Black Nativity (FILM REVIEW)
Black
Nativity
Film Review
by Kam Williams
Jennifer Hudson Steals Show in Screen Adaptation of Langston
Hughes Musical
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.
Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG
for menacing, mature themes and mild epithets
Running time: 93 minutes
Distributor: Fox
Searchlight
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