Sinners redeems itself

Director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan hit box office magic by energizing familiar genres with their reboot of the Rocky franchise and their Black Panther entry into the Marvel Universe. Pairing up for Sinners, they once again enliven their subject—or make that subjects since the movie covers a range of themes and ideas: Racism in the south; the magic of music; mob violence; and oh yes, vampires. What seems an odd mixture works under the self-assured hand of writer-director Coogler who applies big budget benefits in a richly visual manner. It never hurts to have a star with the skill and magnetism of Jordan, and Coogler allows a double dose of both by casting the actor as twins going by the name Smoke and Stack. Before that duo shows up, screen newcomer Miles Caton arrives in an introductory scene staggering into a church followed by quick cut flashbacks foretelling dark and bloody doings. The title Sinners emerges leading to action involving ex gangsters from Al Capone’s Chicago, Ku Klux Klan intimations, Hoodoo specialists and more all coming together for a night at a newly opened juke joint featuring hearty, classic blues. The owners rightfully fear retribution from the local KKK, never imagining that supernatural monsters cause the initial threat—though comparison between the two groups makes its own point in a story that allows room for messaging amidst its basic entertainment thrusts of classic horror and great music. If you want more of those sounds, stick around for end credits and the chance to see and hear blues legend Buddy Guy.