They Cloned Tyrone - Comedy meets social commentary in a slick Netflix original

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 They Cloned Tyrone' spoilers: Cast talks twist ending, conspiracies

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Netflix original movies tend to be very mediocre or straight up bad but there are rare exceptions. They Cloned Tyrone is a fresh release that breaks the mold of your typical run of the mill Netflix original, a breath of fresh air for the platform. Off the bat you’ve got a setting and characters that are way different than what Netflix usually puts out, but it’s the high concept of cloning that makes this street level story so engaging. On top of that, the visuals and lighting especially look nicer than most Netflix movies that have a samey look. Very A24 inspired.

If you like Sorry to Bother You, you’ll like They Cloned Tyrone. It’s surreal but hilarious, a ridiculous concept that actually works. The writing is surprisingly strong, especially in the humor department. I watched this with a bunch of friends and we were all cracking up at some of the jokes and gags that kept happening. Jamie Foxx steals the show in a supporting role that’s so goofy and so quotable. It’s nice to see John Boyega again, he’s a more serious foil to Teyonah Parris’s peppy character. This trio balances nicely within the story, and the situations they kept getting themselves into are really funny. I love the social commentary too, it's smartly written and elevates this above just being a fun movie.

The middle drags a bit and probably could have been tightened up, but it’s not enough to make this unwatchable. They Cloned Tyrone was really enjoyable and a nice break from the more serious movies I’ve been watching lately. And it was super cool to see my hometown Atlanta represented on screen as they shot this there! I would totally be down for a sequel to this, and I’m gonna have to keep an eye out on what else debut director Juel Taylor puts out.

Comments

  1. Kendalyn MCBRIDENovember 7, 2023 at 8:55 PM

    Hi James, I watched They Cloned Tyrone as well and found the film funny but with a bold message. The plot of the government purposefully keeping the black community impoverished reminded me of the conspiracy theory of the government circulating crack throughout the black community to cause generational harm. Drug dealing is a large part of the movie and I think that's to acknowledge this theory. Also I agree that the middle could've been tightened up more, but the climax was great!

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  2. Megan TaylorNovember 27, 2023 at 9:35 AM

    James, I watched They Cloned Tyrone and I have to agree this movie was really good. Jaime Foxx and Teyonah Parris have always been hilarious to me, so their dynamic in this film was perfect. John Boyega was also just as amazing. It had a deep plot, and like you said the middle could've been tightened up for sure, but it didn't take away the true theme of the film.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bralyn CurryNovember 29, 2023 at 8:24 AM

    Hi James! Since this movie premiered, I have heard SO much about it. I love movies that have deep messages, but are not overtly dark. If you enjoyed this movie, you would love a series titled "The Other Black Girl" on Hulu, it has a similar dystopian type of messages in regards to race.

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