This Blaxploitation sci-fi comedy is clearly among the more fun, inventive films that Netflix has decided to pick up. The grainy visual texture, the funky costumes and hairdos, the energetic soundtrack, and much of the film's aesthetics are carefully designed to remind us of some of the finest entries in the Blaxploitation subgenre. The setting could be somewhere in or around 2008, as we still see picture-tube TVs, CDs being sold, mentions of Obama, and Blockchain being the future (LOL!). The absence of smartphones is also a notable aspect. Yet, even with the aesthetics already standing out and a pretty exciting (and potentially scary) sci-fi plot on the cards, it's the lead trio's performances and fun camaraderie that holds it together.
The revelations keep coming, but it's the banter between Boyega's Fontaine, Teyonah Parris' Yo-Yo, and Jamie Foxx's Slick Charles that keeps you entertained and invested in their fates. After the first hour, there were moments in the screenplay where it could've all looked and sounded artificial. However, director Juel Taylor keeps the conspiracy theories coming, complemented by wonderful production design work and sustained focus on the protagonist's journey. The finale (++the eventual antagonist reveal) is somewhat tepid when compared to the rest of the film, and it may also seem 10-15 minutes too long for the story it has to say, though I'll definitely recommend They Cloned Tyrone if you're an enjoyer of absurdist humour.
They Cloned Tyrone
2023
Action / Comedy / Mystery / Sci-Fi / Thriller
They Cloned Tyrone
2023
Action / Comedy / Mystery / Sci-Fi / Thriller
Plot summary
A series of eerie events thrusts an unlikely trio onto the trail of a nefarious government conspiracy lurking directly beneath their neighborhood.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
August 10, 2023 at 05:06 PM
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB 1080p.WEB.x265 2160p.WEB.x265Movie Reviews
Good on Netflix to have picked this one! [+68%]
Great blaxploitation throwback
They Cloned Tyrone is great, a blaxploitation throwback with a sci-fi twist that's a fun crowd pleaser but that doesn't stop it from pulling its punches. It's rightfully angry and finds inventive new ways to explore similar ideas to the ones present in Get Out and Sorry to Bother You.
John Boyega gets a role of surprising emotional heft, fully committed to the part(s) in a way that makes the more ridiculous reveals work without a second thought. Jamie Foxx is comedy gold here and Teyonah Parris brings both humour and humanity. Parris and Foxx have a extremely entertaining chaotic rapport that's a nice foil to Boyega's more serious presence.
Juel Taylor arrives with a fully formed directorial debut, a film with of past and present with authentic film grain and cigarette burns contrasted by vibrant neon. The music by Desmond Murray and Pierre Charles is also good at combining old and new with a score that feels ripped from the 70s with an added sci-fi edge.
Unique, Fun & Different
Off the bat I was interested in this movie from the title alone. This movie was reminiscent of Undercover Brother, Black Dynamite, and especially Sorry To Bother You.
You can gather what the movie is about just from the title, but the story leading to everything is a fun ride. John, Jamie and Teyonah individually did a great job playing their characters. All providing something different to their unique, mystery solving trio team.
The elements of this movie were great too. Combining the eeriness with fantasy and bits of comedy. At times it almost had an 80's sci-fi feel to it too, where I would question what year it was even though it was modern day.
Overall, this movie was fun. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Again, if you're a fan of Undercover Brother, Black Dynamite or Sorry To Bother You, then you should check this movie out.