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“Sinners”

Warner Brothers Films

Directed by Ryan Coogler

Starring Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo

Rated R

 

3 ½ Stars

 

Ryan Coogler isn’t the most prolific filmmaker out there, but you’ve got to love his cinematic track record. From “Fruitvale Station” to the “Black Panthers” to Creed, the director has delivered one critical and commercial hit after another.

That trend continues this weekend with the release of “Sinners.” I’m pleased to report that it is every bit as good as his other movies.

Set in Mississippi in the 1930s, this is the story of two twin brothers (both characters played by Michael B. Jordan) who return after spending some time working for Al Capone. They decide to set up a nightclub, and they reach out to a young guitar player (Miles Caton) to come play the blues for their grand opening.

The problem is that his music is so good that it attracts all sorts of attention, including that of a vampire (Jack O’Connell) who shows up at the club, determined to turn the musician into one of the undead. The twins, aided by some of the townsfolk, decide to fight off the bloodsuckers ravening just outside the club, with predictably dire results.

I think that it’s important to say that this is bloody horror movie right at the start, as the monster aspect of this movie doesn’t really begin until the film’s halfway point. The first hour or so follows the twins as they recruit friends to help them get the club up and running. It’s a credit to Coogler and his actors that this seemingly inconsequential part of the movie is still captivating. It’s easy to become invested in our heroes’ plan, even though we’ve seen the trailer and know that the film will eventually turn bloody.

Credit the actors, with Jordan leading the way in a uniformly solid cast. By taking his sweet time to get to the horror elements, Coogler is able to draw full-blooded portraits of these characters. That’s also true for the vampires, with O’Connell playing such an alluring monster that it’s easy to see why so many might want to join his ranks.

It’s no surprise that the eventual monster moments are bloody good fun. The attacks are brutal and several of the deaths are genuinely emotional. I loved the creature design, which gives the vampires metallic red eyes that glow in the night. It’s very creepy.

The big surprise comes in the form of several musical numbers. The idea is that great music connects us to the past, present and future. It also connects the living with the dead. Which is why several of the big musical numbers are filled with supernatural images and characters. The most effective of these moments takes place up on the stage of the gin joint, but I also loved getting to see the vampires making their own music outside.

And be sure to stick around for a mid-credit scene where we get one last musical scene that puts a final bow on the movie.

Suffice it to say that I really loved this movie. I do have some minor quibbles about some of the vampire lore, but I love the 1930s period design, the impressive cinematography (see it in IMAX if you can), the superb writing, acting and assured direction.

“Sinners” is only the 5th movie directed by Ryan Coogler—all of which bear the imprint of a master filmmaker who is in full control of his craft. I can’t wait to see what he delivers next.

 

Movie reviews by Sean, “The Movie Guy,” are published each week in The Port Arthur News and the Orange Leader. Sean welcomes your comments via email at sean@seanthemovieguy.com You can get more of Sean’s reviews by subscribing to the 2 Movie Guys podcast.