2:12

https://youtu.be/-nK6WFgdchM

Selah and the Spades

The new film "Selah and the Spades" is anything but your average comedic/rom-com high school romp. Fictional prep school Haldwell is run by five rival student gangs dealing in the usual vices — drugs, parties, gambling, grade manipulation and keeping the grown-ups in the dark. And Selah, the drug lord, laments that she has no capable successor to her kingdom.

In a mature soliloquy early, the gravitas is thrown down by 17-year-old Selah who laments that everyone tries to control the sexualization of young women's bodies. It's a sign that this is more reminiscent of a Shakespearean inspired adult drama than a high school musical or John Hughes inspired rom-com. While grandiose in its intentions, what results is a watchable highly stylized film about personal politics and power told through the lens of teen-hood.

Available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

Posted:

You May Also Like

Gayle On Film: 'Soul' 81BAFD

Gayle On Film: 'Soul'

"Soul" For a movie about a jazz musician/music teacher, "Soul," the latest Disney/Pixar film, is not a musical. But like good music, it's filled with feel-good stuff. While most films from this studio work on two levels with lots of humor for kids and a good amount for the grown-ups, this is one of the more grown-up variety, a la "Inside Out." Joe Gardner (Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx) is about to get his BIG break as a musician when he has an unfortunate incident that sends him to the great beyond, or as they call it, "The Before." Joe learns that "Forgetting the trauma of childbirth is the great gift of the universe." But Joe remembers what he's lost, the joys and pain, and soon realizes he's in the wrong place at the wrong time. Joe longs to get back and he does so with the grudging help of a lost soul 22 (Tina Fey) who has no interest in finally becoming human and all that entails — even with the encouragement of some of humanity's leading heavyweights. While a temper prone Abe Lincoln can't get through to 22, it seems that Joe's teaching skills may just be the spark she needs to face her fears. "Soul" is like music or comfort food that is good for the soul. It is like having a beignet, sugar falling on your chest and you don't care because they're playing your kind of jazz. View Now
Gayle On Film: 'Godzilla vs. Kong'

Gayle On Film: 'Godzilla vs. Kong'

Godzilla vs. Kong King Kong is not a happy camper. You wouldn't be either if you were kept in a giant VR stadium. Godzilla? He's got a bad case of heartburn; so we find these two titans in pretty foul moods in "Godzilla vs. Kong." After an absence, Godzilla rises from the deep in an attempt to take out Apex Cybergenics. No, he's not an anti-capitalist. But humans die and it's a pretty big PR blow to his image. Maybe he's been listening to Bernie (Brian Tyree Henry), a conspiracy theory enthusiast and host of "Titan Truth Podcast." He realizes something hanky is about to go down with those two titans. Who's really listening to him? It's Madison Russell (Millie Bobby Brown) and her fellow teen buddy Josh (ironically in a van reminiscent of the Mystery Machine). This comically unlikely trio thinks they know what's really going on with Godzilla and want to break into Apex— or what's left of it. And who wouldn't think they could? After all, this is a popcorn action movie where such things are plausible. We've come to expect this behavior from Madison as she has a prior relationship with the big lizard. I mean she's old enough to drive now, and she's at that age where she declares to her scientist father she really understands him! Meanwhile, these meddling teens and their friend are not too far off from the truth as scientists think a battle royale between the two behemoths is possible. And when the pair do engage, it's like two gigantic toddlers tossing around a game of Battleship. A friend of mine who's a fan of these titans says he doesn't like seeing his friends fight. But that's exactly what you're bound to get (as the title gives that away). Yes, Kong has a mean right hook (and a preteen who seems to be the only one who understands him as well). However, If you're a fan of either of the pair, mean right hooks, conspiracy theories, or fantasy adventures— this will be right up your alley. Don't go looking too deep for a believable plot; Godzilla goes fathoms below and he still can't find it. That being said, it's certainly a fun adventure. View Now
Gayle On Film: 'The Green Knight'

Gayle On Film: 'The Green Knight'

The Green Knight This is the pick of the week. The 14th century medieval Arthurian legend is beautifully told with Dev Patel in the lead role as Gawain. While it might have given you fits if you weren't prepared for the pop quiz back in high school, the dreamlike imagery, acting, and set design make this quite a retelling. It should be noted, and this is not a spoiler, there are no sword fights. This is more cerebral, and that's not a bad thing. It falls more into the art film column than action/adventure. But it's definitely worth your time. View Now
Gayle On Film: 'Radioactive' 81BAFD

Gayle On Film: 'Radioactive'

Radioactive While Rosamund Pike is a solid actress, there was little she could do to make “Radioactive” glow. Pike capably plays Nobel-prize winner Marie Curie and goes through all the paces as the brilliant and plainspoken woman that defied her times by not just being a scientist, but being a good one. The film’s greatest flaw is that it is overpacked with narrative: the veil of mourning that shrouds her following the death of her mother, her single-mindedness, her loves, her scientific struggles, her fear. But added to all this is the future-casting of how her work toward the discoveries of radium and polonium affected groundbreaking work in health care and the development of the atomic bomb. Scenes of atomic bomb testing and cancer treatments detail the dangers and gifts inherent in her discoveries, but add little to the storyline. Even so, it’s not a bad way to spend some time learning about one of the more fascinating women of the 20th century. Available for streaming on Amazon Prime. View Now

Animals

Wildlife Puts On Adorable Show

Wildlife Puts On Adorable Show

Up in Saskatchewan, Canada, Brandon White captured some incredible footage of wildlife being downright adorable at sunset. From beavers and river otters to stunning birds — everyone's showing up to the party. Lucky us! View Now
Dog Jumps Out The Window & Dogs Meets Spider

Dog Jumps Out The Window & Dogs Meets Spider

This hilarious dog is literally so nervous trying to run through this house! He didn’t recognize his owner and went into instant panic mode and leapt out a window in the back of the house just to get away from who he thought was a total stranger. Next, to another few dogs whose owners are curious what their reactions will be to a big remote-control-spider. They seem a little cautious at first and ultimately they just play around in a mindset of confusion and playfulness! View Now
More animal videos

Recipes

Cook Old-School Italian Meals With Nonna

Cook Old-School Italian Meals With Nonna

I'm sure most of us can remember great times of helping your grandmother cook or maybe skipping the helping part and just eating her amazing food. Nonna Elda is an 81-year-old great-grandma who loves to share her recipes. Her granddaughter Alessandra films and runs her accounts, and she's super popular on TikTok! View Now
More recipe videos

Celebrity

Gayle Bass And Christian Vera Visit The Cheech Center

Gayle Bass And Christian Vera Visit The Cheech Center

If you thought Richard Anthony "Cheech" Marin — yes, the Cheech — was just an actor, comedian, musician and activist, then think again! Cheech has passionately collected Chicano art for years, and became the owner of the largest privately owned collection of Chicano art in the world. View Now
Tia Mowry Sings The Songs That Mean Something To Her

Tia Mowry Sings The Songs That Mean Something To Her

Fans probably know Tia Mowry best from her iconic sitcom “Sister, Sister,” where she starred with her twin Tamara. However, fans might not know that Tia is big into music. InStyle asked the star to sing some of the songs that had the biggest impact on her life. From Tupac Shakur to Celine Dion, her musical taste really runs the gamut. View Now
Fans Sing ‘You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling’ To Tom Cruise

Fans Sing ‘You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling’ To Tom Cruise

Usually, it’s Tom Cruise who is surprising people with his big movies and even bigger stunts. This time, however, while he was filming Mission Impossible 8 in South Africa, it was Mr. Cruise’s time to be surprised by his fans. A large group of fans serenaded the megastar with “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” by the Righteous Brothers, just like that iconic bar scene from the original "Top Gun." View Now
More celebrity videos

Love is in the Air

You’re Kidding…Right?

You’re Kidding…Right?

Leave it to your closest friends and family to prank you even on one of the most important days of your life…your wedding day. When Dontae turns to his brother and best man Shadon for the ring, he gets nervous when Shadon is fidgeting like he forgot the most important thing he needed to remember. When he pulls out a ring pop, everyone is cracking up besides the groom himself. But don’t worry…he didn’t actually forget the real ring! via ViralHog View Now
More Love is in the Air videos

RTM Hall of Fame

Chicken Sandwich With A Side Of Independence

Chicken Sandwich With A Side Of Independence

An advocate mom, a patient employee and a hungry teen are the recipe for a heartwarming trip through the Chick-fil-A drive-thru. The 17-year-old Ste'ce is sitting in the backseat. He has autism and is nonverbal. His mom Shayla knows her job is to help instill indepence in her son and here she does just that by reminding Ste'ce to ask for what he needs. In this moment all that's required is a picture menu and the few extra moments it takes to teach inclusiveness. Ste'ce's smile speaks volumes! View Now
Notice Anything Unusual About This Guy's Tongue?

Notice Anything Unusual About This Guy's Tongue?

Kobe Freeman was enjoying a hamburger when he felt a sharp pain in his mouth. Somehow, a bee had gotten onto Kobe's burger and it stung his tongue while he was eating! His tongue swelled up to massive proportions, so he took to social media to find a remedy that worked. You can keep up with Kobe Freeman on Instagram and TikTok. View Now
Home Invasion Captured Live On Zoom!

Home Invasion Captured Live On Zoom!

What started as just a normal Zoom classroom meeting turned into a call for action to help a fellow student. A woman in Ecuador was robbed while she was taking part in the virtual classroom, her laptop capturing the whole thing. Other students and the professor sprang into action, contacting the police right away. Fortunately, nobody was harmed and the suspects were arrested soon after the incident. The cellphones they stole led the police right to their location. View Now
More RTM Hall of Fame videos