Micheaux Mission
by Bleav, Micheaux Mission
Vincent Williams and Len Webb have started an amazing journey to watch and review every African-American film released in theaters. Their passion project, the Micheaux Mission, honors Oscar Micheaux, a trailblazing Black filmmaker. Their enthusiasm and dedication are truly inspiring as they seek the perfect wine to pair with Pam Grier’s Coffy, find five movies since 1985 that don't feature Samuel L. Jackson, and connect with other film fans who share Len’s view on The Last Dragon. Their commitment to celebrating and examining African-American cinema is both commendable and uplifting. Welcome to the Mission!
Episodes
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Love, Brooklyn (2025) + Chekov's Picard, A Better Soul Plane
The Men of Micheaux honor the passing of singer Freddie Jackson and actors Eva Marie Saint, Tom Skerritt, and Sir Patrick Stewart, while saving much shrapnel for poor Walter Koenig. Len pitches a Requiem for a Soul Plane. They chat about ambiguous movies, Nicole Kidman, and the economics of Roger...
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Leprechaun Back 2 Tha Hood (2003) + A Negro Kiss, Fave Stephen King Flick, Get Kristi, Ensembles
A listener introduces the Men of Micheaux to an amazing historical artifact from 1898 - A Negro's Kiss - that puts Black joy front and center for the world to see. Carrie, Salem's Lot, Cujo? What is the favorite Stephen King movie, and which one made Len change the way he walked home every day?...
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Master (2022) + The Last Great Black Comedy, Doc To Movie Stars, Bad Race Horror
Due to technical difficulties, we present a Micheaux Mission Throwback to Bootober 2024, when Vincent and Len reviewed the college-bound ghost tale MASTER, starring Mission fave Regina Hall. Plus, the Men of Micheaux track down the last great Black comedy, debate historic figures worthy of a…
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Leprechaun In The Hood (2000) + Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, A Plate For Bowie, Horror Likes
The Men of Micheaux give a mini-review of w/d Bassam Tariq's Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother, which stars Mahershala Ali flexing his Blade bona fides--literally. A listener makes her case for David Bowie earning at least a plate at the cookout. We resonate with select horror films, find out...
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Is God Is (2026) + The Flip Wilson Experience, Who Likes Friday Night Lights
The world gets to see just how great Tony Award-winning actress Kara Young can be offstage as she steals the show from Sterling K. Brown and the best of Vivica Fox in writer-director Aleasha Harris’ audacious debut. Plus, we prepare for our new Patreon show by marking Flip Wilson’s place in…
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Soul Food Junkies (2012) + A Different World Now & Then, White Folks We All Like
Len and Vincent review the 2012 documentary that interrogates our relationship with food while providing closure for the director and his departed father. Vincent offers a sincere apology and a full recommendation for the reboot of A Different World, then takes us back to 1987 to discuss how...
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Jackie's Back (1999) + The Parkers Were A Spinoff, Black Men United Again?
In 1999, Jenifer Lewis finally received the showcase her immense talents deserved, and her league of legendary friends came out to play in a mockumentary that fumbled the ball at the goal line. What happened? Also, the Men of Micheaux discuss the history of the TV spinoff, days before the reboot…
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Concerning Violence (2014) + Diarra From Detroit, Van Helsing, Speed Racer
The Men of Micheaux got nothin’ but love for Paramount’s DIARRA FROM DETROIT, except for one casting sticking point. Then they share why VAN HELSING and SPEED RACER are secretly bad-good films. Vincent goes Six Degrees to Lauries London and Linney, and Len is moved by Lauren Hill’s evocative...
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Thelonious Monk Straight No Chaser (1988) + Bokeem Like Jazz, The Next John Stewart, Demon Sammy
Vincent has unearthed a devilish 70s artifact featuring the late Sammy Davis Jr., who played a bumbling demon opposite Jack Klugman’s Poor Devil. Our review last week of The Jackie Shane Story elicited touching responses from the Missionaries and sparked Len’s search for the Black actor who holds...
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The Jackie Shane Story (2024) + Lanterns Is The Blackest Night on TV
The Men of Micheaux remember the stellar (petrifying) work of the late Tim Curry, including his greatest what-if. With its third episode, HBO Max and DC Studios’ Lanterns brings the Blackest Night to light on TV since Watchmen (no coincidence). Len sends Vincent Six Degrees toward Elliot Page and...
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Paid In Full (2002) Begat The Wire + Remembering Dolly & “Eddie”, Cliffhanger vs Cobra
Vincent and Len share their heartfelt condolences and remembrances of Dolly Parton and actor Michael Wright, the immortal Eddie King of The Five Heartbeats. A discussion of Dolly’s Rhineheart devolves into a stupid vs. stupid match between Stallone’s Cliffhanger and Cobra. Then the legacy of The...
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All About The Benjamins 2002 + The Color Of X-Men, Passing Joseph Cotten
The Men of Micheaux kick off their next 500 episodes by debating which actors did the most with the least in 21st-century silent-ish films, as well as the colorism in the X-Men's casting of Maya Boyd. Classic Hollywood-era star Joseph Cotten was Black; that's what she said. Vincent learns who Ben...
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Song Of The South (1946) + Gone With The Wind And The Power Starz Universe
Vincent and Len commemorate the 500th stop on the Mission by looking at some TV shows and comic book series that also reached this milestone. Missives from the Missionaries has the Men of Micheaux debating the quality of the Power cinematic universe. Then they unearth Disney’s buried Song Of The...
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Birthright (1938) + We Root for Michael J. Fox, Holland & Zendaya, and Indiana Micheaux
The Men of Micheaux return to the films of Oscar Micheaux for a rediscovered remake of one of his lost silent films, which fuels the imagination and prompts a full reconsideration of the man, his movies, and his myth. Plus, they love Back to the Future and Michael J. Fox. Or maybe they love Tom...
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Two Can Play That Game (2001) + Spider-Man Brand New Day, Blacks & Kung-Fu Flicks, Black Panther 3
The Men of Micheaux got nothing but love for the newest Spider-Man romp, which they call the best Spidey and Tom Holland of them all. The love continues to flow as they trace our connection with Kung-Fu flicks, which takes them to SDCC news about Black Panther 3 in 2028. Then Len and Vincent...
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THE BROTHERS (2001) + HAL WILLIAMS REMEMBERED, ICONIC DUOS, AVENGERS DOOMSDAY SLOP
Vincent and Len continue their march toward 500 episodes of The Mission as they stack themselves up against iconic duos such as Tango & Cash, Murtaugh & Riggs, and Mario & Luigi. But who's Batman? Then, they remember the late Hal Williams of Sanford and Son and 227 fame. They offer laments to...
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Biker Boyz (2003) + The Odyssey & Widow’s Bay Mini-Reviews
The Men of Micheaux inch closer to their 500th episode as they gather to review the 2003 entry in the vroom-vroom genre. They also offer mini-reviews of Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay and the summer film they’ve been waiting centuries for, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. We're making video versions of…
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THEY WILL KILL YOU (2026) + I LOVE BOOSTERS + SUPERGIRL with Regine Sawyer
The Men of Micheaux welcome Regine Sawyer of Lockett Down Productions and Women In Comics NYC to share her comic book origin story, her unusual path to THE Storm, her new role as an Eisner Award judge, and her recommendations for new comic books for Missionaries, young and old. Then we give...
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Disorderlies (1987) + I Love Boosters Legs + 5 Directors' Biggest Flops
Vincent is amazed by the box-office legs of I Love Boosters, the latest surreal treat from writer-director Boots Riley. The Men of Micheaux debate the biggest flop in the filmographies of Spike Lee, Malcom D. Lee, Barry Jenkins, Antoine Fuqua, and Tyler Perry. In 1987, The Fat Boys vied for the...
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MICHAEL (2026) full review, CLIVE VS QUINCY, COLTRANE AND THE CHIPMUNKS
The Men of Micheaux expand on their previous mini-reviews to share their full thoughts on the biggest music biopic of all time. They honor the passing of music impresario "mafioso?" Clive Davis and stack his 'degrees' against those of the equally legendary Quincy Jones. They also stack the...
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Don't Play Me For Cheap (1973) + Legacy Reboots
Vincent and Len ponder the success rate of legacy reboots such as Bad Boys, What’s Happening Now, and King of the Hill. They share a brief glimpse into What They’ve Been Watching and go Six Degrees to 50 Cent and Aaliyah. Then, the Men of Micheaux settle in for separate views on writer-director...
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MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM (2020) + PEABO REMEMBERED, A DIFF'RENT WORLD AGAIN, WHO HAS POE?
We remember Peabo Bryson, Phyllis Hyman, and Chadwick Boseman—all gone too soon, leaving behind legendary work, including Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. We also debate the merits of A Diff'rent World redux, the Philly bona fides of the late Pearl Bailey and Edgar Allan Poe, and the funky jazz of…
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CB4 (1993) + WELCOME TO THE CHARLIE MURPHY EXPERIENCE + MORE KHANDI PLEASE
The Men of Micheaux settle in to review 1993's CB4, marveling at the many gifts of Khandi Alexander on display and underutilized. They also remember what it was like to behold the Charlie Murphy experience for the first time and the understated brilliance of Phil Hartman and Chris Elliott. And…
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Who’s Your Caddy (2007) + Is God Is, The Origin of LaToya
Vincent and Len debate the merits of a new way to determine the ‘blackness’ of a film, with an old friend coming home. Vincent is dazzled by the talented Kara Young as she burns up the screen in Is God Is and I Love Boosters. The Men of Micheaux try to break down the etymology of ‘LaToya’ (as in...
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Eve of Destruction (1991) + The Jacksons' American Dream, King Kong & Sexuality
The Men of Micheaux are asked to make more content on The Jacksons, and its the American Dream of Vincent’s life. What would the original King Long (1933) tell a traveling alien about our feelings on race and sexuality? Angela Bassett is one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors, but Len’s sister...
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Welcome Home Brother Charles (1975) with David Dylan Thomas
Writer-Director DAVID DYLAN THOMAS brings his horror expertise and stinging curiosity to the Mission to review the “infamous” 1975 film Welcome Home Brother Charles, featuring three afros, two policemen, and one Dick between them. Plus, David has a story to tell about Zombie Slaves and White Meat...
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The Blind Side (2009)
Vincent and Len chat about their ideas for Black sci-fi movie composers, a classic film playlist for the 10-year-old, and compare Frankenstein, Radio, and Harry and the Hendersons to 2009's The Blind Side, which is a really, really, really, really bad Black movie. We're making video versions of…
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MICHAEL mini-review 2, THE GOOD BIOPICS, BLACK ANIMATED CHARACTERS, DESTINATION PLANET NEGRO (review)
Vincent shares his thoughts on the phenomenon called MICHAEL (in theaters now, as if you didn't know); the Men of Micheaux list the great biopics that got the assignment right and determine the greatest Black animated character of all time. Then, they turn their attention to Destination: Planet...
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MICHAEL mini-review (2026)
SPOILER ALERT -- Len went to a screening of the new biopic "highlighting" the life of the King of Pop and has a lot -- A WHOLE LOT -- to share with Vincent and Missionaries. We're making video versions of our reviews! Be sure to follow us on the following platforms: YouTube Tiktok Instagram…
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NOPE (2022)
The Men of Micheaux are tasked with casting a fan-proposed Midnight Sons Disney+ series and choosing which celebrities they'd choose to be stranded on a desert island with. Then they give a full review of Jordan Peele's purest science fiction film yet. We're making video versions of our reviews!…
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RECONCILING AFRIKA, RUFUS CHAKA VS MIRROR UHURA, REAL MEN WEAR LEATHER, WHO BE KIM?
On a special mini-episode, The Men of Micheaux reflect on the passing of Afrika Bambaataa and attempt to reconcile with his and hip-hop's sordid history. A listener ignites a midrift battle between Chaka Khan and Nichelle Nichols. Vincent weaves a "unique" Six Degrees from D'urville Martin to...
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483 - Deep Blue Sea (1999)
The Men of Micheaux return to discuss the cancellation of Star Trek Starfleet Academy after one season and the fate of the Star Trek franchise going forward. Then they cast a remake of 1975's Mahogany as they search for actor with the "iconic" shine of Diana Ross. After long overdue tahnks to the...
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Trepass (1992)
The Men of Micheaux discuss Jon Hamm's villain turn in Hulu's Fargo and which R&B remake gets the Vincent OKAY that 90s faves Jodeci (Lately) and Intro (Ribbon In The Sky) will never get. Then -- 10 minutes on Stoney Jackson happens for reasons and TREPASS is a really, really fun movie worth...
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The Glass Shield (1994)
Vincent is 'disappointed' in the Missionaries and their love of "random 90s music by 80s greats" while he pulls out his wallet. The Men of Micheaux question if Oscar-winner Michael B. Jordan is the next Denzel Washington. We go Six Degrees to the unflappable Oliver Platt and Lois Lane (?).…
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Funny Valentines (1999)
On the way to reviewing 1999's Funny Valentines, which features a rare lead performance by Alfre Woodard and scene-stealing brilliance by Loretta Devine, Len 'sings' the remakes of My Funny Valentine and Vincent promises ONE DOLLAR to everyone in the world. And legendary actor E.G. Marshall…
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The Annihilation Of Fish (1999)
The Men of Micheaux debate the possibilities of Do The Right Thing becoming episode 500 of the Mission and the dire implications of Paramount - Warner Bros deal. Vincent meets his match in the Redgrave Sisters but both of the Men are charmed by Lynn (anyway) in director Charles Burnett’s unusual...
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Alien (1979)
Vincent and Len revisit their Patreon-exclusive chat on 70s international sensation Pink Lady, take in the unearthly images of actors Clint Howard and Lady Gaga, and examine the "blackness" of 1979's ALIEN (just so they can talk about ALIEN). We're making video versions of our reviews! Be sure to...
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Boss Nigger (1975)
Vincent and Len remember acting legend Robert Duvall and civil rights titan Jesse Jackson before tallying up the Wild Wild West Cowgirls versus The Star Treklettes of 60s TV. Were Queen Latifah and Mos Def distracting in Brown Sugar? What would Imitation Of Life look like today? Which Man of...
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District 9 (2009)
The Men of Micheaux share their feelings about a very special episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy dedicated to Star Trek Deep Space Nine. Plus, Len reveals a unique history with cat food and Vincent shows how he spent his money in college. Len gets in on the Six Degrees to a couple of famous...
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The Legend of Nigger Charley (1972)
NOTE: The audio for this episode was compiled from a single source and enhanced for your entertainment. The Men of Micheaux say goodbye to Demond Wilson of Sanford & Son fame (and, perhaps, a budding project of theirs), revealing that one of them might be a hater. A listener hits their comic book...
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The Players Club (1998)
Is Ayo Edibiri (The Bear) the second coming of Whoopi Goldberg? Is Avery "Stayin' Alive" Brooks the cheat code for great Star Trek? Are there too many playas inside The Playuers Club? Does Lisa Raye have anything besides 'presence'? The Men of Micheaux have questions and answers. JUST ANOTHER…
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Imitation Of Life (1959)
The Men of Micheaux reminisce about their shared love of foundational anime staples of the 1970s, such as Star Blazers and Battle of the Planets. Then, after doing Six Degrees of D'Urvile to the legendary Lana Turner and the underused Juanita Moore, Vincent becomes perplexed by Len's...
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Pinky (1949)
Vincent and Len discuss the late T.K. Carter, finding previously unseen racism in their favorite movies, asshole comedians (or comedians’ assholes?), Bill Murray, Chris Rock, The Breakfast Club, and the un-passing hiding inside of 1949’s Pinky besides the film’s three Academy Award-nominated...
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Zola (2020)
The Men of Micheaux debut their new home at Anga Studios, planting their flag (and feet) on new territory. Listeners, aka Missionaries, have the Men analyzing the careers of Gabrielle Union and Robin Williams (one is more meh than you think, and it ain't hers). Going Six Degrees of D'urville…
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The Micheaux Mission Holiday Missives Special 2025
Vincent and Len respond to the end-of-year Missives from the Missionaries and share special scheduling updates for 2026. We're making video versions of our reviews! Be sure to follow us on the following platforms: YouTube Tiktok Instagram Threads Please find us on PATREON...
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Across 110th Street (1972)
We bid a sentimental farewell to singer Carl "Bad Mama Jama" Carlton and director/activist Rob Reiner (and his wife Michele). The Missionaries ask Vincent and Len which genre of music has benefited most from the Black experience, then add more names to the list of Top Five Black villains. Vincent...
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Cornbread, Earl and Me (1975)
A listener challenges the Men of Micheaux to list their Top Five Black Villains in film, then Len presents a holiday-themed Top Five to a specific missionary in the audience. After going Six Degrees to Ben Kingsley and Liam Neeson, the feature movie review discusses the captivatingly tragic debut...
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Corrina Corrina (1994) with Ariell Johnson
The Men of Micheaux welcome friend-fan-professional geek Ariell Johnson of Len’s Secret Movie Podcast with Ariell to share their favorite comic book writers and artists, reveal the secret (?) Jermaine Jackson diss track, play a game of “who is Sienna Miller?”, and review a sentimental, charming...
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Guy and Madeline Sit On A Park Bench (2009)
The Men of Micheaux bid a fond farewell to reggae legend Jimmy Cliff (1944-2025) and question his and others’ place in music history, which steers into the legacy of the Jacksons, and a requiem of sorts for Randy Jackson. Who should sing a song of Thanksgiving? Six Degrees of Two 2009 indie...
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Rye Lane (2023)
The Men of Micheaux share their thoughts on Netflix’s Being Eddie documentary and what it says (and doesn’t say) about Eddie Murphy. Vincent goes Six Degrees to two of his favorite British actors - Naomie Harris and Sophie Okonedo. And then they review a 2023 movie that may be the greatest…
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About this show
Vincent Williams and Len Webb have started an amazing journey to watch and review every African-American film released in theaters. Their passion project, the Micheaux Mission, honors Oscar Micheaux, a trailblazing Black filmmaker. Their enthusiasm and dedication are truly inspiring as they seek the perfect wine to pair with Pam Grier’s Coffy, find five movies since 1985 that don't feature Samuel L. Jackson, and connect with other film fans who share Len’s view on The Last Dragon. Their commitment to celebrating and examining African-American cinema is both commendable and uplifting. Welcome to the Mission!
Hosted by
Bleav, Micheaux Mission