416. Web-series Reviews – 224

More web-series reviews…

Number one on the Call Sheet – Came in 2025. A documentary. Intimate interviews with top Black Hollywood actors reveal career challenges, achievements, life-changing moments, and success stories. They honor legends while reflecting on the next generation's potential.

A review from Times of India...

‘Number One on the Call Sheet’ brings together Hollywood’s most influential Black artists for a compelling exploration of their journeys. Featuring interviews with legends like Denzel Washington, Daniel Kaluuya, Whoopi Goldberg, Viola Davis, and Alfre Woodard, this documentary delves into their struggles and triumphs in an industry historically dominated by white actors. Divided into two feature-length episodes, one focusing on male actors and the other on female actors, the film sheds light on their rise from the bottom of the call sheet to the coveted top spot—reserved for the lead performer and often the highest-paid talent on set. Their stories embody resilience, determination, and the power of representation in Hollywood.

This documentary is a testament to the tenacity of Black artists who defied the odds to rise to prominence in Hollywood, inspiring others along the way. It explores the journeys of pioneering Black actors and their relentless pursuit of success in an industry that has long been dominated by white voices. Peppered with anecdotes and stories of their struggle, this series makes for a riveting watch. Laurence Fishburne shares an interesting moment from ‘Apocalypse Now,’ recalling how, at just 14 or 15, he struggled through 40 takes of a scene discussing sex—something he had no experience with. Director Francis Ford Coppola remained dissatisfied until Martin Sheen leaned in and whispered, “Did anyone tell you that you are a really good actor?” That moment, for Fishburne, encapsulated what it means to be number one on the call sheet—a defining vote of confidence that can change everything.

The documentary also highlights the deep reverence that actors like Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx hold for the late Sidney Poitier, the trailblazer who paved the way for them. A striking revelation from Poitier himself sheds light on the iconic slap scene from ‘In the Heat of the Night.’ He made sure his contract stated that if his character was slapped, he would slap back—and that no version of the film, playing anywhere in the world, would remove his retaliation. Quentin Tarantino expresses shock over Cleavon Little’s career trajectory after starring in the cult classic ‘Blazing Saddles.’ Despite his success, Little struggled to land a leading role for four years, a reality Tarantino attributes solely to Hollywood’s systemic racism. Through these personal stories and revelations, ‘Number One on the Call Sheet’ paints a powerful picture of resilience, recognition, and the fight for rightful space in Hollywood.

Will Smith openly acknowledges that Eddie Murphy has been his greatest influence, a sentiment Martin Lawrence echoes from his own upbringing. Both Murphy and Smith speak candidly in their interviews, sharing heartfelt insights about their journeys. Smith also reveals that his rise to global superstardom was not accidental but the result of a carefully planned, step-by-step strategy. He worked tirelessly to break the long-standing Hollywood myth that Black-led films couldn’t succeed overseas. The documentary also features a mix of rising talents and established stars, including Daniel Kaluuya, John Boyega, Idris Elba, and Michael B. Jordan. However, the most emotionally powerful segment is the tribute to Chadwick Boseman—a moment that deeply resonates and manages to leave an impact.

The second episode shines a spotlight on Hollywood’s Black female actors, featuring a powerhouse line-up that includes Whoopi Goldberg, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Tessa Thompson, and Alfre Woodard, among others. Their stories of struggle and perseverance are both raw and deeply moving. Goldberg recalls the relentless rejections she faced early in her career, with doors only opening after her Broadway success led to an invitation from Steven Spielberg. Even after ‘The Color Purple,’ substantial roles remained scarce—she found opportunities mostly in films passed over by white actors. One of those films was ‘Ghost,’ a role she ultimately owned, thanks to Patrick Swayze, who insisted she be cast.

Tessa Thompson shares her frustration with being typecast in ‘sassy girl’ roles, often lumped together with other women of colour, particularly Hispanic actresses. Meanwhile, Halle Berry reflects on the many times she had to strip away and prove there was far more to her than what met the eye. This episode powerfully captures the sacrifices, and sheer determination of Black women in Hollywood, revealing the obstacles they’ve overcome to claim their rightful place on the big screen.

The documentary also tackles critical issues such as pay disparity and the Academy’s ongoing struggle to fully embrace Black actors. Many of the featured artists have now expanded their roles in the industry, stepping into positions as producers and directors to create opportunities of their own. ‘Number One on the Call Sheet’ is a powerful and enlightening documentary that underscores a vital truth—Black actors are just as talented as their white counterparts, if not more. Yet, Hollywood continues to view them through tinted glasses. It’s time for that perspective to change. More than just a documentary, it’s a celebration of resilience, talent, and a constellation of stars that refuse to dim. A must-watch.

My Take – An excellent series!

 

The White Lotus – Season 3 came in 2025. An all-star cast heads to a resort to unleash their worst, most privileged impulses. The series is a sharp social satire following the exploits of various guests and employees of the fictional White Lotus resort chain, whose stay becomes affected by their various dysfunctions. A week in the life of vacationers unravels as they relax and rejuvenate in paradise; with each passing day, a darker complexity emerges in these picture-perfect travelers, the hotel's cheerful employees, and the idyllic locale itself.

A review from IMDB...

The White Lotus has become one of my all-time favorite series. From the very first episode of Season 1, it felt like love at first sight. There's something about the hauntingly beautiful scores, and eerie yet seductive tone that draws you into a kind of dream state. It has such a mystical vibe. Murray Bartlett's performance as Armond remains, for me, the standout character of the entire series- hilarious and unforgettable.

While Season 2 was my least favorite overall, I still found it to be solid and highly enjoyable. It maintained the show's signature tension and aesthetic. I loved all of the gorgeous cinematography of Italy. Visually, this show is so stunning! The cast was great in season 2 as well. I think the casting has been fantastic in each season so far.

Season 3, however, dives even deeper into the human psyche. It's a wild, dark ride through the realms of shadow and light, like a fever dream laced with spiritual insight. It touches on the sacred and profane, the hidden drives that move us, and the illusions we cling to. There's a mysticism that lingers over the entire season, and I love the metaphor of the ocean drop!

The dark humor in The White Lotus is one of the great delights of the series and it is rich with it in season 3. I would have to say that Parker Posey's character was the most funny to me! But I think the most standout performance was by Jason Isaacs. His whole journey was so intense. Walton Goggins was terrific as well, and his gf lol. She was so cute! Loved the entire cast.

What I especially appreciate is how each season explores a different culture not just geographically, but energetically. Each new location acts almost like a portal, revealing new dimensions of human behavior and consciousness. The show does an incredible job weaving together social satire, and psychological depth. It invites us to look not just at the world, but ourselves. The White Lotus is brilliant, excited for season 4!

My Take - Worth a watch!

 

Black Mirror – Season 7 came in 2025. Featuring stand-alone dramas -- sharp, suspenseful, satirical tales that explore techno-paranoia -- "Black Mirror" is a contemporary reworking of "The Twilight Zone" with stories that tap into the collective unease about the modern world.

A review from IMDB...

I've been a fan of Black Mirror since the first season, it's a TV show with a special kind of creativity that you don't see often on TV. The more recent seasons have been generally disappointing, but Season 7 is really great and makes up for it. Here's a few spoiler-free thoughts for my appreciation of this season's episodes:

Ep. 1: It was a good premise but also quite predictable. The good acting and production quality made up for it though. It was a positive start to this season.

Ep. 2: Probably the episode with the best mystery of the lot. Really enjoyed it more than I thought I would initially, the lead actress killed it.

Ep. 3: It was just a good story with an interesting twist. They had a lot of modern day thropes that people are tired of now, but it didn't detract the plot.

Ep. 4: An episode about the dangers of AI well ahead of it's time. Maybe a sign of things to come? It was quite intriguing, and props to Peter Capaldi for showing up here.

Ep.5: I would say this was the weakest episode of the lot. It's an emotional character piece with an S-tier lead actor, but not a super great fit for an episode of Black Mirror. Felt like they were shoe-horning the sci-fi stuff.

Ep. 6: The cherry of top of this season is a movie-length sequel to the 2017 Season 4 episode "USS Callister". And it's awesome from start to finish. I honestly still can't believe they pulled this off... thanks to the actors for coming back and doing it!!

My Take – An excellent series! Have seen all the seasons!

Adios till next time😊!!