Chocolate City 2: Vegas

In the 2017 American comedy-drama movie “Chocolate City 2: Vegas,” directed by Jean-Claude La Marre, the audience is offered a fun, high energy, and angst-filled trip to sin city. This sequel to the 2015 "Chocolate City" film continues the lives of its characters, both old and new, each carrying their unique stories and conflicts, all while delivering the thrill and glamour of the Las Vegas strip.

The sequel stars a stellar ensemble led by Robert Ri’chard, Michael Jai White, and Vivica A. Fox. Returning to their roles from the first film are Robert Ri'chard as Michael, a college student turned exotic dancer, and Vivica A. Fox as his mother Katherine, who disapproved of his new line of work. Michael Jai White as club owner Princeton, provides yet another captivating performance. Moreover, the film introduces the audience to some new faces, like Mel B, who adds a new flavor to the mix.

The plot of “Chocolate City 2: Vegas” follows a group of male strippers from the Chocolate City Club led by the ambitious and determined Princeton, as they take a gamble of moving the club's operations to Las Vegas. They hope to strike gold in Sin City and turn their fortunes around. The journey these men embark upon is filled with humor, heart, and the continued exploration of race and masculinity in America. Their relationships with each other, their own personal trials, and the pull and push of the fast-paced world of exotic dancing make for an intriguing storyline.

Functioning as the proverbial patriarch of the group, Michael Jai White's character, Princeton, drives the story forward through his determination to elevate their careers to enviable heights no matter the cost. It's under his mentorship and insistence that the group sets off on a wild ride where anything could happen. Princeton’s tumultuous past and personal motivations add an unexpected depth to his character, creating an engaging balance between light-hearted gags and serious character development.

The role of Robert Ri'chard as Michael McCormick takes center stage for most of the movie. His struggle to reconcile his world as an exotic dancer named “Sexy Chocolate” with his personal life and his relationship with his mother forms a substantial part of the movie's storyline. Michael’s journey is made more complex by his own personal struggles, his desire for success, and his continued relationships that were established in the first movie.

In addition to the main cast, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, commonly known as Mel B, joins the film as Brandy, an interesting new addition that spices up the dynamic both on and off the stage. Vivica A. Fox reprises her role as Katherine and she continues to deliver a strong and memorable performance as she navigates the turbulent relationship with her son and the world he has chosen.

“Chocolate City 2: Vegas” also boasts a high-energy soundtrack which, combined with the dance sequences and the aura of Las Vegas, creates a captivating audio-visual experience. From upbeat tempo numbers that electrify the dance floor to slower tracks that underscore intense dramatic moments, the soundtrack adds an extra layer to the audience's immersion in the storyline.

Furthermore, the film provides excellent cinematography that brings out both the sleazy glamour and the feeling of big dreams in Las Vegas. The bright lights of the strip, the high-energy and tension in the club scenes, and the more personal, quiet moments in the characters' personal lives, are beautifully captured on camera.

The film navigates smoothly the complexities of joy, adventure, and dilemma that pulsate in the heart of Las Vegas, serving its audience a viewing experience rich in comedy, drama, new beginnings, and trial by fire. Despite its raunchy overtones, “Chocolate City 2: Vegas” also succeeds as a movie about dreams, struggles, and the complicated intersections of personal and professional lives, all set in the glitzy, glamorous, and unforgiving landscape of Las Vegas.