They Cloned Tyrone is an unconventional sci-fi mystery infused with satire. The chronicle stars John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, and Jamie Foxx as a drug dealer, a sex worker, and a pimp. They’re an unlikely trio united to fight against a vast government conspiracy who are cloning members of their community known as the Glen. I like these actors. Each brings a unique charisma to their respective role. The warm interactions between these three imply they are having fun working together. They elevate the story. Jamie Foxx, in particular, gets the funniest lines. Some of his offhand remarks even appear ad-libbed. I enjoyed his character most.
What the picture has going for it is a 1970s-inflected neo-noir style. Ken Seng’s cinematography amplifies the visuals as an artistic work of cinema. It’s hard to believe that this is the directorial debut from Juel Taylor. He co-wrote Space Jam: A New Legacy and Creed II, two major Hollywood productions. However, this is an ambitious undertaking for a first feature. Unfortunately, the screenplay he co-wrote with Tony Rettenmaier lacks a clear vision. Its handling of genres is half-baked and a bit cliched. Sorry to Bother You and Get Out are recent examples that explored racial themes with more wit and flair.
It’s a mashup of better films. Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a plausible foundation. However, it adds this “us vs. them” perspective that recalls the blaxploitation movies of the past. I appreciated the loving nods to Shaft, Super Fly, Foxy Brown, Dolemite, et al. Sadly this genre update falls apart at the end. A promising start doesn’t take this interesting idea to a satisfying conclusion.
07-28-23
Further proof that new movies have a relatively short shelf life at Netflix. They Cloned Tyrone debuted on the streaming platform on July 21. It occupied the Top 10 for a mere 12 days.