‘They Cloned Tyrone’ Review – Conspiratorially Familiar And Conceptionally Fresh

Logline: A series of eerie events thrusts an unlikely trio onto the trail of a nefarious government conspiracy in this pulpy mystery caper.

There’s a question that is constantly asked but never has the same answer, who is “They”? “They” don’t want you to succeed, don’t want you to win, are trying to divide us, are lying to everyone, manufactured the lockdown, are controlling your mind with 5G, are controlling the weather, and are cloning celebrities. At least that’s what you’ll find when you end up down a YouTube or TikTok rabbit hole. Now, while some of the more grounded theories hold weight, where did the others come from and what have others potentially witnessed? Could “They” be the government, the Illuminati, the Skull and Bones Society, the global elite, the churches, aliens, a secret black ops sector of the CIA, or a mass collective of self-fulfilling prophecies made possible by ourselves and the matrix? Do “They” operate in secret or in plain sight? I don’t have the answers, only conjecture and jokes, but the fact that there is a genuine concern or interest on all levels of American society is truly fascinating. See, I knew we all had something in common.

“Do you not remember getting lit the fuck up?.”

Nothing is as it seems or maybe it is and it could all be by design. Directed by Juel Taylor in his directorial debut, They Cloned Tyrone is conspiratorially familiar and conceptionally fresh. Trimmed in gold, laced with culture, and smothered in imagination, this melanin-marinated mystery is sure to illuminate the mind and entertain the senses. Taking place within a temporal timeout where past, present, and future collide, we are placed in a neighborhood that feels habitual in a year that is unclear with technology that is both obsolete and futuristic. It’s an artistic and narrative choice that was meticulously planned, well-implemented, and radiates a timeless feel.

Mixing a tone and aesthetic that borrows from 70s blaxploitation movies along with a modern touch, if I had to compare it to other works, I’d say Men in Black meets Dolemite meets Paid in Full meets The Manchurian Candidate. While the story is unapologetically Black in appearance, sound, dialogue, and perspective, its themes of loss, dream chasing, sacrifice, and determination are universal. It is very easy to place yourself in the shoes of these characters as they find themselves within a self-fulfilling Scooby-Doo-esque hellscape. It’s thought-provoking, insanely humorous, incredibly acted, and an all-around good time. Oh, and the twists are crazy. Not only is it unpredictable but you’re definitely going to think twice when someone says, I saw someone that looks just like you.

“Nancy Drew ain’t got shit on me.”

The fun and depth of the film lie within the unlikely investigative trio of “The Dope Boy”, “The Pimp”, and “The Pro”. While to some, these occupational side quests are unsafe and unsavory, nothing is ever as simple as it seems nor are the people that shoulder them. This film peels back the layers of the characters exposing a truth that many know and some don’t want to hear. Reminding the viewer that despite what they may do for a living, they can relate and empathize with anyone. Also, the role that systemic variables and privilege play in the lives of others. It reminds you that whether you want to believe it or not, the game is rigged in many ways and has been proven to be. The story is deeply rooted in more ways than one. Moreover, it encapsulates a feeling and reality that permeates throughout the Black community in very literal and figurative ways. As it plays with stereotypes and biases, it flips them, and what are perceived as negatives by some soon become positives as unity is the great equalizer.

The score fits the obscure era perfectly, the cinematography and composition are the visual representation of playing a newer vinyl on an old record player, dusty in the best way possible, and if the writing and direction are any indication of what we can expect from Taylor in the future, I’m excited to see what’s next. This was a film I was excited for in 2022 and it exceeded all expectations. It’s phenomenal. Its rewatchability is high.

 

Pacing & Pop

With its fantastic balance of mystery, comedy, and a tinge of horror, the pacing is exceptionally executed. Each act is as smooth and slick as Jamie Foxx’s line delivery. To reiterate what I said previously, what popped for me was the film’s concept. People are always asking for new, original, and creative content. Well, look no further.

 

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, David Alan Grier, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Tamberla Perry, Eric Robinson Jr. with Kiefer Sutherland and Jamie Foxx

The chemistry between the trio of John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, and Jamie Foxx is off the charts and Foxx is the linchpin. Boyega’s Fontaine is fearless and in more pain than he lets on. Yo-Yo, played by Parris, is determined, astute, and always has a trick up her sleeve. And Foxx’s Slick Charles is a fast-talking entrepreneur who tends to reminisce about the yesteryear and would rather be out of the way, but can take care of business if need be. Their performances make this film shine. Boyega continues to prove that he can play a wide range of characters and he looks dope with a grill. However, it’s Foxx that sufficiently standout in this film with his charisma, delivery, and timing.

They Cloned Tyrone premieres globally on Netflix on July 21, 2023. Remain safe and that might not be “your twin” that someone saw.

Rated: R

Runtime: 2h 2m

Director: Juel Taylor

Writers: Tony Rettenmaier and Juel Taylor

Producers: Charles D. King, Stephen “Dr.” Love, Tony Rettenmaier, Juel Taylor, Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner

Executive Producers: Mark R. Wright, Kim Roth, Jack Murray, Dana Sano, Monte Lipman

Co-Executive Producers: James Lopez and Poppy Hanks

Director of Photography: Ken Seng

Production Design: Franco-Giacomo Carbone

Costume Design: Francine Jamison-Tanchuck

Hair: Ralph Ochoa

Score: Desmond Murray