Michael B. Jordan) spent time in World War I and then in Chicago before coming back to Mississippi to try their fortunes in their hometown. It's not spelled out precisely what the twins were doing in Chicago, but it's certainly implied that they were robbing banks and involved with organized crime. Whatever the source of their good fortune, they now want to open a juke joint in the country on the outskirts of Clarksville. They buy an old sawmill with a bag full of cash. Now they need to get everything ready to have the grand opening that same night. Their first stop is picking up their cousin, Preacher Boy Sammie (Miles Caton). Sammie can play a mean guitar and sing the blues with the best of them. Sammie had finished his quota of cotton picking as sharecropper that week and is looking forward to some time with his cousins. The twins also hire Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo) as a pianist, Smoke's estranged wife Annie (Wunmi Mosaku) as a cook, and Cornbread (Omar Miller) as a bouncer. The juke joint gets hopping later that night as soon as the doors open. Many men and women come out to have a few drinks, but mostly to hear some fine blues music. Even Stack's former girlfriend, Mary (Hailee Steinfeld), finds her way to the party. But none of them have any idea what is approaching. An ancient evil has made its way to Mississippi. It's drawn by the almost supernatural ability Sammie possesses with that guitar in his hand. This evil won't stop until it has what it wants. "Sinners" is a true cinematic experience. The themes behind the movie are southern roots, transcendent music, culture, religion and the battle between good and evil. The main idea behind the movie is how a precious few people can make music that is so divine, so otherworldly, that it is irresistible to the devil. It's hard to explain this fully without hearing the music while watching the story unfold. And it most certainly needs to be seen on a big screen with a great sound system to really feel the music in your bones. "Sinners" is also a movie that defies description. The film is an unusual hybrid of a period drama showcasing the struggles of the Black population in 1932 in rural Mississippi and a horror film. Most of the movie is the period drama, and it's captivating. When evil appears at the juke joint the whole movie changes. It's like two movies in one, two very good movies. I can't go on any longer without mentioning Michael B. Jordan. Most people know him from "Black Panther" or the "Creed" movies. "Sinners" is his best work yet. In a word, Jordan was spectacular. He plays both main characters flawlessly. He is strong, yet sympathetic. Stubborn, but also easily led astray. Both Smoke and Stack are the last people you would ever want to cross, but would love to have as your friends. It was a joy to watch Jordan work in this film. Originality has been sorely lacking in Hollywood for years, decades even. This is the kind of film many have been clamoring for: a unique story with captivating new characters to enjoy. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, this is the kind of film Hollywood desperately needs. And while this isn't the kind of film that relies on special effects, the movie magic that allowed Michael B. Jordan play both twins in this movie is astonishing. The effects are seamless. If I didn't know better, I would think Jordan had a twin. "Sinners" is a great movie, loved by critics and audiences alike. Word of mouth is spreading, and "Sinners" is quickly becoming the surprise box-office hit of the year. Grade: A+ Rated R for strong bloody violence, sexual content and language. ••• Bradley Griffith is a local attorney and longtime film buff.