Film Review by Kam Williams
Pictured in a scene from Black Nativity is actor Tyrese Gibson and Jacob Latimore.
Jacob Latimore, native Milwaukeean makes his film debut
Naima (Jennifer Hudson) is a single-mom struggling to pay the rent on the apartment she shares with son Langston (Jacob Latimore), 15, who’s the same age she was when she had him.
Back then, she was as headstrong as he is now, which explains why she ran away from a good home in Harlem to raise him alone in Baltimore.
Today, upon receiving an eviction notice, cash strapped Naima reluctantly sends the rebellious adolescent in need of a father figure to New York to live with her parents, Aretha (Angela Bassett) and Reverend Cornell Cobbs (Forest Whitaker), prominent members of the black community.
But Langston lands in trouble even before they have a chance to pick him up at the bus station, so they end-up having to bail him out of jail.
Is it too late for anyone to make a difference in the rebellious juvenile delinquent’s life? Can the Cobbs mend the fractured relationship with their long estranged daughter?
Will Langston belatedly bond with the absentee father he’s never known?
These are the pivotal questions raised in Black Nativity, a modern morality play based on the Langston Hughes musical of the same name.
Adapted and directed by Kasi Lemmons (Eve’s Bayou), the film features an engaging soundtrack sprinkled with evocative onscreen performances by cast members including Mary J. Blige, Nas and Tyrese, though all pale in comparison to those by Jennifer Hudson.
Fair warning to theatergoers ordinarily operating on CPT. Don’t take the risk of arriving too late to catch the incomparable diva’s unforgettable opener, “Test of Faith,” a showstopper every bit as memorable as her heartfelt rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” as Effie in Dreamgirls.
A timeless parable as memorable for its uplifting spirituals as for its moving message about the importance of faith and family.
This movie opened Thanksgiving weekend, but it makes a great holiday movie to take in for the entire holiday season.
Also, an added note, not only is Latimore from Milwaukee, but the film’s editor, Terilyn A. Shropshire also grew up in Milwaukee, a high school graduate of Nicolet High School.
Shropshire began her film career shortly after graduating from the University of Southern California (USC) Film School in 1984.
She has edited countless films including several of Lemmons’ films including, Eve’s Bayou and Talk to Me.
She also edited the Black film classic, Love and Basketball.
Shropshire did not know Latimore prior to the film, but was happy to hear that he was also a native of her hometown.
And although she rarely comments on actors that she works with, she says that he was a very impressive young man.
And for audiences should look to see him in the future.
Although, the first weekend of films debuting in theatres are a key indicator of the film’s success, it’s still not too late to catch this one.
Therefore add it to your holiday season plans.
Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG for menacing, mature themes and mild epithets
Running time: 93 minutes
Distributor: Fox Searchlight