RZA's New Film: Racism, Revenge, and Missed Marks

RZA's new film, "One Spoon of Chocolate," centers on Unique, a young Black man returning to a prejudiced small-town America. He is placed under parole supervision in rural Ohio, a setting rife with racial animosity. The narrative portrays a brutal faction, led by Jimmy, that mirrors the KKK, preying on local Black youth.

Despite its significant premise, the film falters in its execution. It dedicates considerable time to tangential elements, such as Unique studying survival tactics and a developing romance. Crucially, the movie neglects to explain the lack of resistance from the Black community against their oppressors.

Furthermore, the lead performance by Shameik Moore as Unique is noted as monotone and lacking the necessary gravitas for an exploitation hero. The film's action, when it finally arrives, involving Moore confronting white supremacists, is described as an afterthought, rendering "One Spoon of Chocolate" a disappointing blend of social commentary without impact.