Plot
A street-wise teen from Baltimore who has been raised by a single mother travels to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives, where he embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey.
Release Year: 2013
Rating: 3.9/10 (182 voted)
Director:Kasi Lemmons
Storyline
In a contemporary adaptation of Langston Hughes' celebrated play, the holiday musical drama BLACK NATIVITY follows Langston (
Going in I knew this was a movie with music and that's what it is,
versus a "musical" like Les Miserables, where there's singing
throughout opera-style.
The good
All the actors stand out and do their characterizations well.
Especially Jennifer Hundson as Naima, the single mom raising a
boy-child on her own without help and estranged from her parents.
Especially Tyrese who really shows his gentle side as Tyson. His body
and face marked with scars, he looks like a thug but has a worldly view
as he tries to steer young Langston to the right side of life.
Especially Forrest Whitaker who characterizes the Reverend Cobb. Stern,
unyielding but with a soft side. Especially the music that soars and
transforms the screen into a gospel show near the end. Director Kasi
Lemmons ("Eve's Bayou") integrates stage show with movie set ala
"Rent". The story of a young boy struggling to find answers and being
pulled toward wrongful ways is simplified and strikes just the right
tone with spirituality and religiousness.
The bad
Near the end the drama is laid on thick.
See it! This is the only "live" action musical of the year and while it
is based on a little known play written by Langston Hughes, it's a
triumphant interpretation on film.
0