Film Review: Sean Combs The Reckoning (10/10)

The Reckoning! A time of judgment and accountability! It’s time to settle debts, pay for wrongdoing and explain every action. This four part miniseries, directed by Emmy award winning director Alexandria Stapleton and executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, introduces/reintroduces the world to Sean Combs. An influential Harlem NY born rapper, actor, record executive and founder of Hip Hop label, Bad Boy Records.

With insight from contributors like Bad Boy co-founder Kirk Burrowes, music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones and Sean Comb’s former assistant Capricorn Clark (just to name a few), we get an inside view of not only the man behind the titles but clarity behind years of speculation.

STORY (2/2)

This documentary displays a strong story. A strong and dynamic real life tale, that the other factual films covering this same music mogul, were unable to bring about. The producers strategically connected with contributors that were not previously interviewed. They were able to

obtain footage that was previously unobtainable. All of this brought an experience to each viewer’s screen that made this Netflix original binge worthy. Authentic testimonies, original photos and footage heightened each aspect of the storyline, taking you from one scenario straight into the next.

With Combs making his first public appearance in music videos in the late 1980’s, we’re

met with a timid and tenacious young man who wanted nothing more than to break onto the

music scene. Everything on him, from his original smile to his simple attire, read modesty. That

modesty ran its course until Combs was able to build a name for himself through hard work and

calamity at Uptown Records. This is when we begin to see his conversion from Sean Combs to

Puff Daddy, a persona his mother, Janice Combs, assisted in breeding from a young age.

While growing up, Ms. Combs would dress young Sean like the pimps and street hustlers

he would watch in the black exploitation films of the 1970’s. That influential style also came from

his late father, Melvin Combs, who was killed while working as a drug dealer and possible

informant in 1972’s Harlem. Puff Daddy dived deeper into that mode by socializing at venues

like Harlem’s “The Rooftop” which produced entertainment for popular drug dealers like

Alberto Geddis Martinez, better known as Alpo Martinez.

VISUALS (2/2)

Through polished cinematography, the audience is able to get a clear view of Puff Daddy’s transition from his simple white tees, jeans and fitted caps to expensive furs, trendy footwear and flashy jewelry. A fashion transition that took him from a humble protégé of Andre Harrell to an arrogant business and brand owner. This self-developed arrogance made room for 1991’s tragic City College incident, his alleged physical altercation with his mother as well as his alleged involvement in the Notorious B.I.G and Tupac Shakur murders.

Distinctive camera angles sets this apart from other video examining productions. The up-close shots and periodic low lighting prepares you for the upcoming intensity and hostile scenarios. Diverse settings were necessary in the highlighting of each perspective introduced to the overall plight.

SOUND (2/2)

The reminiscent Hip Hop and R&B soundtrack gave a well-rounded understanding of the “who”, “what”, “where”, “when” and “why”. This score featured resonant music from Faith Evans, Snoop Dogg, EPMD member Erick Sermon, Tupac Shakur and more. Each song was placed in the production perfectly, reminding each viewer of the music’s relevance as well as showing its importance in the progression of the storyline. Music selections were contingent on who was telling a certain aspect of the story. Hip Hop songs fed the hype, R&B fed the casual and the instrumentals fed the suspense. Regardless of the genre, this gave the audience the capability to follow along.

The 90’s Hip Hop sound was enforced with unique fashion visuals that made that era, THAT ERA! Each artist, through music videos, press photos and special appearances, forced on lookers to be reminded of popular Hip Hop fashion designers that assisted in shaping the culture. This opened the ability to witness Puff Daddy’s preferred fashion sense shift depending on which songs he led or featured himself in. Whether it was a jersey or a more casual or formal look, we were able to see which level his authenticity was placed on at that point in time.

CHARACTER (2/2)

His Sean John men’s fashion line brought a slew of looks from tailored suits to accessories such as shades, an accessory that evolved tremendously in the Hip Hop culture. Puff Daddy’s overconfident image grew behind the embellishment of this style “enhancement”. An enhancement that represents rebellion and pride. This fashion reinforcement was often accompanied with other accessories like his St. Christopher necklace (shown in the opening scene) confirming that he relies heavily on what that pendant represents. Protection, guidance and victory. Factors that are imperative after the effect of pride.

The authenticity of each person interviewed contributed to the buildup. They’re comfortability in front of the camera, casual and transparent speech and their modest attire dictated how the viewers were able to connect with them. Each of those factors contributed to a “laid back” feel that helped you pay more attention to the story being told and less on who the camera was on.

The interviewee that contributed the most to each factor was Bad Boy co- founder Kirk Burrowes. The facts given called him to be honest with viewers regarding the role he believes he played in aiding in the development of who the world came to know as Puff, Puff Daddy or P. Diddy.

A great follow up was ex assistant Capricorn Clark. An individual who was able to shed light in a way that only she could. She granted us access into her mentality during the time in question. Whether you agreed with her response or not, you were able to understand the sequence of events that led her to being one of the closest people to Diddy, as well as one of the most ostracized in his camp.

FACTOR X (2/2)

As a spectator who followed the trial and watched other documentaries regarding the charges and allegations against Sean Combs , this by far was the best overview. It is highly encouraged that each viewer put their preconceived thoughts to the side so that they can properly absorb all that has to be told. These up close and personal testimonies call for you to be extremely attentive, making sure you clear all distractions. After reviewing, compare what you thought you already heard and knew, to the new well developed information presented.

Are you able to be integral while developing your identity behind a fashion sense that calls for you to put into effect seduction, self-gratification, self-importance and criminal activity? All to gain prestige, money and fame? We are shown the outcome of what it means to sit in those traits.

Each viewer has the ability to draw their own opinion of this music mogul based on the

personalized fashion sense he has depicted from the start of his career to the present. Is the real

Sean Combs hiding behind the simplicity of blank shirts and an old school gumby haircut? Is he

hiding behind the minks, oversized shiny suits and Versace shirts? Through these producers,

director and the insights from the well selected interview subjects, we are given access to see

where his sense of fashion takes him. It’s time for the choice to be made. Style or integrity. Once

you watch to the end, see if your assessment matches mine.

FINAL SCORE: 10/10

Where to Watch: Netflix

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