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‘Swapped’ Uses a Familiar Story to Deliver Timely Lessons on Empathy

May 1, 2026May 1, 2026 Michael Lee

Nathan Greno’s Swapped may not reinvent the body swap formula, but it uses it effectively to remind audiences of the importance of seeing the world through someone else’s perspective. Backed by a terrific cast led by Michael B. Jordan and Juno Temple, Netflix’s latest animated film turns a familiar premise into a funny, heartfelt story about empathy, identity, and our relationship with the natural world.

Animation, Movies

Netflix Reveals New Look at Skydance Animation’s ‘Swapped’

March 11, 2026March 11, 2026 Michael Lee

A new animated adventure comedy is heading to Netflix. Swapped, directed by Nathan Greno, will feature the voices of Michael B. Jordan, Juno Temple, Tracy Morgan, and Cedric the Entertainer when it releases later this spring. So the streaming service has released new images from the upcoming release.

Animation, Marvel, Streaming

‘Eyes of Wakanda’ Quietly Proves Killmonger Wasn’t Wrong

August 6, 2025August 6, 2025 Ainsley 'LadyL' Landry

When Eyes of Wakanda premiered, I expected a bit of backstory, some cool animation, and maybe a nod or two to the Dora Milaje. What I didn’t expect was a four-part meditation on how Wakanda’s deepest strength, its secrecy, might also be its biggest flaw.

Horror, Interview, Movies

Culture, Music, and Makeup with Delroy Lindo, Omar Miller, and Li Jun Li from ‘Sinners’

April 17, 2025 Mike Manalo

You cannot deny that few people have done as much for POC cinema as the collective talents of Director Ryan Coogler, screen legend Delroy Lindo, and incredible actors Omar Miller and Li Jun Li. Coogler has changed every genre he’s touched, from superhero movies to horror films, by adding deeper social meanings that honor Black and POC culture to all of them.

Horror, Interview, Movies

Three Minutes with ‘Sinners’ Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and Wunmi Mosaku

April 15, 2025April 15, 2025 Mike Manalo

The Sinners are coming this week, and it’s hands down the best movie of the year so far! Director Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther) never misses! Once more, he’s teamed up with Michael B. Jordan to bring us a stunning horror masterpiece with deeper themes. However, Jordan is not alone. Coogler has assembled an amazing ensemble of actors to bring this amazing piece of survival horror to life, including A-listers Hailee Steinfeld and Wunmi Mosaku.

Horror, Movies, Reviews

NOC Review: ‘Sinners’ is a Profound Masterpiece of Survival Horror!

April 10, 2025April 26, 2025 Mike Manalo

There’s room in this world for all sorts of horror, be it schlock or awe. For every Exorcist there’s a Paranormal Activity. For every Fly there’s a Re-Animator. And for every Halloween there’s a Terrifier. They all can exist without conflict for every horror fan to embrace. However, when horror is made by storytellers that get it, love it, but have much more to say than “Ooh! Look! Blood!” that’s how masterpieces are born, and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is one such film: a profound masterpiece of survival horror!

Horror, Movies

Director Ryan Coogler Takes Us Inside the Newest Trailer for ‘Sinners’

January 28, 2025January 28, 2025 Mike Manalo

The impact director Ryan Coogler has had on Black cinema over the past few years is undeniable. From his debut film, Fruitvale Station to shattering records and making cinematic history with Black Panther, Coogler has not only demonstrated his incredible talents as a writer and director, but also showcased that he is one of the most prolific, game changing filmmakers working today. This April, he’s going to do it one more time, with his first horror feature, Sinners.

Horror, Movies

The Sinners are Coming in the Trailer for Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’

September 24, 2024September 24, 2024 Mike Manalo

As was teased yesterday, the first official trailer for Ryan Coogler’s next movie, Sinners, has officially dropped, and it looks incredible!

Horror, Movies

First Trailer for Ryan Coogler’s Vampire Film ‘Sinners’ Drops Tomorrow

September 23, 2024September 24, 2024 Mike Manalo

If there’s something we can all agree on, it’s that Ryan Coogler has never made a bad film. He’s literally one of the finest filmmakers working today. And I don’t care what anyone says, Wakanda Forever was an absolute masterpiece especially given the emotional challenges and literal showstoppers he and the entire cast and crew had to face.

Movies, Sports

Michael B. Jordan on Making ‘Creed III’ His Directorial Debut

October 20, 2022October 20, 2022 Michael Lee

After spending his entire acting career on one side of the camera, actor Michael B. Jordan is ready to make his directorial debut in Creed III.

Movies, Sports

What to Expect from Tessa Thompson and Jonathan Majors in ‘Creed III’

October 19, 2022October 19, 2022 Michael Lee

The Creed franchise was so much more than a boxing film. It’s a celebration of Black culture through the lens of an underdog sports movie. In it, we witnessed the rise of a champion in Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) who not only stepped out of his father’s shadow, a father he never knew but also faced his demons fighting his father’s killer while also telling a powerful Black love story. And we get to see how all of that evolves in Jordan’s directorial debut, Creed III.

Movies, Sports16 Comments

‘Creed III’ Director Michael B. Jordan Brings Positive Change to Representation in Film

October 18, 2022October 18, 2022 Michael Lee

Creed III is the third chapter of the titular film franchise and marks Michael B. Jordan‘s directorial debut. While the sequel won’t see Sylvester Stallone reprising his role as Rocky Balboa, it takes Adonis Creed (Jordan) in a new direction as he is forced to confront his past when Anderson Dame (Jonathan Majors), a former friend turned new boxing rival blames him for his previous incarnation and attempts to claim the title of world champion by humiliating him on the biggest stage.

Movies, Sports, Trailers1 Comment

Adonis Creed Returns to Fight Someone From His Past in ‘Creed III’ Trailer

October 18, 2022October 18, 2022 Michael Lee

Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) is about to step back into the ring for the third time. In the first two films, the championship boxer stepped out of his father, Apollo Creed’s (Carl Weathers) shadow, and faced the son of the man who killed his father. And as the Creed III trailer reveals, he will discover that he cannot outrun his past when a former friend (Jonathan Majors) becomes a bitter boxing rival.

Hard N.O.C. Life, Television

Hard NOC Life 235: Emmys So What

September 20, 2021 Hard NOC Media

Keith, Britney, and Dominic rant about who won — but more importantly, who didn’t — during the Emmy Awards last night. Then, they break down the new Hawkeye trailer and recap the latest episode of What If.

Marvel, Movies

Michaela Coel Set to Join Incredible Cast of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

July 22, 2021July 22, 2021 Jamal Michel

Today, Variety dropped some exclusive news regarding Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Insiders at Variety reported earlier today that Coel would be joining the elite cast of the film amid airtight details surrounding the ensemble.

Movies, Reviews

‘Just Mercy’ Effectively Calls for Justice with Emotional Impact

January 10, 2020January 10, 2020 Lauren Lola

It’s no secret that the justice system in the United States is a mess like no other. However, the odds of navigating it and coming out unscathed — if at all — are worse for the Black community. Bryan Stevenson, a lawyer and founder/executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, witnessed just how brutal it is, as he worked tirelessly to free Walter McMillian from death row, after being arrested for a murder he did not commit. Just Mercy tells that story.

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Interview, Movies

Bryan Stevenson Hopes ‘Just Mercy’ Will Lead to Conversation and Action

December 24, 2019January 10, 2020 Laura Sirikul

Bryan Stevenson is a busy man. He’s a widely acclaimed public interests lawyer and prison reform advocate. He is the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human rights organization in Montgomery, Alabama. He’s a motivational speaker, … Continue reading Bryan Stevenson Hopes ‘Just Mercy’ Will Lead to Conversation and Action

Movies

‘Just Mercy’ Trailer: Michael B. Jordan Stars in Inspiring True Story

September 4, 2019September 5, 2019 Laura Sirikul

Director Destin Daniel Cretton’s biographical drama Just Mercy has released their trailer about the true story of modern-day hero Bryan Stevenson, played by Michael B. Jordan.

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Comics, Movies, Toys8 Comments

An Asian ‘Snake Eyes’ is All I’ve Ever Wanted

August 15, 2019July 21, 2021 Keith Chow

I’m actually on vacation right now, but the moment news broke that Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding was in talks to play the lead in Paramount’s G.I. Joe solo Snake Eyes movie, I couldn’t not write about it!

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Marvel, Movies

Marvel’s ‘Shang-Chi’ Movie Has a Director

March 13, 2019 Keith Chow

Hot off of Captain Marvel’s $500 million box office domination, Marvel Studios is already hard at work assembling the future phases of their Cinematic Universe. After announcing Shang-Chi as the next hero to get a feature, Marvel Studios has tapped director Destin Daniel Cretton to helm their first ever Asian American-led superhero film.

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Marvel, Movies3 Comments

‘Black Panther’ Breaks the Oscars’ Superhero Ceiling

January 22, 2019June 8, 2023 Keith Chow

History was made this morning when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its list of honorees celebrating the films of 2018 and named Black Panther as one of the nominees for Best Picture. While plenty of comic book films have received nominations over the decades, no superhero film had ever been nominated for the most prestigious prize of the night. The Dark Knight came closest in 2009 — winning a posthumous Best Supporting Actor award for Heath Ledger and prompting the Academy to expand its nomination list from five to ten the following year.

Marvel, Movies

DMV Nerds: Win Tickets to a Screening of ‘Black Panther’

January 11, 2018January 20, 2018 The Nerds of Color

Did your browser crash when trying to buy early tickets for Black Panther? Is the movie sold out opening day at your local cinema? Well, if you’re in the DMV (D.C./Maryland/Virginia), we’re teaming up with Fantom Comics to offer a lucky NOC follower two first class tickets to Wakanda!

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