By: Bob Garver Poster Credit: IMDB         “The Accountant” was a midsized hit from 2016 that until recently had a reputation as a wannabe franchise-starter that never got a follow-up. I watched the first movie for research last weekend, and I would have guessed that the reason the film went so long without a sequel was that the key players knew that they had made a lousy movie and wanted to do better things with their careers. But apparently there was enough interest to bring about “The Accountant 2,” a film popular enough to make for one of the most crowded screenings I’ve attended in recent memory. I can’t say that I really see the appeal – either before or after the screening.             Ben Affleck is back as genius accountant Christian Wolff. He takes jobs from the most dangerous people on the planet: mobsters, cartels, even terrorist organizations. So that nobody can ever track him to a permanent address, he lives a nomadic lifestyle in a trailer. He also has the extra insurance policy of being a highly-trained killer, though he prefers to not put those skills to use. To ease his conscience a bit, he supplies occasional tips on clients to the Treasury Department and donates much of his income to a private school for autistic children, where his mute partner Justine (played by Allison Robertson, with the voice of Alison Wright via computer) handles many of his operational logistics. Christian himself is autistic, which leads to difficulties in communication that range from funny to sad to scary.             The film opens with Ray King (J.K. Simmons), Christian’s former contact at the Treasury Department, meeting with mysterious assassin Anais (Daniella Pineda) about the whereabouts of a Mexican family. The meeting is… violently broken up. Current Treasury agent Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) is determined to find out and fix the matter that was so important to her mentor. Her investigation leads her to teaming up with Christian, but continuing Ray’s mission may be too dangerous even for the two of them. Christian is going to have to reach out to his estranged brother Braxton (Jon Bernthal).             The first “Accountant” kept Christian’s connection to antagonistic assassin Braxton a secret until the end (I know hindsight is 20/20, but it seems like this was an incredibly easy twist to guess, considering we knew from flashbacks that Christian had a brother raised by the same tough-love father), so they really only had one scene together. This movie, to its credit, takes much better advantage of Affleck and Bernthal as actors. Their chemistry, which mostly consists of sibling squabbling, is the highlight of the movie.             Far from the highlight of the movie is the convoluted storyline about illegal immigration rings, prostitution rings, child internment camps, and how violent wildcard Anais fits into it all. The first movie was just as bad in this department, but at least it had squirrely villain John Lithgow to root against, it’s easy to forget that this movie’s fish-market-owning villain (Robert Morgan) is even a character. With the exception of gray-area Anais, all the bad guys in this movie are so inept that it’s impossible to take them seriously as threats to Christian and Braxton.             Most of the reviews I’ve read either paint “The Accountant 2” as a decent buddy action movie hampered by a confusing mess of a story or a confusing mess of a story elevated by decent buddy action. I’m in the latter camp, which means I don’t recommend the movie overall. I was going to give it a “C-,” but then I decided that I should reward it for improving on the first movie by giving us more Affleck/Bernthal banter, so I’m bumping it up a little. Still, I hope that any future “Accountant” movies recognize and retain what worked about this movie (and the first) while also acknowledging that there need to be improvements made to the way the story unfolds. Grade: C “The Accountant 2” is rated R for strong violence and language throughout. Its running time is 124 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to Wesson News The Rea House, located at the corner of South Main and Church streets in Wesson, was built circa 1874 as a wedding gift from Captain and Mrs. William Oliver to their daughter, Rilla, and her husband, Dr. Robert W. Rea. Designed by Rilla herself, the home blends Greek Revival, Italianate, and Gothic Revival styles. Dr. Rea, a respected physician, practiced medicine here for over forty years, and the house remains a cherished symbol of Wesson’s rich history. If you’ve ever driven down South Main Street in Wesson, you’ve likely passed it without even realizing the quiet significance it holds. Tucked at the corner of South Main and Church streets, the Rea House isn’t flashy or grand, but it doesn’t need to be. What it offers is something far more meaningful—stability, character, and a direct link to Wesson’s past. For generations, the Rea House has stood as part of the everyday backdrop of downtown life. Its design is simple but dignified, reflective of a time when homes were built with care and purpose. Though not much is widely publicized about the early years of the house, it’s clear that it has weathered decades of change with grace. Its location alone speaks volumes. Set near the center of town, the Rea House likely saw plenty of activity in its early years—families coming and going, neighbors stopping by for conversation, and children playing within earshot of the town’s heartbeat. Like many structures of its kind, it quietly served its role while the world changed around it. Today, it stands as more than just a house. It’s a piece of living history—one that reminds us that not every chapter in a town’s story is written in headlines or fanfare. Sometimes, it’s the steady presence of a familiar structure that carries the most meaning. So next time you find yourself near the corner of South Main and Church, slow down. Take a moment to appreciate the Rea House for what it is: a quiet witness to the lives, memories, and history that make Wesson home.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com   You can be absolutely right, have all your logical little ducks lined up perfectly in a row, with all your detailed facts ready at your fingertips to zap your opponent to smithereens… and be dead right. Because insisting on always being right can be a killer. Sure, anybody with a spine that isn’t made of green Jello enjoys proof that they have enough brain cells to be able to hold their own in discussions. And sooner or later most people find themself disagreeing with someone, about something. Like spouses. They’re great examples of my point. Watch an average marriage, you’ll see that probably no two people disagree more often than spouses.  And I promise, every spouse likes to win when they argue, that’s just human nature. But if you are married and find yourself in a fight – clean or not so clean – chances are high that when you win that verbal contest you probably gloat. If not externally then at least internally.  And if you are an external gloater, you’re probably creating a problem for yourself. Here’s the problem. For you to be proven right and be dancing triumphantly on your Victory Mountain, something else has to be taking place. Your opponent in this contest of wills has been proven wrong, and is standing quietly in Loser Valley – watching you and probably feeling some resentment of you. Not a great feeling.  And in mathematical/ spousal terms, every time a person creates a negative for their spouse, on the average it takes about seven positives to bring the relationship balance sheet back to zero. Is it worth it? Damaging a relationship that you supposedly treasure? Does winning mean that much to you, no matter the emotional cost to your mate? If you look inside yourself and answer that question with a resounding ABSOLUTELY, then I ask you, “But, why? Why does it take winning every time to make you feel good about yourself?” I can certainly understand liking to win, we all do. But at the cost of hurting your loved one? I believe there is a better way to win for yourself. One that gives you the self-esteem stroking that we all like to feel, and at the same time doesn’t slap the self-esteem of your mate. It’s called learning to argue graciously. If you are constantly shouting down your partner in an argument, you probably need to find another way to disagree. Because you are working diligently at tearing apart your relationship. Much better to stop, breathe, and then say, “Wait. Evidently , we didn’t understand each other somewhere way back there. Let’s back up and start over.” And then do it. Hard to learn to do? Sure.  But if both of you are willing to keep the volume down and really listen to the other, you will find where it all went wrong. Yes, it's difficult to learn a new way of arguing. But so much better than a divorce.

Special to Wesson News   Eta Omega Chapter officers and advisors from Co-Lin attended the MS/LA regional gala. Pictured (left to right) are advisors Mary Warren and Amber Bowman, officers Reagan Newman, Kailee Dunn, Landon Smith, Allie Wall, Drew Jones, Deanna Lofton, Cara Jarancik, Cliff Jernigan, and advisors Dana Hale and Penny Hartley. Co-Lin College’s Eta Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was named a five-star chapter at the Mississippi/Louisiana Regional Leadership Gala at the University of Mississippi.   During the gala, the chapter also received Hallmark Honors in Action Distinguished Theme.   The Eta Omega advisor team of Amber Bowman, Dana Hale, Penny Hartley, and Mary Warren received the Distinguished Chapter Advisor Team award.   Co-Lin sophomore Cara Jarancik, who serves as Eta Omega Vice President of Service, was the Golden Key recipient and Co-Lin freshman Jon Warren received Distinguished Chapter Member Award.

Municipal Clerk's Offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, for in-person voter registration for the Municipal General Election on June 3, 2025. To be eligible to vote in the June 3 General Election, you must register in-person by May 5, 2025. All mailed voter registration applications must be postmarked by May 5, 2025. Mississippians may utilize YallVote.ms to download a mail-in voter registration application, verify voter registration status, or update voter registration information. The Secretary of State's Office is your primary and trusted source for election information. For questions, please contact the Elections Division at 1-800-829-6786, email ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov , or visit YallVote.ms . 2025 Municipal General Election Dates May 5 - Voter Registration Deadline for the Municipal General Election May 31 - In-Person Absentee Voting Deadline for the Municipal General Election June 3 - Municipal General Election Day Deadline for the postmark of mail-in absentee ballots

By: Kara Kimbrough Why spend time standing over a hot stove making and then baking chicken spaghetti when you can let your trusty Crockpot do the hard work? Just fix it and forget it, then enjoy a delicious dish of cheesy, spicy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti.      Just when I thought I had more than enough Crockpots, I was drawn back in. I'm blaming it on an ad proclaiming the GreenPot, a fancy name for a multi-use Crockpot, could perform 8 miraculous tasks: slow cook, sauté, grill, stir fry, steam, stew, cook rice and keep food warm. As always, I gave in to the temptation to purchase the large (6.5 quart) appliance, despite the fact that I own at least 5 additional ones. After all, hot weather’s on the horizon and in my book, that means it’s prime time for cooking most, if not all, meals in the Crockpot.     I’ve never understood why some people store their Crockpot away when summer arrives. I understand that many heavy, winter meals like stews, soups, chili, red beans and rice and other similar comfort foods are cooked in the Crockpot. As a result, it’s usually stashed away until fall, but that just doesn’t make sense to me. There’s no better way to avoid adding to the heat of an already-steamy kitchen during summer months than avoiding the oven and instead, cooking most meals in the Crockpot.     Here are two of my favorite “fix it and forget it” Crockpot meals - and yes, I consider pizza a suitable meal. Your Crockpot may not have 8 functions like the GreenPot, but any model will do. Simply throw in the ingredients, set the dial, close the lid and go outside to enjoy spring’s balmy weather while it lasts. Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti 2 chicken breasts (1 pound of chicken) 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, onion powder, parsley and paprika 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, onion powder, parsley and paprika 2 cans of cream of chicken soup 10 ounce can of Rotel (not drained) 1 tablespoon of minced garlic 2 cups of shredded cheese (I used Colby Jack) 1/4 cup sour cream 1 pound spaghetti       Line a large Crockpot with a plastic liner or spray bottom and sides with cooking spray. Add chicken breasts, seasonings, minced garlic, cream of chicken soup, and Rotel (not drained) to a slow cooker and stir.        Cook on low for about 4-6 hours. Once chicken is cooked shred chicken or cut it up into cubes and add it back to the crockpot. Stir in sour cream and shredded cheese. Cook spaghetti according to the directions on the package, drain, and add to slow cooker. Mix everything together well and serve. Crockpot Pizza…Yes, Pizza 1 pound pizza dough 1 cup pizza sauce 2 cups shredded mozzarella 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or other favorite topping 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley, for garnish       Line Crockpot with liner or spray bottom and sides with nonstick cooking spray. Press pizza dough into bottom of slow cooker until it reaches all edges and bottom is completely covered. Spoon over pizza sauce and spread, leaving about 1 inch of dough around edges. Top with cheeses, pepperoni, and spices.     Cover and cook on low until crust turns golden and cheese is melty, 3- 4 hours. Remove lid and let cool 5 minutes before serving.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

By: Gary Pettus, UMMC Communications   The University of Mississippi Medical Center is inviting college students who are considering a career in medicine to participate in the UMMC School of Medicine Pre-Med Day, beginning at 8:15 a.m. Friday, May 16. Breakfast will be served at 8:15 a.m., with the program commencing at 9 a.m. in the UMMC School of Medicine. “Medical School: Understanding the Journey” is a chance to discover first-hand what life is like for medical students. Students who register for Pre-Med Day will be able to participate in a Q&A panel with current medical students and physicians, while learning how to apply to the School of Medicine. They will also attend a mock medical school lecture and a presentation from the associate dean of admissions. Registration is available online  here . Please note that Pre-Med Day is for college students only. Students planning to apply to medical school this cycle are asked to make an individual appointment with the Office of Admissions by calling 601-984-5010.

By Guest Columnist Eddie Smith             Photo credit:  Special to Wesson News Growing citrus in containers has been a rewarding experience for me and some of my friends, and it might be something you should consider for your own landscape.    The long growing season and mild winters in South Mississippi and along the Gulf Coast make it possible to grow a variety of citrus trees.  Cold-hardy options like satsumas and kumquats thrive in the ground, but others require protection.            For those of us who live north of the Coast and experience occasional freezes, growing citrus in containers has been an excellent solution. This allows us to move trees to a protected space when needed.            Selecting the right citrus variety has been key to my success.  I’ve found that dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties work best in containers because they stay manageable while still producing full-sized fruit.            One of my favorite varieties is the Improved Meyer Lemon, a cross between a lemon and a sweet orange.  It has a wonderfully mild, slightly sweet flavor and is incredibly productive, often flowering and fruiting multiple times throughout the year.            To keep my citrus trees healthy and thriving, I make sure they receive plenty of sunlight, which means at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. When growing them in containers, I place the trees in the sunniest spot I can find, usually a south-facing patio or deck.            I also use a well-draining citrus potting mix to prevent root rot and ensure the trees have the right nutrients.   Watering is another important factor. I keep the soil for my citrus consistently moist but not soggy, watering deeply when the top inch feels dry. During the summer, my container-grown trees need more frequent watering to prevent them from drying out.            Fertilization plays a big role in keeping my citrus trees strong and productive. I use a balanced, slow-release citrus fertilizer that includes important micronutrients like iron, magnesium and zinc. Apply fertilizer regularly throughout the growing season from spring to early fall.            I keep pruning to a minimum. Only remove dead or crossing branches and any suckers that grow below the graft union, which is where the citrus variety is connected to the rootstock. One of my favorite things about growing citrus is their fragrant white blossoms that appear throughout the year. Their sweet scent attracts pollinators, and since citrus trees are self-pollinating, I don’t have to worry about planting multiple trees for fruit production.            Seeing flowers and fruit at different stages of development on the same tree is one of the joys of growing citrus. EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Eddie Smith is a gardening specialist and Pearl River County coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service.  He is also host of the popular Southern Gardening television program.  Locate Southern Gardening products online at  http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/southern-gardening .

Lesley A. Davis By: Lesley A. Davis is a long-time advocate for women and children, an attorney, President and CEO of Mississippi Advocacy Group, Mississippi's Committeewoman to the RNC, and Vice Chair of the Mississippi Republican Party.  For a long time, it felt like the left owned the culture in America. Faith was mocked, tradition sidelined, and if you dared to talk about God or morality in a public setting, you were dismissed as backward or out of touch. But something is changing. And it’s not just in politics. It’s in the culture — the part we were told we lost for good. Case in point: American Idol’s recent “night of worship.” On Easter Sunday, one of the biggest shows in pop culture history opened with a song praising Jesus, featured multiple worship performances, and even had Carrie Underwood singing about her faith in front of millions. The whole night felt more like church than a talent competition — and it wasn’t niche or corny. It was beautiful. It was bold. And it struck a nerve. This is what cultural realignment looks like. The Leftward Drift Has Hit a Wall  🚧 For years, American culture marched steadily leftward. Entertainment, academia, big business — all seemed captured by progressive ideology. Christian values were relegated to the sidelines. Traditional families were sneered at. The faith that built this country was treated as a private eccentricity, best kept quiet in polite society. But that top-down pressure never fully reflected the values of everyday Americans. And now, after years of being told to keep quiet, people are finding their voices again. It’s not just political. It’s cultural. It’s spiritual. And it’s long overdue. What we saw on American Idol wasn’t just entertainment. It was a signal. Americans are hungry for more than the moral confusion that has dominated the culture for too long. They’re tired of being told that faith doesn’t belong in the public square. That night wasn’t angry or combative — it was joyful, reverent, and real. And it reminded people that worship isn’t just for Sunday mornings or private Facebook groups. It belongs right where people are — even on prime-time television. This is why the cultural shift matters. We’re not just defending against bad ideas anymore. We’re creating good ones. We’re building culture again — and it’s resonating. The Realignment Is Bigger Than Politics  🗳️ Some people think this “realignment” is just about politics — about voters moving from left to right, or coalitions reshuffling. But that’s only part of the story. What we’re seeing is something deeper: a rediscovery of the values that sustain a nation. Hard work. Family. Faith. Community. Patriotism. These aren’t relics of the past. They’re foundations. And for too long, they’ve been treated as obstacles to progress rather than anchors in a storm. Now, regular people — not celebrities or politicians — are reclaiming them. They’re starting classical schools. They’re homeschooling in massive numbers. They’re launching small businesses rooted in faith. They’re sharing scripture on TikTok and filling stadiums to worship. And yes, they’re watching American Idol with tears in their eyes because it’s finally speaking to something deeper than celebrity. Young People Are Leaning In  🙋‍♂️ Here’s something the media doesn’t want to admit: this isn’t just an old-person movement. A surprising number of young Americans — especially young men — are waking up to the emptiness of modern culture and looking for something more meaningful. They’re turning to faith. They’re embracing tradition. We’ve seen videos where hundreds or thousands of students at college campuses across the country are saying they can’t do it alone and are being baptized in any body of water they can find.For years, we were told the next generation would be more liberal, more secular, more “progressive.” But that forecast is starting to look more like wishful thinking than reality. This Is a Cultural Moment — Let’s Not Miss It  ⏳ So what do we do with all this? We keep going. We support artists and shows that aren’t afraid to honor faith and family. We build institutions — schools, media outlets, churches, businesses — that reflect our values. We raise our kids to love truth and beauty, not just chase likes and trends. And we stop assuming we’re losing the culture, because we’re not. If anything, we’re starting to win it back. No, this doesn’t mean we’ll win every battle. There’s still hostility. There’s still mockery. But there’s also a growing awareness — even among those outside our circles — that the old scripts aren’t working. People want more. And we have something to offer. The Easter episode of American Idol didn’t solve everything. But it reminded us what’s possible. That the sacred still moves hearts. That truth still speaks. And that maybe — just maybe — the cultural tide is turning. We’re not here to burn the culture down. We’re here to redeem it. And that work is just getting started. Let's keep going!

Special to Wesson News   Entergy Mississippi has announced a new scholarship program for students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU).   The “Power Your Future Scholarship” program is now open to undergraduate students pursuing eligible technology majors who plan to further their education at an HBCU or minority-serving institution in Mississippi. Selected recipients will receive a $5,000 award, with up to 20 scholarships available from Entergy shareholder funds.   “Entergy Mississippi is thrilled to offer the Power Your Future Scholarship as a means to empower the next generation of technology leaders,” Entergy Mississippi President and CEO Haley Fisackerly said. “By supporting students in their pursuit of higher education at HBCUs and minority-serving institutions, we are investing in an innovative future for our communities in Mississippi.”   Applications for the Power Your Future Scholarship are now open and are due by April 9, 2025. The new scholarship is part of Entergy’s broader initiative, “The Power of Prosperity,” which is designed to provide students and their families with free access to financial resources that foster the success of HBCU students and promote generational wealth.   Over the past 10 years, Entergy has pledged $20 million to elevate and empower HBCUs and their students across its service area in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. The funds are aimed to support enhanced education, career readiness, and workforce development programs at HBCUs.

Special to Wesson News Bobby Freeman  For anyone who uses computers, cybersecurity needs to become a habit, Bobby Freeman, director of the cyber unit of Mississippi Homeland Security told a Co-Lin Institute of Learning in Retirement (ILR) luncheon audience.   The bad guys are out to get you with malware, phishing, and ransomware, he said.  Malware is intrusive software developed by cybercriminals (often called hackers) to steal data and damage or destroy computers and computer systems .  When cybercriminals send you scam emails to lure you to a website that contains malware, they are phishing  (smishing if they use text messages and vishing if they use fraudulent telephone calls to trick you into revealing personal information or sending money).  Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data and demands a ransom payment for its decryption, often delivered through phishing emails.    Freeman said you can avoid becoming a cyber victim by:   Improving password security. Passwords are one of the most vulnerable cyber defenses.   Using secure networks.   Keeping your personal electronic device software current.   Be suspicious of unexpected emails.     He offered these specifics:   Passwords.   “Create strong passwords for your email, your personal website and those you visit and apps,” Freeman advised.  “Use different passwords for each one.”  Freeman suggested making strong, memorable passwords by using a favorite phrase or saying as the foundation, i.e., “Birds of a feather flock together.”  Use the first letter of each word or a symbol for a letter (i.e., “@” for “a’).  Flank the foundation letters with the numbers of a meaningful year, i.e. “1963,” the year you were born.  Your password would be: 19Bo@fft63.     “Keep your passwords private,” Freeman added.  “Don’t share or post them” Privacy.   On personal devices, social media accounts and other places you visit in the cyber sphere, use privacy settings if they are available, Freeman counseled.  “Limit your communication on the internet to friends and known contacts,” he said.   Updates.   System and app updates often revolve around fixing security vulnerabilities, Freeman noted.  “Add updates as soon as you get them,” he stressed.   Communications.   Cautiously communicate on the internet, Freeman warned.  “Be wary of email messages from unknown sources,” he said.  “Check before you respond to or even opening suspicious messages.  “Go to websites directly rather than using links that are provided in suspicious emails.  Hackers can create emails that look like they have be been sent by respected sources.  Bad grammar and misspellings are red flags.  Think before you share or post internet messages.  The app you’re using may say it deletes old messages, but the internet never forgets.”   Parental controls.  A special concern for parents and grandparents, Freeman said, is cyberbullying -- sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else that causes embarrassment or humiliation over cell phones, computers, and tablets through SMS, Text, and apps, or social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content.  A starting point for addressing this concern are the parental controls on digital devices, he pointed out.

By: Bob Garver      Poster Credit IMDB        If “A Minecraft Movie” is the commercial hit that 2025 needed, then “Sinners” is the creative hit it needed. Writer/director Ryan Coogler has delivered a film that starts off as a compelling-enough 1930’s period piece before wildly shifting into supernatural territory. But the later developments don’t devalue the efforts made in the setup, they simply put the well-established characters on a path they didn’t anticipate. Speaking of anticipation, I’m going to be vague with story developments so readers can go into this movie anticipating little more than an unspecified good time.             Frequent Coogler collaborator Michael B. Jordan stars as twins Smoke and Stack, a pair of wannabe gangsters returning to their hometown in Mississippi after limited success in Chicago. They purchase an old sawmill and immediately set about turning it into a nightclub. They get help from old acquaintances, like Smoke’s occultist ex-wife Annie (Wunmi Mosaku) to cook and wife-pleasing field worker Cornbread (Omar Benson Miller) to work security. Entertainment in the club is important too, which is why they recruit lushy pianist Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo) and their timid cousin Sammie (Miles Caton) to play guitar. Sammie’s preacher father warns him that he’ll lose his soul at the club, but promises of music, money, and making moves on a married singer (Jayme Lawson) are too great to resist.             Word of the club spreads quickly, and soon the whole town is excited for the grand opening. Even Stack’s tough-talking ex-girlfriend Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) shows up for the occasion, barely let in by Cornbread due to her whiteness, though he relents because she’s a community staple. It’s even harder to gain entry for Irish stranger Remmick (Jack O’Connell). He’s been lured to the club by Sammie’s playing, which is so good that it has taken on supernatural powers. Though ostensibly only there to play banjo, Remmick has ulterior motives that will drastically change the course of the movie.             Again, the movie is pretty good even before Remmick shows up. Jordan has engaging chemistry with everyone, including and especially himself. Everything is top-notch technically, from the costumes to the camera work to the seamless effects that allow for two Michael B. Jordans at once. But things really get turned up a notch when Remmick arrives and the other shoe drops. And Remmick’s shoe really does drop, in a way, because… the genre shift I’ve been teasing isn’t “musical,” but there is a jig.             The rest of the movie closely follows the tropes of the kind of movie it has become. But because there was such an elaborate setup, it seems like all bets are off, even though there are actually very few surprises to those familiar with the genre after a certain point. The characters make some questionable decisions that make me want to rhetorically ask if they’ve ever seen this kind of movie before. Then I have to remind myself that this is the 1930’s and no, they probably haven’t.             “Sinners” is above average as a period piece and roughly average as what I can safely call a “thriller.” But what really makes it special is the way it combines the two genres, or at least that in combination with Coogler’s sharp creative voice. I don’t think I’m overselling it to say that this film represents the kickoff of the 2025 Oscars race. It’s not like there isn’t precedent – “Get Out,” another Black-led “thriller” with a “Black Panther” connection, scored a Best Picture nomination for 2017 with a February opening, meaning that the Academy has to remember “Sinners” for two fewer months. I’m not saying that I’m ready to hand this movie the Oscar, but it’s hard to picture a race where this movie wouldn’t be a worthy contender.  Grade: B  “Sinners” is rated R for strong bloody violence, sexual content and language. Its running time is 137 minutes.  Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .