Mirrors On the Wall: R. Kelly "Trapped in the Closet: Chapters 13-22"

R. Kelly "Trapped in the Closet: Chapters 13-22"
dir. by R. Kelly and Jim Swaffield
There's a point in Chapter 8 of R. Kelly's magnum opus, as James the police officer is on the verge of discovering Bridgette's bizarre secrets, where the room darkens and bars of light are thrown across the nervous wife's face. In that moment you begin to understand perhaps the meaning behind all these illicit affairs and love triangles. Whether you're a gay priest, a stripping midget, or even a multi-platinum world famous R&B superstar (who just so happens to be amidst a rather aberrant real-life court case himself), we've all got our own skeletons tucked away somewhere.

As we watch with rapt enthusiasm as Kelly unveils the latest installments of his hip hopera (daily on IFC.com), we'll save the rest of our comments 'til the complete tale is spun. Check back next week for a full run through.

Love Some Waffle House: R. Kelly & Usher "Same Girl"

R. Kelly & Usher "Same Girl"
dir. by Little X
While the writing can't sustain itself through the second act, that first section is pure gold. The combination of dramatic build and comedic payoff (in every line), works wonders with the pitch perfect deliveries of Usher and Kelly. It's a small tragedy then that these two R&B superstars couldn't sustain the charm of the sing-song exchange all the way through. Little X helps them along with some typically flashy camera work emphasizing the duo's ridiculously lavish lifestyles, and Kells surprise ending is clever enough (if somewhat implausible). But in comparison to those epic finales that characterized his last foray into rap-opera, this one feels a bit tame.