“They Cloned Tyrone,” directed by Jeul Taylor, is a science fiction comedy-mystery film set in the retro-futuristic city of Glen. The movie gives a unique outlook on Black cities in America and how they function. But this is not your classic “Boyz in the Hood” or “Menace II Society” movie. Instead, this film provides a comedic yet grating perspective on Black neighborhoods and who may be exerting influence and really calling the shots behind the scenes.
“They Cloned Tyrone” marks the directorial debut of Jeul Taylor, who also co-wrote the film alongside Tony Rottenmaier. In February 2019, MACRO Media acquired the screenplay as a result of its appearance on The Black List (a list of popular but unproduced screenplays). Filming began in November 2020 and was shot in Atlanta, GA, at Blackhall Studios. It premiered at the American Black Film Festival in June 2023 and was also screened at the Newark Black Film Festival. “They Cloned Tyrone” was released on June 21, 2023, on Netflix and is currently available for streaming.
The film, led by John Boyega as Fontaine, Teyonah Parris as Yo-Yo, and Jamie Foxx as Slick Charles, follows the drug dealer, sex worker, and pimp as they discover just exactly what is going on in their beloved city of Glen. The trio promised an easy plot for laughs but don’t be fooled… “They Cloned Tyrone” has many twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their couches.
2-hour movies can sometimes be daunting, but within 10 minutes of this film, you will realize you need all 120 minutes. If the laughs and relatability of the film don’t have you hooked, the journey of mystery leaves you wanting to know how it all ends. From the secret labs, chicken restaurants that make customers giggle, perms that make you relax, and spiked grape drinks, every single scene adds another piece to the puzzle. The plot alone provides enough entertainment, but the acting is the icing on the cake.
Acting Performances
The lead cast was joined by favorites like Kiefer Sutherland, David Alan Grier, and J. Alphonse Nicholson. Nicholson was perfectly cast as Fontaine’s rival drug dealer, Isaac. The “P-Valley” actor had an ease with which he performed, making his character clear to the audience. Everyone knows an “Isaac” from their neighborhood or school and could easily relate to him. Sutherland provided an unexpected performance and was almost unrecognizable. A complete opposite to his character in “Designated Survivor,” the actor was convincingly dastardly in the film.
Much like Sutherland, Boyega appeared completely different than we’ve seen him. His transformation into Fontaine left his clean, boyish looks behind. His ability to portray Fontaine’s pain, fear, and relaxed nature while also showing his strength and intelligence is commendable. Fontaine’s personality did not leave the “Star Wars” breakout much room for humor, but his timing allowed for his co-stars to provide comedic relief.
Jamie Foxx, who also served as a producer of the film, gave an elite performance as Slick Charles. From the moment that he graced the screen, we knew exactly who he was supposed to be. Foxx was able to take his own natural abilities and combine them with characters we have seen before. Slick Charles was the perfect combination of “A Pimp Named Slick-Back” and Sugar Ray.
While “They Cloned Tyrone” primarily centers around Fontaine and his numerous clones, the true leader of the group is Yo-Yo, skillfully portrayed by Parris. Parris embodies the role of the homegirl character, Yo-Yo, who is both multifaceted and compelling. Yo-Yo was a complex character, as she was in a profession that is deemed less than desirable by society but was also extremely intelligent. She was truly a product of her circumstances. The “Wanda-Vision” actress played the character with the perfect amount of nuance to get the point across.
The Plot
The acting performances are to be praised, but the writing is truly the winner. If you like Aaron McGruder’s “The Boondocks” even a little bit, you will love this movie. “They Cloned Tyrone” follows elements of Blaxploitation films, and Taylor cited the films “Napoleon Dynamite” and “They Live” as major influences on the screenplay.
The stereotypical nature of the Black characters, the neighborhood, and their jobs can be slightly jarring in the beginning. This may be displeasing to some viewers, as being Black is not a monolith, and not all media portrayals of Black people need to involve drugs and violence. But as you continue to watch, it is deeper than that. The film goes on to show that these stereotypes are being upheld by someone, and it is not the Black majority. It follows the idea that these negative portrayals are “needed” to keep the world turning and that assimilation will bring us true “freedom.”
Additionally, the movie shows the history of experimenting and testing on Black people. The Tuskegee Experiment is the first thing that comes to mind when viewers realize just what is happening. The film was able to touch on many societal issues while providing laughter, joy, intensity, action, and overall entertainment.
The Review
Although an amazing film, “They Cloned Tyrone” left some room for unanswered questions. How did Fontaine go all this time without ever seeing his “mom”? Does Fontaine remember growing up, or did he start his life as a grownup? How did Slick Charles customize and decorate a hotel room? These are not considered plot holes, but as the film raises many emotions, questions arise as well.
With everything considered, this movie is exquisite. From the acting to the plot and writing, wardrobe, hair, and makeup, the film excels in every aspect. It successfully ticks off all the boxes, offering a compelling viewing experience. Black people everywhere should watch this movie as soon as possible.
“They Cloned Tyrone” – 4.5/5 stars
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