Close Menu
NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Subscribe
    NERDBOT
    • News
      • Reviews
    • Movies & TV
    • Comics
    • Gaming
    • Collectibles
    • Science & Tech
    • Culture
    • Nerd Voices
    • About Us
      • Join the Team at Nerdbot
    NERDBOT
    Home»Movies»Hidden Gem “They Cloned Tyrone” Blaxploitation-Meets-Sci-Fi [Review]
    "They Cloned Tyrone" Netflix
    Movies

    Hidden Gem “They Cloned Tyrone” Blaxploitation-Meets-Sci-Fi [Review]

    Derrick MurrayBy Derrick MurrayAugust 1, 20235 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

    I know it’s hard to believe, but hear me out: there are other movies that were released outside of Barbenheimer. Granted, those two films have lived up to their hype and their organically meme’d face off at the theaters, both becoming box offices smashes and demonstrating that people will, in fact go to the movies if the movie is right. But in the craze of Plastic vs Atomic Bomb, there are bound to be casualties in other places, and one of those is Netflix’ new hidden gem “They Cloned Tyrone.” While the streaming giant has a laundry list of issues including their part in the strikes and lack of quality content despite offering the most robust selection, once in a while the make a good decision.

    “They Cloned Tyrone” Netflix

    “They Cloned Tyrone” is an inventive and unique genre bending film that falls in the good decision category for the streaming giant. It’s a film that feels fresh even if it’s operating within some familiar frameworks. It’s bound to get lost in the shuffle and fall victim to its release date, pushed to the fringes further by the unprecedented turmoil in Hollywood. But the solid blend of blaxploitation and sci-fi powered by excellent performances (particularly from John Boyega) makes “They Cloned Tyrone” a film that people will discover 5 years from now and say, “Why didn’t anyone tell me about this movie?”

    Written and directed by Juel Taylor (making his directorial debut) along with co-writer Tony Rettenmaier, the film stars Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and Teyonah Parris (“The Marvels“). Fontaine, Slick, and Yo-Yo are a drug dealer, a pimp, and a sex worker all living in the small ghetto called The Glenn. Fontaine (Boyega) goes about his life slanging, while Slick (Foxx) and Yo-Yo (Parris) argue over her constant claims that she is going to retire. After Fontaine confronts Slick for money that he is owed, he is shot by a rival dealer outside of the motel that Slick pimps out of. To the unexplainable shock of Slick, Fontaine shows up again the very next night, and with the confirmation of Yo-Yo that he was in fact shot to death, the unlikely trio begin investigating a massive government conspiracy packed with experiments, drugs, and cloning all lurking beneath the surface of the town.

    There is so much that works in “They Cloned Tyrone,” and for a directorial debut it packs the maturity of a seasoned filmmaker. For starters, it is sharp with wit and rapid fire comedy, elevated by the incredible chemistry between the film’s stars. The inspiration of “Sorry to Bother You” cannot be overstated, as it gives off very similar vibes both in style and tone as well as its undertones of social commentary regarding black communities, government experiments (which, while conspiracies here for effect are rooted in some haunting truths) and poverty. Taylor smartly masks his intentions with purposefully grainy visuals, channeling the blaxploitation styling and layers the comedy to make his bitter pill easy to swallow. Much like its inspired work, this film has a lot on its mind even if it consistently leans into the ridiculousness and stereotypes of it all through its science fiction angle. It’s a lot of moving parts that should be in shambles by nature of ambition, but feels carefully crafted by a director with a clear vision and clear idea of how to bring that vision to life.

    “They Cloned Tyrone” Netflix

    Of course, “They Cloned Tyrone” doesn’t work without its stellar three stars, who are all capable in their own right but come together to create something truly special here. Boyega in particular constantly seems poised to breakout, but always finds himself in great movies overshadowed by bigger budget blockbusters. It’s a shame too, because Boyega has far transcended his “Star Wars” run and deserves to be credited as a legitimate performer who consistently delivers. Foxx and Parris are the perfect oil and water couple, combusting with explosive back and forth dialogue delivered with near perfect timing. They are so funny together, and Parris continues to establish herself as a performer to watch. Going beat for beat and line for line with someone as fast talking as Foxx in a comedic role is hard, and Parris is up for the task while Boyega stretches his legs with a more measured, introspective performance that compliments the comedy with heart and emotion.

    There’s a rolling effect- and it requires you to stick with it for your reward. Taylor opts to thrust you into this world without warning or hand holding, littering the frames with easter eggs and plot cues unbeknownst to the audience until you’re already invested and start to put the pieces together yourself. Sure, the idea of the government cloning and experimenting on black communities is nothing new, and you’d be right to telegraph most of the narrative with a pretty strong success rate. But what Taylor does with this predictability is what makes “They Cloned Tyrone” worth the journey, and really demonstrates an inventiveness and command over the blended genres. Again, “Sorry to Bother You” is all over this one, and I mean that as a compliment and not as a pejorative derivative.

    “They Cloned Tyrone” Netflix

    My hope is this film gets the hype and praise it deserves, enough to warrant a sequel. The characters are so rich and I for one would love to see this trio reunite as many times as they’re willing to do so. Netflix doesn’t have a strong tracker record with what continues and what gets chopped, so here’s hoping “They Cloned Tyrone” gets another crack at this world.

    Now who wants some chicken?

    Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

    “They Cloned Tyrone” is now streaming on Netflix. You can watch the trailer below.

    Do You Want to Know More?

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleSpin City Casino Loyalty Program: Exclusive Benefits and Rewards for Loyal Players
    Next Article For What Sports Events Should You Use a Sure Bet Calculator?
    Derrick Murray
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)
    • Instagram

    Derrick Murray is a Los Angeles based stand up comedian, writer, and co-host for The Jack of All Nerds Show.

    Related Posts

    “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” Official Trailer Hits

    June 18, 2025
    “The Chuck E. Cheese Christmas Special,” 2025

    “Chuck E. Cheese Christmas Special” is Coming

    June 17, 2025
    "Spaceballs," 1987

    Tim Russ Teases Return for “Spaceballs: The Sequel”

    June 17, 2025

    “The Naked Gun” Sequel Gets New Official Trailer

    June 16, 2025

    Glenn Close, Billy Porter Join New “Hunger Games” Film

    June 16, 2025

    Official My Little Pony Coffee UNICORN POWERS Will Have You Feeling Magical!

    June 16, 2025
    • Latest
    • News
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Reviews

    High-Tech Diagnostic Imaging Solutions at Adventist Health

    June 18, 2025

    10 Tips for Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney

    June 18, 2025

    How Do I Know If I Have a Pilonidal Cyst or Something Else?

    June 18, 2025

    What Is The Mortality Rate For Pilonidal Cysts?

    June 18, 2025

    High-Tech Diagnostic Imaging Solutions at Adventist Health

    June 18, 2025

    10 Tips for Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney

    June 18, 2025

    How Do I Know If I Have a Pilonidal Cyst or Something Else?

    June 18, 2025

    What Is The Mortality Rate For Pilonidal Cysts?

    June 18, 2025

    “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” Official Trailer Hits

    June 18, 2025
    “The Chuck E. Cheese Christmas Special,” 2025

    “Chuck E. Cheese Christmas Special” is Coming

    June 17, 2025
    "Spaceballs," 1987

    Tim Russ Teases Return for “Spaceballs: The Sequel”

    June 17, 2025

    “The Naked Gun” Sequel Gets New Official Trailer

    June 16, 2025

    Netflix, Legendary Want to Remake “Land of the Lost”

    June 17, 2025

    “King of the Hill” Revival Gets Father’s Day Clip

    June 15, 2025

    What is BFDI (Battle for Dream Island)? An Interview With My Kid

    June 15, 2025

    Temuera Morrison Wants to Play Live-Action Captain Rex

    June 14, 2025

    Official My Little Pony Coffee UNICORN POWERS Will Have You Feeling Magical!

    June 16, 2025

    Car Branding Solutions: Do’s & Don’ts to Promote Business

    June 13, 2025

    APPLEJACK’S Caramel Apple by JOYGROUND COFFEE is a Sweet Treat All Year-Round

    June 12, 2025
    “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina,” 2025

    “Ballerina:” Ana De Armas Shines in Fun, Violent Return to the World of Wick [Review]

    June 4, 2025
    Check Out Our Latest
      • Product Reviews
      • Reviews
      • SDCC 2021
      • SDCC 2022
    Related Posts

    None found

    NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Nerdbot is owned and operated by Nerds! If you have an idea for a story or a cool project send us a holler on [email protected]

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.