The American Society of Magical Negroes (2024) User Reviews

White discomfort.

[AfricanBro · 3/10 · 16 March 2024]

I didn't know what this movie was gonna be about I just thought the name was funny. It's starts off awkward, seemed like a typical role for Justice Smith. I was hoping it was gonna have some grandeur to it, I was expecting a really funny black Harry Potter maybe. The premise is a little weird, maybe racist too. And I don't think the movie as a whole was executed well.

I had a couple laughs. Like how they couldn't figure out a better way to design a secret entrance in the barber shop. The speech he gave about the magical society and sharks was hilariously bad. I kept comparing this to American fiction, very unfavorably. It felt like that's what they were trying to do. Felt like it could be funnier. The story and its characters took everything seriously even though the premise felt extremely silly.

Throughout the movie, I was inundated with waves of second-hand embarrassment and awkwardness. The premise relies heavily on white discomfort, well I'm black and I was like "ugh, no" a lot. The movie felt inconsistent, with some scenes seeming okay, as if they belonged in a better film, while others gave me the urge to scream "nooo!!" even louder than Charles Leclerc in France. The final speech was particularly dreadful, it was out of the blue, replete with cringe-inducing moments and also unjustified based off what we saw of the character. He was simply a socially awkward guy, period. It had nothing to do with him being black. The collective sighs of "oh no" from the audience were frequent. I shouldn't say the audience, there were only like 5 other people in the theatre. A lot of scenes were hard to watch.

However, I did like the romantic bits, which could have easily formed the basis of a separate film. I'd certainly be keen to watch a cheesy romcom starring Justice Smith and An Li Bogan.

There were a few bits that I liked, that made me laugh, but this could've been so much better, or maybe not even made at all lol. I don't think the movie had any meaning behind it that it conveyed successfully. I think if I liked the movie, I'd have maybe liked the ending. Instead I thought "oh no, there's gonna be another one."

Nope. Just nope.

[micahbboswell27 · 1/10 · 16 March 2024]

I love David Alan Grier and pretty much anything that has to do with magic/fantasy so I thought I'd give this a try. Big mistake. Aside from the fact that the film is obviously celebrating blatant racism masked as anti-racist satire, the story wasn't good, the acting was (overall) subpar and even the special effects left to be desired.

If you're looking for something good that will scratch this itch, rewatch the Harry Potter films. Take another turn with Lord of the Rings and then, of course, the Hobbit. Heck, even the Merlin show on BBC would be a solid choice. This film is part of the problem.

A tired, played out gag with nothing new to say

[elijahperryakamrelijahp-49231 · 1/10 · 16 March 2024]

There's only so many times you can repeat the same 'white people so fragile' joke before it gets stale, and The American Society of Magical Negroes forms its entire foundation around it. It says absolutely nothing new or profound about racism, and right from the jump, you know exactly where it's headed. The new recruit, played by Justice Smith, has to tend to a white male who's down on his luck, and he meets an Armenian woman in a coffee shop and falls in love with her. In order to keep the white man happy, the recruit must surrender his feelings in order to make his white client happier, lest he ends up destroying the entire foundation the Society is set upon.

I was in the auditorium with one other man, and not a single one of us were genuinely entertained by what was going on (the other dude was just messing around on his phone). I ended up walking out an hour in because I knew where it was going and it wasn't going to get any better, and I highly suggest staying as far away from this one as possible.

The American Society of Magical Negroes Review

[Snider552002 · 1/10 · 16 March 2024]

I was hoping to atleast get a couple laughs or see some interesting/fresh takes on black American culture; I was sadly disappointed. I expected so little and was still so let down. I'm mostly confused as to why anyone who want they names attached to such a stupid, ignorant, devisive and hateful script. I'm trying to think of a single redeeming feature of this film... the acting was ok even good at times and the direction wasn't bad. That's all I got.

I do not recommend. Don't waste your time. It's not even worth the watch for the lulz or for watching a train wreck.

It's soul sucking to any decent human being, maybe this should be used down in Gitmo for torture?

Wasted opportunity

[joshuagolson · 1/10 · 17 March 2024]

The very premise of the movie would suggest it's going to be a comedy, maybe something that addresses racism in a way that everyone can still enjoy. Something akin to "blazing saddles" would have made this movie worth watching. Instead you are left with a movie with a million logic gaps, no real humor, no action and nothing close to witty dialogue. Feels more like somebody took their inspiration from a 4 year old complaining about things they don't understand and making suggestions that do not make sense. If I could give this movie a negative star rating I would, instead I'm left giving it a 1 star rating as that is the lowest rating I can give.

Missed the Mark

[impactful · 1/10 · 20 March 2024]

I'm really shocked ANYONE at ANY POINT thought this script was a good idea. It's one of those films that makes you uncomfortable - not due to the tropes they included, but because of the fact that this is just lazy lazy LAZY writing!

Any sort of movement forward has been pushed back by decades thanks to the 'brain trust' that came up with this garbage. It's 2024 - we're better than this, aren't we?

The premise of this whole film is insulting to our people - in ALL regards. The fact that it bombed at the box office is of no shock - nor should it be to anyone who saw it. Thank goodness we have American Fiction; at least that spectacular film made its point w/o being ridiculous .

They must be joking right?

[moviesusedtobegood · 15 March 2024]

Could a movie possibly be any LESS aware of what's going on in the country? Did someone really think it was the right time to make this? Who would fund this and why?

How unbelievably inappropriate.

Do they not realize that in order to MAKE this movie they needed access to the ACTUAL magic of FILM and cinema? Technology and methods that were invented in Europe. The actual real life magic of cinema HAS improved EVERYONE'S lives. It is something to be shared and appreciated by ALL. Movies like this serve to, once again, separate and divide. Tragic.

The absolute hypocrisy of this movie is honestly astounding. This will gain ZERO support for the cause it's trying to validate. If anything, this is counter intuitive.

We need more of Jordan Peele and less of these ridiculously self serving fabricated fantasies of toxic filmmakers.

Great Movie, More of a Drama than Comedy

[cgmovie85 · 7/10 · 5 May 2024]

Really enjoyed this movie. I think if you go into as a comedy it's disappointing. But if you pay attention to the theme you find the real value behind the movie and its message.

Not all Blakc people have found their confidence and identity in predominantly white spaces, and this movie champions the insecure, introverted, awkward Black person.

It's a good movie about empowerment, and the magic is so minimal, that it emphasizes the reality of what Black people need to feel empowered in spaces they don't feel comfortable in. The "magic" throughout this movie is really just being a mental health counselor to the fraile egos of the people they come across in white society.

Most importantly, it's about breaing free from the old guard and old ways that previous Black generations have created and allowing the younger generation to break rules and redefine the Black experience for themselves and others.

I think it was presented as comedy to make the conversation lighter. Great cast. The romance aspect is simple, but I like a bit of rom-com in stories. Hope they make a part 2.

Not Blazing Saddles!

[ShelbyKitty888 · 1/10 · 25 March 2024]

I saw the trailer for this epic failure at least a couple months ago. Went to the cheapie matinee with a friend. Charging a penny for this horrific film is criminal. No spoilers here as you can't spoil rotten.

There was no evidence of any kind of "satire" in this film. IMHO it was intended to be somewhat mean spirited. Professional comedians might have been able to pull off a film with this name but not this cast of misfits.

If you DO want to watch a film that illustrates the stupidity of racism, may I suggest the masterpiece "Blazing Saddles". Of course that was written by professional comedians and outstanding comic writers/directors/producers. (Mel Brooks, Richard Pryor, Andrew Bergman, Alan Uger, etc..).

BTW my friend and I were the only people dumb enough to shell out money for this. (The theatre was empty). Well, at least the popcorn was good.

A fine film around tackling micro aggressions

[jhaye · 10/10 · 3 May 2024]

For me The American Society of Magical Negroes was metaphor about dealing about handling micro aggressions which is a massive health problem for people of colour and highlighting the solutions between old fashioned techniques and present day climate of being upfront.

The character leads art work is the key in this film: resonate with his artwork and art process, you will love the movie

As for the romantic aspect it's reminded me of Barry Jenkins earlier films like Medicine for Melonconly

Also saw strong connection with meet Joe black, another brilliant film that has been misunderstood

For some reason people want this film to be something that it's not.

The film biggest flaw has been the way it was been mis-marketed

I would give it a strong 7.5 but 10/10 for making a film around this movie trope.

This film will be seen in a different light in the years to come.

Fresh modern satire applying a fun facade to a strong statement on the US' deep racial problems

[danieljfarthing · 7/10 · 10 April 2024]

In the satirical "The American Society Of Magical Negroes" David Alan Grier inducts Justice Smith (bright rising star) into a secret society of black folk using wizardly powers to selflessly diffuse white discomfort. Smith's first mission is to help flawed Drew Tarver both in his trendy job (under Michaela Watkins & Rupert Friend) and to bag colleague An-Li Bogan (who btw epitomises the film's fresh modern style)... but Smith's fallen for Bogan too... uh oh. Whether debut writer / director Kobi Libii nails it in applying a fun light facade to a strong statement on the US' deep racial problems will largely depend on each viewers' perspective... but it sure is a bold brave attempt.

Interesting concept but fails to deliver it uniquely and creatively

[chenp-54708 · 2/10 · 15 March 2024]

Watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

This is the kind of movie where it has an interesting premise and it could have explored interesting satirical themes and ideas but instead, the filmmaker doesn't really offer much with any creative outlooks and follows cliched and uninteresting tropes.

Kobi Libii has a concept that could have been interesting but his bland direction and the unambitious tones really create a hollow and investing story with dull cliche tropes, uninteresting characters and weak performances from the cast members. I like Justice Smith and Smith is trying his best but unfortunately his dull character and the poor dialogue really lacks his performance. Throughout, I found myself feeling bored and thinking that this movie could have been at least interesting if the filmmaker had thought about actually trying to add something that feels weird or unique. But that's not what I got. Instead, what I got was more of a dull and uninspired narrative that really wastes the talented cast and concepts.

What a shame.

Watch the Key and Peele sketch and save $$ & Time

[mlisa-56951 · 1/10 · 21 March 2024]

TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE. And yes, prejudice. Unfortunately some art creates what it intended to oppose. This is a movie idea that a first year college student talks to his friends about making. I cant believe it got funded!!! Someone doesnt understand investments. David AG was the Carlton of In living color. Bring back damon waynes! This movie i though would be funny. It is as deep and provocative as a "" hood book. If you try to like it and end up liking it, congrats, you just had an aneurysm !

The acting??? Ok, that was not terrible. They should fire there agents and they will be back on screen. Or... pool their resources and create something original that isnt rooted in ego frar.

TASOMN is a film that fails to deliver on all/multiple fronts

[zeio-4 · 2/10 · 20 March 2024]

The American Society of Magical Negroes T(ASOMN) is a film that fails to deliver on multiple fronts.

One of the primary issues with TASOMN is its lackluster storyline. The plot is riddled with clichés and predictable twists, making it difficult for viewers to stay engaged. The film attempts to tackle 'sensitive' themes but it does so in a superficial and often clumsy manner. The lack of depth in exploring these themes leaves much to be desired and results in a film that feels more like a missed opportunity than a meaningful commentary.

The performances in the film are another area where it falls short. While the cast may have had potential and if they did their talents are not utilized effectively. The characters are one-dimensional and lack the complexity needed to make them relatable or memorable. This is particularly disappointing given the film's attempt to address significant social issues. The lackluster performances fail to evoke any response making it challenging to connect with the characters or their struggles.

Furthermore, the film's pacing is inconsistent, with some scenes dragging on unnecessarily while others feel rushed. This uneven pacing disrupts the flow of the narrative and further detracts from the viewing experience. The dialogue often feels forced and unnatural, which, combined with the subpar performances, makes the interactions between characters unconvincing.

In terms of technical aspects, TASOMN does not fare much better. The cinematography is uninspired. The film's score is forgettable, failing to enhance the mood or add any emotional depth to the scenes.

TASOMN is a film that fails to deliver anything of value. Its attempt to address 'social issues' is undermined by a weak storyline, poor performances, and lackluster execution.

In the end.. it was trash

[TrentSammedia · 2/10 · 2 April 2024]

Preachy film that has no idea what it wants to be.

The editing was sloppy, the character motivations were unwarranted.

This movie is about 5 years too late and made by someone who is not too competent as a filmmaker (yet) I had a few chuckles, but then it just became absolutely boring, and it just switched Genres and became a lot more boring.

Damn as I write this movie I just dropped another Star. The Writer director should have experimented more with the concept before making this. It's amateurish and film school level. Didn't make sense. The ending ruined it times 2.

Really bad experience watching this.

All I can say was wow!

[cotswab · 1/10 · 2 April 2024]

Now 3 steps back just for the power to be a magical house...... well you figure out the rest. I'm shocked that this movie was made and aired. David "Really, Go to time out!" I can now kiss that job promotion goodbye, because my boss my just leave my magical talents where they are so they can be happy. As a fictional comedy this movie has really played with limits. In my opinion, I believe that was the attended purpose. What a fun way to play around with the topic, but the message was still degrading. "REALLY, David!" Now I can skip every IN LIVING COLOR SHOW with David in them. Now I cant even look at him.

If you aren't uncomfortable, then you didn't get it.

[malmevik77 · 7/10 · 20 March 2024]

The American Society of Magical Negroes

In an interesting approach to addressing racism against African Americans in this country, The American Society of Magical Negroes satirizes the concept that a black man tends to be a sounding board or emotional support person for a white man. In the movie, the black person can directly sense the white man's discomfort, and can then use that knowledge to ease the situation. The logic here is that a calm white man won't shoot or kill the black man. I say satire, but it's not wrong.

Aren, an artist with a very troubled mind, is inducted into the society and assigned to Jason who works at a tech company that accidentally and insensitively prevents black people from using the face recognition. What follows is an hour and a half of uncomfortable situations where Aren swallows his true feelings to keep Jason happy.

Aren's character progression from timid, to empowered, which requires the use of magic, proves that the continuation of the dehumanization of minorities in this country is not ok. To make a film fantasizing magical solutions to prevent being hurt or killed cannot possibly be understated.

I leave you with this. Aren's speech near the end of the film to Jason is moving, powerful and heartbreaking all at the same time. Don't be clueless like Jason. Be better.

Catchy title and interesting concept

[nigelowen2 · 2/10 · 2 April 2024]

I think this was sold on the catchy title. While it definitely has a bit of a racist concept I think the writer was hoping for some sort of cult following and some sort of deep commentary on race relations.

But everything about this movie is so so boring.

So much talking I assume to allow some "deep" philosophical statements.

Incredibly bland scenes.

The start feels like is it inspired from MIB.

Has some good actors who are running on autopilot. I think the director must have told them to remove 95% of the personality from their performance.

The director who is also the writer is a shocker, nothing works, just setups for lame jokes that all fall flat. I assume the director/writer thinks they are clever.

The surprising thing is that this actually got released, it obviously didn't cost that much so I assume it was the racial undertones of the title which meant nobody in the release chain said no way. This is not even a student project level quality.

Disturbing and beautiful

[mick-oseanachain · 9/10 · 6 May 2024]

And a little genre-bending, too, being that it turned out to be a romcom. I almost couldn't watch at first. The protagonist's timidness was so hard to watch. Then, the mission into which he's recruited was such a realistic metaphor. But I recommend watching to the end even if you have to squirm to do it. One spoiler I'll offer is to be aware of the use of yarn throughout the film. At first, I just thought, "Oh, he has really nice sweaters." Then ,I noticed someone else had exceptionally beautiful sweaters. Textiles make a statement in this flick, especially the last sweater we see. I'm not surprised by the negative reviews. It was a tough watch, and I commend the filmmakers for that.

Not a bad movie

[dunnc-92822 · 7/10 · 17 March 2024]

I don't understand all the 1/10 reviews for this film. Although I am a middle-aged white guy, I didn't think this film was promoting racism against me. Rather, it was an exploration of a very real phenomenon - African-Americans sometimes "code-switch" or feel pressured to act differently when among a mostly-white crowd. And the reasons for these pressures have to do with prejudices - both subtle and overt - deeply ingrained in society.

I particularly enjoyed Justice Smith's performance in this film. He very well portrayed a young man with low self-esteem finding his voice and his power. He also discovers that only doing what it takes to survive (the way the American Society operates) can also harm his sense of self, even preclude him from pursuing a relationship. Life involves taking risks, and a pure focus on survival (the way the American Society works its magic) can lead to missed opportunities - in work and in love.

Some other reviews focus on feelings of "discomfort" during the movie. To me, that was the entire point! Racism and race relations are inherently uncomfortable topics, especially for those who aren't involved in civil rights activism.

I think fewer people would be racist if they were to experience that discomfort, because out of that is borne empathy for others.

Trainwreck Alert

[misterw2000 · 3/10 · 3 April 2024]

The movie starts off with an interesting idea, hinting at a break from the usual and regular storylines. Yet, it makes you think: are we just going in circles, fixing old mistakes only to make new ones? This theme suggests a deeper exploration, but the film doesn't quite deliver.

Despite the promising start, the movie falls short. It relies too heavily on clichés and doesn't develop its characters well. The focus on a magical team feels like a missed opportunity for more meaningful storytelling. Instead, it drifts into familiar territory, resembling the melodrama of daytime TV.

However, the movie manages to redeem itself with a surprising small twist at the end. It catches you off guard and adds a touch of humor to an otherwise mediocre story. This comedic turn provides a welcome break from the predictability and leaves a lasting impression.

I deserve to be alive

[FeastMode · 4/10 · 9 April 2024]

I want to clarify that my dislike of this movie has absolutely zero to do with the message. I am fully behind it. Racism is still alive and well. Everyone deserves freedom, dignity and justice.

As for the movie itself... I just wasn't a fan. They take an interesting premise and do very little with it. This turns into a fully standard love story. The romance plot isn't bad, but it takes a fantastical idea and turns it into a run-of-the-mill relationship drama we've seen a million times.

As for the comedy, I laughed a decent amount. But it wasn't enough to keep me invested in the uninteresting story. I didn't hate watching this, but I don't personally recommend it.

(1 viewing, 4/3/2024)

Sattirical sociopolitical commentary.. or refuse? You decide!

[realityinmind · 1/10 · 14 April 2024]

The American Society of Magical Negroes is one of those movies that would have been released straight to DVD and instantly delegated to the "2 for $5 DVD" bin about 10 years ago, IF anyone would have actually had the gall to make this movie at that time. The American Society of Magical Negroes attempts to be a satire of the Magical Negro trope itself, except it goes overkill by creating a world in which actual magical Negroes exist and help save White people from themselves for the betterment of Black people, essentially justifying the existence of the Magical Negro trope within the movie's own universe.

To be honest, it is not funny to suspend your disbelief and think that a world exists where actual real magical Negroes save White people from causing harm to non-magical Negroes... there is no way to tell this story in a humorous way. Someone actually thinks this is a comedy? I feel bad for David Allen Grier having this thing on his resume, not to mention it was pulled from theaters after 3 weeks. Using the Magical Negro trope to attempt to tell a rom-com story about two biracial individuals... it ends up being an excessive amount of pandering to an un-engaged audience.

Like most people who watch a movie that is absolutely unbelievable, I have questions that easily poke holes into the plot. What are the technical requirements to become a magical Negro? The main character is biracial, so his invitation to become a magical Negro means that the American Society of Magical Negroes accepts mixed people. I hoped to see a white Negro (i.e. Albino) in the organization so that the American Society of Magical Negroes would be inclusive with a big checkmark for diversity, but unfortunately the members of the American Society of Magical Negroes seemed to only be classified by their skin color. This led to other questions about the entire premise of the movie... if the Magical Negroes help White people, what about white Negroes? Do they not get helped? Watching this movie left me confused about my own reality... its that bad!

Will there be a "The American Society of Magical Negroes Part 2" in the near future? Or a reboot with an origin story for the magical Negroes in 10-20 years? I definitely think not. NEXT!

This is lowkey a romcom...

[redgenerall · 5/10 · 2 April 2024]

... And you should treat it as such.

Yes. This movie covers racism, fake diversity, corporate culture and well, that magic negro trope. But in the very heart of it is a love story and that part was done very well.

Let me just say that, An-Li Bogan is absolutely phenomenal. Like she looks authentic and believable and just wow.

Justice Smith is a more lowkey but he's getting the job done.

Other characters don't really do that much but no one seems out of place.

I wish the story was more focused cause again, it tries to cover a lot of ground and in as a result it doesn't really pack a punch.

Anyway, I didn't find this movie bad or offensive like some other reviewers. It's pretty enjoyable and light hearted despite some heavy topics.

Well, it's definitely something different

[ykjdh · 5/10 · 17 March 2024]

This magical satire still has me shaking my head as to what I just watched. So there's magical societies across the universe and one involves people of color. There job is to make white people happy and feel better. At first, I thought WTH?? Apparently, by keeping white films happy they're less likely to make life harder for black folks.

David Alan Grier is strictly playing for satire here as believe it or not, the formula actually works. However, the new young man in the audience begins to question why make others happy before ourselves? Plus, his new found romance gives him the confidence he needs to pursue success in his own life. To say there's multiple magical societies is saying there's multiple agendas out there, including one involving girlfriends and wives.

While the movie is fair and plays on sarcasm, it doesn't have much to offer after that. In an election season, this one feels like it's trying too hard to be a good movie.