'Sinners' review: Michael B. Jordan does double duty in a pulsating treat

Apnews - Apr 16th, 2025
Open on Apnews

Michael B. Jordan takes on a dual role in the film 'Sinners,' directed by Ryan Coogler, marking their fifth collaboration. The film, shot in large-format film including IMAX, follows twin brothers returning to Mississippi in 1932 to open a juke joint after learning the ropes in gangland Chicago. The movie explores themes of music, love, and life in the Jim Crow South, before taking a dramatic turn into a vampire horror narrative. With a cast featuring newcomers like Miles Caton and established actors like Delroy Lindo and Hailee Steinfeld, 'Sinners' is both a cultural and cinematic spectacle.

'Sinners' is significant as it represents Coogler's first original film, showcasing his ability to blend genres and storytelling styles seamlessly. Set against the backdrop of the blues-rich Mississippi Delta, the film delves into complex social issues while delivering a thrilling cinematic experience. The narrative's multi-layered approach provides a fresh take on historical and supernatural themes, promising audiences an engaging and thought-provoking watch. The film's release is expected to make waves in both box office and critical circles, reinforcing Coogler and Jordan's status as Hollywood powerhouses.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging and detailed analysis of the film 'Sinners,' focusing on its plot, thematic depth, and creative team. It effectively captures the reader's attention with vivid descriptions and an enthusiastic tone, making it accessible and entertaining. However, the article lacks transparency and source attribution, which affects its credibility and reliability. It primarily targets film enthusiasts and those interested in Hollywood trends, with limited appeal to broader public interest or societal issues. While the article is timely and relevant to current discussions in the entertainment industry, its potential impact and controversy are limited. Overall, it serves as an informative and entertaining piece, though it would benefit from greater transparency and source quality to enhance its reliability.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article makes several claims about the film 'Sinners,' including details about the plot, casting, and production. It mentions Michael B. Jordan's dual role and collaboration with Ryan Coogler. While these claims are likely grounded in reality, as they pertain to a film release, verification would require checking the film's official announcements or reviews for confirmation. The mention of the film being shot on large-format film and its complex narrative layers would need corroboration from production notes or interviews with the filmmakers. The article's description of the movie's setting and plot elements, such as the timeline and character backgrounds, are detailed but would benefit from cross-referencing with other reviews or the film itself to ensure precision.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the film 'Sinners' and its creative team, particularly highlighting Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler's collaboration. While it provides a detailed narrative of the film's plot and production aspects, it lacks perspectives from other stakeholders, such as producers, other cast members, or critics. The narrative is predominantly positive, praising the film's ambition and creativity, which might suggest a bias towards the film. However, it does mention the film's complexity and the challenge of coherence, indicating some level of critical evaluation.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses engaging language to describe the film 'Sinners.' It effectively conveys the film's plot and thematic elements, making it accessible to readers. The narrative flows logically, with a clear progression from the film's setting and characters to its thematic depth. However, the article's enthusiasm and dense descriptions may overwhelm some readers, potentially obscuring key points. Overall, the writing is vivid and engaging, though it could benefit from more concise explanations in some sections.

5
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite sources or provide direct quotes from interviews or press releases, which limits the assessment of source quality. The information seems to be based on an analysis or review of the film, possibly from a screening, but this is not clearly stated. The lack of identifiable sources or references to authority figures in the film industry reduces the reliability of the information presented. Including such sources would enhance the credibility and depth of the analysis.

4
Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding the basis of its claims and the methodology behind its analysis. It does not disclose whether the writer attended a press screening, interviewed the filmmakers, or relied on secondary sources. This omission makes it difficult for readers to assess the impartiality and reliability of the information. Greater transparency about the sources of information and the writer's relationship to the film (if any) would improve the article's trustworthiness.

Sources

  1. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/sinners-movie-review-2025
  2. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sinners_2025
  3. https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/sinners-review-ryan-coogler-michael-b-jordan/
  4. https://screenrant.com/sinners-movie-review-2025/