Black Nativity (DVD REVIEW)
Black
Nativity
DVD
Review by Kam Williams
Headline:
Adaptation of Langston Hughes Holiday Musical Arrives on DVD
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.
The
incomparable diva kicks off the festivities with an 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 Home
Entertainment
Blu-ray Extras: Deleted scenes; promotional featurettes.
To order a copy of Black Nativity on Blu-ray, visit:
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