TFR Ep. 537: Promising Young Woman, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Top 5 Favorite Play To Film Adaptations

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt continue their 2020 catch up with a discussion of Emerald Fennell’s ‘Promising Young Woman’, featuring Carey Mulligan and Bo Burnham.  One of Chris’ most anticipated films of last year, Is Promising Young Woman a thin, overly preachy melodrama?  Or an artistic work that demands potentially uncomfortable conversations. Then it’s on to Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis in George Wolfe’s ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’.  The adaptation of August Wilson’s play features Boseman’s final performance and tackles themes that transcend it’s 1927 time period.  A gorgeous film, but does it translate well to the big screen?  There’s the truly wonderous review of the big releases on physical media, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then wrap up the show with their 5 Favorite Play Adaptations. 00:00-14:12: Intro/Promising Young Woman14:13-23:14: Physical Media Picks23:15-30:25: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom30:26-46:41: Top 5 Favorite Play To Film Adaptations46:42-48:06: Wrap UpTheme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-BeyTwitterInstagramFacebookJordan Crucchiola’s PYW Twitter Review ThreadMarybeth McAndrews Roger Ebert Review