They Cloned Tyrone – A Blaxploitation Delight with Stellar Chemistry

Juel Taylor’s directorial debut in They Cloned Tyrone is an incredibly fun film. The movie highlights a perspective of America that is often either ignored or misunderstood. This genre-blending movie pays homage to the iconic Blaxploitation films of the 1970s while infusing a fresh and contemporary twist. With an all-star cast led by John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, and Jamie Foxx, the chemistry between these three is electrifying. As the intriguing plot reveals itself, we get pulled deeper into a world where identity, responsibility, and deception collide, leading to an unforgettable experience.

The Good:

In ‘They Cloned Tyrone,’ the acting chemistry between John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, and Jamie Foxx is tastier than macaroni and candy yams at Thanksgiving dinner – and believe me, I’m hungry for more! One of the film’s undeniable highlights is the incredible acting chemistry between the stars of this movie. Boyega’s portrayal of Fontaine is a little mind-blowing. The actor immerses himself in this role, disappearing into an abyss of talent and reemerges as the hypnotic character. Jamie Foxx delivers a character that’s as funny and witty as any and gives us a hint of the kind of sketch comedy characters the actor was known for in the 90s with his character Slick Charles. Teyonah is sultry and witty making Yo-Yo not only hold her own but also a scene-stealing character.

Kudos to first-time director Juel Taylor, who impressively serves up a delicious blend of blaxploitation elements with a fresh and easy-to-digest presentation. Walking away from the film, I found myself craving for more of its flavorful goodness, wishing it didn’t end. The movie feels effortless and just seems very natural in its tone, structure, pacing, and delivery. I really can’t say enough good things about how well this movie came together.

The story flows smoother than a fresh set of jheri curls, and that’s a fact! What elevates the experience to another level is the seamless on-screen chemistry of our talented leads. It’s remarkable how well they mesh together, especially considering they didn’t even do rehearsals before filming. Their chemistry is a testament to their talent, making every scene crackle with energy and authenticity. This camaraderie adds an extra layer of enjoyment to this already delightful cinematic treat. As viewers, we get to witness the trio’s journey uncovering a government conspiracy. This whole story is just s one big rollercoaster ride you’re glad to be on.

The Bad:

While ‘They Cloned Tyrone’ nails many aspects, the film’s ending leaves a bit to be desired. The last act of the film, while ultimately satisfying, isn’t without issues. The idea of Isaac, Fontaine’s drug dealing gang rival, suddenly switching sides to lend a helping hand feels somewhat forced. Like, what is the motivation for his sudden change of heart? A more natural transition would have given the story a stronger impact, but it doesn’t ruin the film. There is a lot to enjoy for audiences who love to see an Avengers Endgame moment where the heroes all band together to take down the big bad of the movie.

Kiefer Sutherland’s character is both entertaining and perplexing. His mood swings between merciful and ruthless, all while desperately seeking power and attention. left me questioning his true intentions. It’s like he’s a rollercoaster of personality traits, which can be a bit disorienting for the audience. This erratic nature makes it challenging to fully grasp his motivations, and at times, it pulls me out of the experience. Regardless, Sutherland’s performance is still enjoyable, adding an interesting layer to the narrative.