Featuring an interview with "Reclaiming Nappy" director Maya Table
Including movie reviews such as "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" and "Tenet"
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2. JUL—DEC 2020
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
HIT OR MISS An independent movie review magazine, curated semi-yearly for film enthusiasts and critics
I visited a movie theater during a wa globalsafes?it pandemic The movie theater is my second home. I ditched prom in high school to watch “Ready Player One” in theaters and when life at home was crummy, I drove to watch a random movie at the theater. It’s the one place in the world where I truly feel like I belong. So when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I felt like my safe haven was crushed. With quarantine, I didn’t know how to spend my Saturdays anymore. Seven months into the pandemic, however, I received an unexpected email from AMC
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means that most indoor hotspots like malls, museums and movie theaters were allowed to welcome in customers as long as they kept a 25 percent capacity or less. Compared to the purple tier we’re suffocating in now, orange gave us breathing holes. Yet, I stood firm. I told myself I’d wait until the vaccine before I watch a movie in theater. But for the next two weeks, I refreshed and regularly checked the number of seats reserved on AMC’s site. It was close to zero. I wanted to see “Tenet.” It was highly anticipated among film buffs and I envisioned myself being wowed in theaters. Quarantine life had been mindnumbing and dull. I needed a spark! I decided to create a plan. (1), The movie had to show in the morning—the first time slot available. (2), I had to sit in the far-back row to avoid moviegoers coughing on me. (3), I'd buy the ticket five minutes before showtime. I’d only allow one other person in the same room as me.
theaters announcing their reopening. We were hovering tier three—moderate conditions—at the time in October 2020, but the coronavirus was still a big deal...
"Without
a
,
crowd
the
theater
is
."
just a black box
It never left. California saw an average of 2,500 cases each day, which was a huge improvement from the peak of 11,000 in August, though it was still nonetheless a terrifying number. The orange tier in California
Lastly, I had to wear a hoodie to keep my hair from touching the seat and the seat must be immaculately wet wiped beforehand. It was a piece of cake. Luckily for me, I had the theater all to myself.
The theater, that was once a bustling clubhouse for bored minds, was apocalyptically empty. It also reeked of disinfectant wipes that reminded me of hospitals. Although I cried hurrah for being the only person in the theater room, I felt a little lonely. How was this different from watching a movie in my room? When I got my ticket scanned, a staff member, who was on the other side of a plastic barrier, had me fill out a questionnaire with a clean pen. It asked me if I showed any symptoms or met anybody positive for COVID-19 in the past 2 weeks. They even asked where I was sitting. As expected, the concession stand was closed. I was loosely hoping to snag a tub of buttered popcorn and a cupful of vanilla Coke, but the yellow caution tape coiling around the soda machine made it clear that it would be impossible. Because I had ten minutes of free time until the movie (accounting the 20 minute previews), I took a stroll to peek into the other rooms. Unsurprisingly, the other rooms were just as lifeless. The hush and the billowing, cold wind from the A.C. amplified its spiritless tenor. The movie sucked. I don’t even want to get into it. I just felt vicariously disappointed for wasting my precious theater day on “Tenet.”
When I walked out of the theater at 6 p.m., I felt whatever. In my drive home, I reminisced about a time in 2017 when the entire audience clapped at the end of “Get Out.” I was reminded that without a crowd, the theater is just a black box. Although my movie-going experience was safe, I can't guarantee yours will. If you are, cons-
ider following my four-point rule. Be responsible! However, despite the surprisingly sterile environment, I wouldn't pay a visit even if restrictions are lifted again. The next time I go, I’ll be linking arms with my friends and sharing pretzel bites. Whenever that’ll be. After all, some things are just better shared.
Empty Popcorn machines and vacant seats at the local movie theater on a Saturday afternoon
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THE DEVIL
ALL THE TIME
2.5 out of 5 Photo Courtesy of Netflix
Directed by Antonio Campos Release Date Sep. 11, 2020 Starring Tom Holland Bill Skarsgård Riley Keough Jason Clarke
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BY GAVIN BOWEN Looking at a movie that's clearly in love with the Coen Brothers and Quentin Tarantino, it's odd how disjointedly unfocused this was. This film wants to be intelligent and meaningful, but bleakness is not substance and ambition is not a prerequisite for success. If “The Devil All the Time” had not been based on a novel, I would have mistaken its attempts to tell a cohesive story as an imitation of greater directors' works. Instead, I think the problem lies with the film's unwillingness to compromise and eliminate un-
necessary stories, resulting in a cluttered piece that attempts too much. It spreads its time thinly between too many characters and story pieces, so instead of being partially invested in each, I ended up being minimally invested during all. I try to be generous when I say that this book wasn't suited for a two hour movie; having not read it, there's a possibility that it wasn't suited for adaptation at all. Normally, I would be grateful for an interesting take on religion that doesn't take itself too seriously. It shouldn't be difficult
for a movie critiquing religion to be nuanced, but instead the film just feels preachy. Precursory movies love to play the religion card to create depth, but this film attempts to do the opposite without understanding why those it's modeled after do so in the first place. I don't know, there just seems like a big difference between writing a Jesus allegory and literally nailing a dead dog to a cross, but I guess that's just me. Maybe it went over my head. Not to beat a dead dog, but it was weird to see such a stellar and well known group attached to an unaccomplished director such as Antonio Campos. I watched with an open mind but the truth is, it was just... okay? I've seen a lot of praise for Pattinson, so maybe it's my fault I wasn't into the accent... But while he was good, this was nowhere near his best, especially looking at his recent performances.
Photo Courtesy of Netflix
The same can be said for most of the cast. They were all good, but I don't think I noticed anyone in particular or saw anything that stood out. It probably didn't help that the characters felt flat and there were very few moments to shine that actors took full control over. I can't help but feel as if it's the directors fault, knowing most of the cast have all been fantastic elsewhere. I guess this is just another movie I don't understand the hype of.
Photo Courtesy of Netflix
TL;DR I want to rewatch "It" (2017) because I've been thirsting for a good Bill SkarsgĂĽrd performance and knowing he won't be in Robert Eggers' new film has me sad. 4 |
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Photo courtesy of Open Road Films
Photo courtesy of Open Road Films
After We Photo courtesy of Open Road Films
Photo courtesy of Open Road Films
Col
llided
Directed by Roger Kumble // Release Date Oct. 23, 2020 // Starring Dylan Sprouse, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Josephine Langford
By Daja Dubois As a fan of trashy teenage-Wattpad-drama movies, I ironically enjoyed “After We Collided” for these reasons: I somehow forced my fiancé into sitting through two of these horrid, plotless abominations. Plot threads and character development from the first movie went completely ignored, leaving even the most obsessed fan utterly confused on what the hell was going on throughout the entire hour and 47 minutes. There is literally a character named Karen who was white in the first movie and now Black in this movie without any explanation. Dylan Sprouse was reportedly wearing a back brace from carrying the entire cast with his comedic performance. In all seriousness though, probably don’t watch this movie. Final Verdict: OMG THEY’RE MAKING TWO MORE SEQUELS HOW THE F-
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Interview with director and filmmaker Maya Table Note: This interview was conducted on June 11, 2020, seven months prior to the publication of Hit or Miss volume 4.2 in January 2021.
On a slow-boiling June evening, I called Maya Table in Georgia. She is the director known for her short documentary “Reclaiming Nappy” and short film “Dating App,” and she’s also the creative mind behind several music videos, including IV Jay’s “With You.” We sat down over a Zoom call to discuss the origin of her filmmaking spree and what direction she’s going with the projects she has on deck.
Why film?
and going to film school, I realized this is what I want to do. My major, at first, was communications, because I wasn’t sure what to call what I wanted to do. But later, I realized, “Oh, it’s directing. Gotcha.”
You mentioned “The Best Man.” Do you have any other films that inspire your style?
Originally, I wanted to be a dermatologist or veterinarian up until I was in high school. But I realized I was squeamish when it came to blood. Like I wanted to throw up. So I was like, “those types of careers are out.”
A lot of music video directors have been the ones who inspired me, style-wise. In college, I used to watch so many music videos, that I could tell, before the name came up [in the credits scene], who directed it. Just by their styles. [I always admired] Chris Robinson, Hype Williams, Dave Myers, Melina Matsoukas…
I watched this movie called “The Best Man” (1999), and in that movie, Nia Long as a television director looked [fascinating]. I was curious, so I looked more into it. After that, I did internships with the radio station, or wherever I could, to [find out] what I wanted to do. Through doing internships
It’s like Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino’s styles. Once you hear some jazz music, you know it’s Spike Lee. Once you see certain angles, you know it’s Quentin Tarantino. I think I’ve always been attracted to people who have a certain style. As a director now, I’m trying to define my style
even more. Like, what is my style?
Speaking of style, “Reclaiming Nappy” is distinctly bold. It’s a fun documentary that showcases kinky hair and Black women who are proud of theirs. Mara, the main character, seems like she’s you in character-form. She takes off her cheap wig at the end of the film and she comes to terms with her curly hair, but she never tells us about her experience with the word “nappy.” So... what does the word “nappy” mean to you? My parents have so much love and Black pride... I didn’t know “nappy” was a bad word until my sister teased me for it. I think her teasing me made me feel some type of way, but other than that, “nappy” wasn’t a bad word. When I wanted to start a film, I thought, “let me do the lowhanging fruit.” Which is hair.
Photo courtesy of Maya Table
Black hair—something I know about. Also, the natural hair movement was starting to grow. It was intriguing to me that women of color still hated the word “nappy,” and I’m like, “Why do we hate ‘nappy’? I thought we love our natural hair now!” I wanted to put a piece of work out there that
was exciting and that also celebrated the word "nappy." “Reclaiming Nappy” just shows my love for it.
I didn’t know much about the word “nappy” until I saw your documentary. It was eye-opening and 8 |
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it made me see kinky hair in a different light. You know, some women still don’t want to open their minds to the word “nappy.” They’re like, “Nappy? Nope. My hair is not nappy. It’s tightly coiled, but it’s not ‘nappy.’”
Fun question: What is your favorite hairstyle? Ooh. Whatever’s easiest that day. One thing is, especially for women of color, we change our hair all the time. It’s really what we’re feeling that day. Right now, I have it in braids which I need to take out later.
And would you ever dye your hair?
I’ve dyed my hair a bunch of colors before. I’ve had it gray— which I dyed myself, and wish I didn’t, because it turned green… I’ve had it orange in high school, red, purple, blonde, black… The only color that I don’t think would fit me is green. [Other than that,] I love trying colors!
Pivoting our interview, “Dating App” is another short film you directed. Did a real life experience inspire you to make “Dating App”? Yes, yes it did. I was with a guy for four years. We lived together and I knew we were going to get married… but
Photo courtesy of Maya Table
Marquita Goings in the short film, "Dating App," directed by Maya Table 9 |
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we ended up breaking up. A few months after that, I thought, “Well, let me see what dating apps have to offer.” This was four years ago. [“Dating App”] was based on my experience on the apps I used. [When I first used it,] I was like, “Hey! I’m new to this app, I love long walks on the beach and I love bad jokes.” People would always give me their best jokes, and I thought it was so funny. [The main character of “Dating App”] is a little more eccentric than I am, but she is mainly based on how I was on the app.
And I love that little dog at the beginning of the film. He's so cute! Oh, yeah! That’s my dog Tucky. He’s been in a lot of music videos, too. He’s been in one with T.I., another with Rick Ross… he’s also been in some commercials. Whenever I get a chance, I put my dog in my projects.
"Dating App" is a comedic short film. Actually, a lot of what you do is comedy. As a Black woman doing comedy, how do you deal with barriers?
I don’t think about them. I think sometimes we hold ourselves back thinking about what barriers there are, but I try not to think about them. I lean into things that come naturally and easy to me. That’s always been comedy or [filming] people of color. I never think about boundaries, because we already have so much pressure on ourselves and I just don’t even include that.
Would you say anything to your younger self? I would. There’s one thing I would say about my career, but the rest of my advice would be about the men I dated: “Don’t do it.” Photo courtesy of Maya Table
Career-wise, [I’d tell her to] ask more questions about finance. I think I worked really hard to get jobs in, but on the other hand, I didn’t learn enough about saving. I’m just now learning how to budget, like “oh wow, this is how you do it, huh?”
Last question: Do you have any advice for aspiring filmmakers? For young, Black, female filmmakers: Sometimes I think we feel mentally held back by our skin color or by being a woman. And it doesn’t… or shouldn’t, at least. You shouldn’t [settle and]
Brianna Butler and Jared Wofford in "Hit the Road"
say, “Well, let me get this job just because I’m a woman.” You want people to select you for things because you’re amazing and you’re the best. Be the best. When you’re the best, people are going to seek you out no matter where you are. Maya Table’s most recent short film “Hit The Road” was released on November 2020. For more information about Maya Table and her work, visit mayatable.com or follow her on Instagram/Twitter @mayatable.
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I'm Thinking of Ending Things BY GAVIN BOWEN Directed by Charlie Kaufman // Release Date Sep. 4, 2020 // Starring Jessie Buckley, Jesse Plemons
We're always thinking of ending things. What is a beginning if not an end; an end to complacency, indecision or the obsolete... Every action simultaneously ends and starts anew, and we remain in the space between, allowing doors to open and shut around us. Endings and beginnings are the same, and Kaufman's film understands this implicitly. While thoughts may not be tangible, they exist transiently, slipping in and out of our minds and seamlessly transforming without regard for beginning or end, some relegated to just a moment and others fated to appear and disappear, ending and beginning countless times over. “I'm Thinking of Ending Things� is a film born of a thought, initially meant to slip by quickly, but given a life of its own, allowed to permeate and steep the mind in doubt. And once such a thought has been given free reign, it is impossible to end, enduring without regard to time or space or the cyclical beginnings and ends. How does one conclude this unwanted thought? The only answer is acknowledgement and acceptance, or self destruction. Will we live haunted by the unacceptable, or die to escape it? 4 out of 5
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Photo courtesy of Netflix
We're always thinking of ending things. What is a beginning if not an end; an end to complacency, indecision or the obsolete...
Photo courtesy of Netflix
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2021 Movies to Look
Min ari This is easily going to wind up as one of A24’s classics in the future. It observes a Korean American family chasing the American dream and nothing going their way. Although “The Farewell,” A24’s first Asian American narrative released in 2019, didn’t deliver well, “Minari” should hit all the spots that were missing in it.
Not to be confused with “No Man’s Land,” releasing in January, “Nomadland” is Zhao’s third movie. She seems to have a solid grasp with the relationship between her characters and the visual story, despite her limited filmography. The three-minute trailer alone stunned me, and I don’t doubt that the rest of the movie will keep my jaws unhinged.
Photo courtesy of Focus Features
Photo courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
nomad
Land Photo courtesy of A24
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It’s been four years since Wri has released a movie since “Baby Driver” project in 2017. H dipping his toes in a new ge with his new psycho-horror mo “Last Night in Soho,” which follo a girl passionate about fashion have no idea what that means Wright, but I’m curious to see execution. However, since it str so far away from Wright’s usu comedic and bright movies “Shaun of the Dead” or “Hot Fu there’s a part of me that’s skept of Wright’s mysterious experime
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ALSO consider
Yep, Hayao Miyazaki’s son directed this. Judging by the trailer, “Earwig and the Witch” is the 3D version of “Kiki’s Delivery Service'' with a lackluster, electronic soundtrack. It even has a talking black cat (cue eye roll). It’s pretty much a secondhand Ghibli movie without the graceful 2D animation or Joe Hisashi’s heart-wrenching music. I don’t have any high hopes for it, but I’m definitely keeping an eye on it. Who knows? Maybe he'll make us Ghibli fans proud. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
This sounds like a somber, mature version of “The Good Place.” It screams existentialism. Five unborn souls are given a chance of a better lifetime on Earth, but only one is given that opportunity. It has a mediocre rating from their Sundance release, but at least I would give it a shot. I mean, Bill Skarsgård is in it.
nine day s
Photo courtesy of GKIDS
Director Damien Chazelle is retracing his signature big city roots with his upcoming movie “Babylon,” rumored to set in Hollywood. If you liked “La La Land,” then this should satisfy your cravings. If you like to lean towards brainless and fun comedy, “Free Guy” should already be on your radar. It’s about a guy who realizes he’s an NPC inside a video game this entire time. “The Matrix” much? And for a hearty, spy action flick, scribble down “No Time to Die” on your list. I mean, come on, Daniel Craig’s the new Bond! What more could I ask for?
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mini reviews from friends "Bill Murray’s character is a suave, well-travelled ladies man, yet orders a steak well done. Not a day has gone by I don’t think about it." — Mandy Schnatter, On the Rocks "If you’re contemplating whether or not to watch 'Soul', watch it. Seriously. This is the first original Disney Pixar movie that does not try to smash virtues into viewers' skulls. 'Soul' is a life-altering experience from start to finish. Final Verdict: Hallelujah!" — Daja Dubois, Soul
"After everything that happened as a result of the COVID related hate crimes, I still think this was the most tragic for Chinese Americans." — Elinda Xiao, Mulan
"2019, me hearing about in-production Mulan: Wow, I sure am excited for another remake " — Casidy Chen, Mulan
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"Watching 'Tenet' was like waking up to having my head in a vice while David Lynch and Federico Fellini waterboarded me. Afterwards, 'Primer' looked like the most comprehensible movie ever made." — Dylan Pem, Tenet
"A Disney-aspiring Netflix movie that is rooted in its beautiful animation, fun characters and breathtaking location. Regrettably, 'Over the Moon’s' bland, forced and otherwise confusing plot never seems to take liftoff. Final Verdict: Fly me to the snooze." — Daja Dubois, Over the Moon
"1000% recommend if you're baked and bored. Idk if it was just me at the time but so many audible gasps and 'wtf...' were let out that day." — Noah Abadano, Alien Worlds
"You will enjoy this movie a lot if you are bisexual and you turn your brain off." — Elinda Xiao, Wonder Woman 1984
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L U K A ' S
afterword Happy new year! I planned Hit or Miss volume 4.2 a mini issue but with the help of Gavin Bowen and Daja Dubois's contributions, I was able to push this to our usual page count! Thank you both. I'm always fascinated by Gavin's analytical, almost esoteric, perspective on film and humored by Daja's witty, to-the-point reviews. My friends' contributions to this magazine always make me giddy for future publications. And I can't forget to say thank you to Maya Table either. Our Zoom conversation was a delight and it got me riled up for more of her future projects. I urge you to binge her filmography. I especially adored her "Uncle Poochie" mini series. Such a treat!
Photo courtesy of Eagle-Lion Distributors
As usual, thank you for spending time with this volume and sticking around. Until June!
hitormiss.mag@gmail.com @hitormiss.mag
Photo courtesy of Eagle-Lion Distributors
Photo courtesy of Eagle-Lion Distributors
Founder & Creator
Luka M.
Contributors
Noah Abadano Gavin Bowen Casidy Chen Daja Dubois Dylan Pem Mandy Schnatter Elinda Xiao
Special thanks to
Maya Table
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