Anybody seen either of these movies?

Stylistically, the two movies couldn't be any different. Thematically, lots of similarities. Both movies center around a pair of friends native to the Bay Area struggling with issues of culture and identity in the rapidly gentrifying cities of San Francisco and Oakland, respectively.

Both movies are directed by young, relatively new directors and are written by the young men who star in them (Jimmie Fails in TLBMISF, Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs in Blinspotting) and are loosely autobiographical, or at least based in part on the experiences of their respective stars/writers.

Blindspotting (not streaming for free anywhere rn, but airing 10/9 on BET if you're not into paying for movies) takes a more lighthearted approach, incorporating hood culture & rap/hip hop elements while taking on the issues of law enforcement and incarceration as our lead characters Colin and Miles struggle to escape the roles and stereotypes society has applied to them (some more appropriately than others).

TLBMISF (currently streaming on Amazon Prime) on the other hand is a little more artsy and abstract. Our lead characters Jimmie and Montgomery, awkward outsiders to a group of friends clinging to street life in their rapidly changing and changed neighborhood, look to find and understand their place in the world, albeit in a rather unexpectedly carefree way. (Beside Fails, this movie also stars Jonathan Majors who, if you've seen Lovecraft Country or Da 5 Bloods, among others, you know he's one of Hollywood's best up and coming actors)

Anyway, if you haven't seen one or either of these movies, I most definitely recommend both of them. Particularly if the concept of gentrification is something you're looking to understand a little better. And if not, don't let that turn you off. Neither of these movies are preachy or judgmental and are honestly both really entertaining IMO. This isn't school. TLBMISF in particular is absolutely beautiful, turning the city of SF into what at times feels like a fantasy world straight out of a Tolkein novel.

If you have seen one or both of these, curious to hear your thoughts and opinions.

Oh and one other interesting similarity, not sure if this is just a coincidence or if there's some strange level of synchronicity going on, but Blindspotting features a cameo by Tisha Campbell aka Gina from Martin and TLBMISF features a cameo by Tichina Arnold aka Pam from Martin. Which is fantastic and hilarious IMO.

Please somebody watch these movies and talk to me about them.

I have them on the list, my report might miss the deadline though.

Hey I got a response!!

You take your time. You just enjoy yourself.

Finally found the time to watch TLBMISF and I'm thankful I didn’t let this exceptionally good movie slip away. I went in not remembering your description so I really had no idea what to expect. The movie as a whole has some deep thoughts and emotions and I’m not sure I caught on to all of them after one watch.

I’ve never really tried to break down a film an express my thoughts this way so not sure how insightful I will be but a few things struck a cord. My work has a long and storied history with SF and I was fortunate to spend some time there in the late 90’s early 2000’s and fell in love with the place. Unfortunately the economics of the city were changing its destiny and by the last work trip the problems were on full display. The cinematography pulled me in instantly and honestly gave me the feels.

Like most everything in this life this movie is deeper and more complex than the surface presents. I don’t think I can unpack everything I’m thinking but a couple things stood out. Two lines hit home for me, Jimmy says to the white ladies on the bus “ you don’t get to hate it, unless you love it “ and the other “ people aren’t one thing”.

Those two lines delivered for me. I wish I could expound on my thoughts better because I know there is way more to this film. My last thought for now is that we are all capable of creating and living in our own realities.

Great movie thank you for recommending.

Yes!! So goddam good. I feel exactly how you feel about it. Hard to put into words exactly (though you did a good job) but it's just beautiful.