Cast
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Ed Helms
as Coffee
Taraji P. Henson
as Vanessa Manning
Terrence Little Gardenhigh
as Kareem
Betty Gilpin
as Detective Watts
RonReaco Lee
as Orlando Johnson
David Alan Grier
as Captain Hill
Andrew Bachelor
as Rodney
William 'Big Sleeps' Stewart
as Dee
Serge Houde
as Jerome
Eduard Witzke
as Seedy Manager
Chance Hurstfield
as Dominic
Diana Bang
as Ms. Chu
Erik McNamee
as Gary
Samantha Cole
as Thursday
Terry Chen
as Officer Steve Choi
Crew
Director
- Michael Dowse
Writer
- Shane Mack
Producer
- Mike Falbo
- Ed Helms
Reviews
CinemaSerf
A foul mouthed 12 year old black kid ("Kareem") discovers that his mother is having an affair with a 40-something white cop ("Coffee") - I think that's the humorous element done with.... The boy hates this idea so hires a local hoodlum to scare him off. This all backfires - and he has to team up with his nemesis to stay ahead of the gang and their drug-running bosses. The comedy has something in common with the hair on Sir Patrick Stewart's head; and the soundtrack is loud, noisy and almost as irritating as the constant tirades emanating from just about every mouth for 90 minutes. If this is an example of what Netflix are doing with their increased fees, then no wonder Disney+ are creaming the market just now.
Mar 28, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Comedy/Action/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Coffee & Kareem distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Michael Dowse brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Coffee & Kareem took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 58 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: April 3, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 28m
Where to Watch
