Sinners

Review:

"Sinners" (2025) Review: A Spooky Adventure About Music, Monsters, and Standing Together

Imagine a movie where brave heroes fight scary monsters with music, magic, and a whole lot of courage. That’s Sinners—a thrilling, spooky, and surprising story set in 1932 Mississippi. Directed by Ryan Coogler (who made Black Panther!), this film mixes history, horror, and heart into a wild ride that’s perfect for older kids who love action and adventure. Let’s break it down!

The Story: Twins, Music, and Vampires!

The movie follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), who return to their hometown after years away. They want to turn an old sawmill into a juke joint—a place where people can dance, sing, and forget their troubles. But their plans go sideways when creepy vampires show up, drawn by the magical music of their young cousin, Sammie (Miles Caton). Sammie’s guitar playing is so powerful, it can summon spirits—and unfortunately, bloodthirsty monsters too!

The vampires, led by a scary Irish villain named Remmick (Jack O’Connell), want to use Sammie’s music for evil. Smoke, Stack, and their friends must team up to protect their community, using garlic, wooden stakes, and clever tricks to fight back. It’s like Stranger Things meets The Lion King’s Circle of Life—but with blues music and Southern charm!

Characters: Heroes with Heart

• Smoke & Stack: These twins are tough but kind. Smoke is quiet and protective, while Stack loves jokes and dancing. Michael B. Jordan does an amazing job playing both roles—you’ll forget it’s the same actor!
• Sammie: The star of the show! Sammie is a shy preacher’s son who discovers his music can save the day. His journey from nervous kid to brave hero is inspiring.
• Annie: Smoke’s ex-wife, played by Wunmi Mosaku, is a healer who uses herbs and magic. She’s smart, strong, and isn’t afraid to fight vampires with pickled garlic!
• Delta Slim: A grumpy but talented musician (Delroy Lindo) who joins the twins’ band. His harmonica skills are almost as cool as Sammie’s guitar!

Even the vampires have a backstory—they’re not just monsters. They represent the “real-life monsters” of racism and hate, which makes the heroes’ fight feel extra important.

The Magic of Music

Music is the heart of Sinners. The soundtrack, created by Ludwig Göransson (Black Panther’s composer), mixes blues, gospel, and even hip-hop. In one magical scene, Sammie’s guitar playing connects past and future, with dancers from different eras joining the party. It’s like a musical time machine! Kids will love the energy and might even tap their feet to the beats.

The movie teaches that music isn’t just fun—it’s a way to tell stories, remember ancestors, and bring people together. As Delta Slim says, “Blues wasn’t forced on us like that religion.” 

Scary (But Cool) Moments

Yes, there are vampires with glowing red eyes and sharp fangs, but the scares aren’t too intense for older kids. Think Goosebumps-level spooky, not Stranger Things scary! Here’s what to expect:

• Action: Vampire fights with stakes, explosions, and a lot of garlic. One vampire even gets hit with a guitar!
• Magic: Annie uses hoodoo (a type of folk magic) to protect her friends.
• Teamwork: The heroes argue but learn to trust each other. Their friendship is the real key to winning!

Parents should know there’s some blood and tense scenes, but no gory details. It’s more about suspense than shock.

Lessons Hidden in the Fun

1. Community Matters: The twins’ juke joint becomes a safe space for everyone—Black families, Chinese shop owners, and even a white girl named Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) who’s treated like family. The movie shows that kindness beats hate.
2. Be Brave, Not Perfect: Sammie isn’t a superhero, but he uses his talent to help others. You don’t need to be perfect to make a difference!
3. History Is Important: The film doesn’t shy away from tough topics like racism (the KKK are villains too!), but it’s handled in a way that’s easy to understand.

Should You Watch It?

Sinners is perfect for:

• Kids 12+ who love action, music, and stories about underdogs.
• Families who want to talk about history and standing up for what’s right.
• Michael B. Jordan fans—he’s cooler than ever here!

Just be ready for a few jump scares and a lot of toe-tapping music. The movie is long (2 hours and 17 minutes), but the time flies by!

Best for: Older kids who enjoy spooky adventures with heart.

Final Thought: Sinners isn’t just about vampires—it’s about finding your voice, protecting your friends, and dancing through the darkness. As Smoke says, “We came back home to deal with the devil we know.” And sometimes, facing that devil means singing a little louder and holding hands a little tighter. Now, who’s ready to grab a guitar and save the day? 🎸✨

P.S. Stay for the credits! There’s a sweet scene with an older Sammie still rocking his guitar.