Security in "Insecure:" Issa Rae Set for World Domination

BronzeLens Artistic Director Deidre McDonald
and "Insecure" creator and star Issa Rae.

On Friday, August 26, a crowd gathered in Atlanta's Georgia Pacific Auditorium for the Bronze Lens Film Festival’s First Glance Friday, awaiting the much anticipated HBO series "Insecure" from star-on-the-rise Issa Rae.

The show opens with iconic LA spots and the extremely appropriate "Alright" by Kendrick Lamar. As the show played, it was quite evident that Issa Rae and "Insecure" will be 'Alright.' The show was funny, but it was more than just a series of one-liner laughs.

"Insecure" is really real. The show centers around the 'aggressively-passive' Issa and her best friend Molly, who are navigating their late 20s in Los Angeles. Faced with the issues of the unmarried, educated black female, Issa and Molly entertain with their quick wit and unbridled truth. "As a black woman, the more educated you are, the less likely you are to get married."

The Problem with—and Promise of—Donald Glover's "Atlanta"

Editor's note: It is my privilege today to introduce you to Christina Nicole, our newest Reel Georgia team member. I'd safely describe Christina as a junkie—a film festival junkie—and a finely tuned barometer of what's good. She's got excellent taste, a fantastic demeanor and a clarion way with words. -CM

"Atlanta" is not a comedy, but it is still good.

 
I have to shoot straight from the hip with this review. I didn’t like "Atlanta" the way I wanted I to. To quote "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit," “It was cool for what it was, but it wasn’t all that.”

I am a Donald Glover fan. I like Childish Gambino, too, but I didn’t like the show. "Atlanta" is subtle. It is almost too subtle. You have to pay attention to catch all the political and topical references. I appreciated the intellect displayed in the writing, but the show as a whole fell short for me.