Traffik: Movie Review with Q&A with Laz Alonzo and Director/Writer Deon Taylor Friday 20 April, 2018
I got a wonderful opportunity to screen the new thriller Traffik, and do an intimate Q&A with actor Laz Alonzo and director/writer Deon Taylor. It’s one of those thrillers that its a movie adaption, but the theme is scarier because these things are truly happening around us in real life. This is definitely not your ordinary horror/thriller – it takes it to the next level. I’m excited to see that it stars Omar Epps (omg he is still fine after all of these years), along with Paula Patton, Laz Alonzo and Rosalyn Sanchez. Check out the Traffik trailer and synopsis below.
TRAFFIK stars Paula Patton, Omar Epps, Laz Alonso and Roselyn Sanchez!
TRAILER
Synopsis: In the action packed thriller, Traffik, Brea (Paula Patton) and John (Omar Epps) are off for a romantic weekend in the mountains. Isolated at a remote estate, the couple is surprised by the arrival of two friends, Darren (Laz Alonso) and Malia (Roselyn Sanchez.) Just when the weekend starts to get back on track, a violent biker gang turns up and begins to torment them. The foursome are forced to fight for their lives against the gang who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.
Written and Directed By: Deon Taylor
Laz Alonzo (Actor) + Deon Taylor (Writer/Director of Traffik)
So this film it was amazing to talk to the director and writer of the film, Deon Taylor who independently produced this movie himself. Without giving too much of this film away, this movie theme is based around sex trafficking and Deon was inspired to come out with a thriller horror movie around the subject after seeing the horrific statistics of it on the news.
He was also inspired to shed light on this subject, as he has a daughter and thought this film would also bring more awareness around this subject that is at an all time high in this country. Sex trafficking is a lucrative industry making an estimated $99 billion a year. Women and girls make up 96% of victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation. 62% of human trafficking suspects are African American.
*Urban Institute study overwhelming believed that trafficking white women would make them more money, but trafficking black women would land them less jail time if caught.
So it was important for Deon Taylor to cast an African Women as the star of this thriller. Paula Patton played a very important role in this film, and a power protagonist in this thriller. Unfortunately Paula Patton was sick for the Q&A and missed out on the press junket this day, but her role in the film is very important especially for women. We should see more women of color star in movie thrillers/scary movies as the protagonist more often, so thanks for Deon for creating this film for this depiction.
Laz Alonzo describing his role in the film Traffik
Laz Alonzo was here for the press junket Q&A and chatted with us a little about his role in the film. His character is something else, when you see it you are going to be really mad at him. Extremely, I know I was pissed at him! He plays the best friend to Omar Epps character and definitely not the charming gentleman you are used to seeing him play.
He did admit this was his toughest role, but he did say if you hate him in this film then he has done his job!
I really loved this film. I think there should be more African American thrillers like this, especially coming off the highly successful and now Oscar winning movie, Get Out. I am a huge horror movie/thriller fan. I do not see us play in them enough, but this one will make you think even after you leave the movie theater. Look also any reason to see Omar Epps play in a movie, with those big brown glistening eyes that still make my heart pound the same as it did 20 years ago (how old am I) is also a great reason to see Traffik. Traffik is not just a thriller movie, its a think piece!
Get social with the movie Traffik Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @TraffikMovie #Traffik #TraffikMovie
Releases in theaters nationwide on Friday, April 20th
About the Blogger - Kiwi the Beauty
Kiwi is the free spirited blogger and content creator of KiwiTheBeauty.com. As a digital influencer, she produces creative inspiration around beauty, lifestyle, media and travel leisure. Her life mantra is to make manifesting fun! When she’s not blogging, she is eating trendy hipster food, carrying crystals, making it rain at her local farmer's market and binge brunching.
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This sounds like a movie which really tackles some hard issues. I was in a refuge with a girl who have been trafficked into the country and her story was so sad.
Sex trafficking is one of the most horrifying dark sides of the society. Enjoyed the trailer very much! Will check the film out! You look gorgeous by the way.
I read a book on sex trafficking a few years ago and it defining opened my eyes to the epidemic that it is, especially in the metro area of DC. I glad to know this movie highlights that and will definitely have to check it out!
This movies sounds intriguing. I would love to see it. Sex trafficking is all too real, and it is lurking around us everywhere. I am excited to see how this movie exposes it’s common presence and hopefully how we can help stop it.
I agree with you, there should be more African American thrillers. Thrillers are my favorite genre where movies are concerned. I’m going to be watching for this one.
I didn’t hear about this movie before, but the plot does sounds interesting. I would like to watch it in the cinema, as I can imagine it has quite some intense moments.
I remember when I used to hear about all of the movies before they were released. Now I miss so many. I’m glad I was able to see this review. I am not definitely curious about seeing this one. Haven’t seen Omar Epps in a while. Definitely good to see he is still getting work.
I love Laz Alonzo with his fine self. This sounds like an intense movie. I would be freaking all the way out. Even crazier that these are real life things. OMG!
This is a great thriller and seems to be scary too. It was great to hear what the people who made the movie think. I will look for this in the theater by me when it comes out
This film will be a real eye opener for many. Sex trafficking is horrible. I cannot believe how some people can engage in this and sell off others in exchange for money! I will look forward to watching this move.
Releases in theaters nationwide on Friday, April 20th
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I hadn’t heard of this film before but now I’m intrigued to find out more about it! Thanks for sharing!
This movie sounds like a truly must see. Sex traficking happens way too often! Hopefully this movie will be an eye opener for some.
Wowzers, that Laz Alonso is some serious eye candy. Wish I was there and the film looks action packed based on the previews. Can’t Wait!
Sounds like a scary movie. I do want to watch it though as it also sounds exciting.
What a great opportunity and the film looks like a good thriller. Happy to see Omar Epps and Paula Patton.
sex trafficking happens everywhere. I live in Ohio and Columbus is a huge area for this because its a cross roads for main highways
This sounds like a movie which really tackles some hard issues. I was in a refuge with a girl who have been trafficked into the country and her story was so sad.
You described this movie perfectly. I’m definitely going to see it. I love Omar Epps so that’s just a bonus!
Sex trafficking is one of the most horrifying dark sides of the society. Enjoyed the trailer very much! Will check the film out! You look gorgeous by the way.
this movie sounds like something that will truly a must-see.. thanks for introducing me to this as had not heard of it before
I read a book on sex trafficking a few years ago and it defining opened my eyes to the epidemic that it is, especially in the metro area of DC. I glad to know this movie highlights that and will definitely have to check it out!
This movies sounds intriguing. I would love to see it. Sex trafficking is all too real, and it is lurking around us everywhere. I am excited to see how this movie exposes it’s common presence and hopefully how we can help stop it.
I hadn’t heard of this one and love Omar Epps so this will be on my must watch list.
I agree with you, there should be more African American thrillers. Thrillers are my favorite genre where movies are concerned. I’m going to be watching for this one.
I’m going to have to check this out. I love Omar Epps and I think he needs more props. Thanks for the review.
Whew, my faint heart wouldn’t be able to handle this. I’ll have my husband check it out and have him tell me about it!
I never heard of this movie but it seems like it is timely. WOW they had some of my favorite actors too. I will definitely check it out.
I didn’t hear about this movie before, but the plot does sounds interesting. I would like to watch it in the cinema, as I can imagine it has quite some intense moments.
I am so excited to see this movie. This was an awesome interview, too 🙂
I would love to see this movie. Getting to hear the director and write gives us their thoughts on the movie and the process was a great insight.
I remember when I used to hear about all of the movies before they were released. Now I miss so many. I’m glad I was able to see this review. I am not definitely curious about seeing this one. Haven’t seen Omar Epps in a while. Definitely good to see he is still getting work.
I love Laz Alonzo with his fine self. This sounds like an intense movie. I would be freaking all the way out. Even crazier that these are real life things. OMG!
This is a great thriller and seems to be scary too. It was great to hear what the people who made the movie think. I will look for this in the theater by me when it comes out
This film will be a real eye opener for many. Sex trafficking is horrible. I cannot believe how some people can engage in this and sell off others in exchange for money! I will look forward to watching this move.
What a cool interview and great experience. I cannot wait to see this movie!
Sounds like a great movie! Can’t wait to check it out! Thank you for sharing it!
This sounds really interesting! Would love to see it with my husband!
That’s two good-looking men right there. Lucky you. We will see if my husband wants to see this movie.
Just saw this movie last night and really liked it. Good work of main actors. Plus Paula Patton looks great on screen !