How many hyphens are enough? That’s the question at hand when Niecy Nash plays a genie who pops out of an Air Jordan 6 “Infrared” sneaker. She makes an offer a young woman can’t refuse. Or can she?
The storyline updates a 1991 commercial featuring Spike Lee (as Mars Blackmon), Michael Jordan and Little Richard. For that one, the latter played a genie in his marvelously manic style. Here, Nash conures up the sass and scores with a fresh interpretation. Regan Aliyah’s in fine form as the genie’s twentysomething foil. Teyana Taylor, Napheesa Collier, Bada Lee and Awich also appear.
Overall, the remake offers a smart update of classic themes, with nods to women’s empowerment and cultural swagger casting a potent spell. Directed by Janicza Bravo.
