The American Society of Magical Negroes (2024)

Kobi Libii’s film has a satirical premise sharp enough to cut glass, then tucks the blade away for a fairly ordinary romantic comedy. The American Society of Magical Negroes takes aim at an old Hollywood habit: the Black character who exists only to help a white lead find his way. Justice Smith plays Aren, a struggling yarn artist handed an empty glass at a gallery party by a guest who assumes he’s staff. David Alan Grier’s Roger, a bartender, recruits him into a secret society whose members use real magic to keep white people at ease, on the logic that it keeps Black Americans safe. Aren’s big assignment is soothing a gloomy coworker named Jason at a tech company called MeetBox, and once both men fall for Lizzie (An-Li Bogan), the love triangle takes the wheel. Critics, at 26% on Rotten Tomatoes, called it too timid with its best ideas. A 4.4 because the target is real and the aim is soft. $39.73 says you come out pitching a whole spin-off about Roger before the credits end.

What works: The premise goes after a real and long-running movie stereotype, and David Alan Grier brings warmth and wit to Roger.

What doesn’t: The satire stays cautious and eager to please, the society’s world is barely built out, and the conventional romance subplot swallows the second half.

Who it’s for: Viewers who enjoy gentle satire about how Hollywood tells stories, and Justice Smith fans happy with a mild rom-com.