Review of 3 Black movies about Love & Friendship

Watching movies used to be a family tradition in our home, when we were little. We had a card for renting VHS movies from Video Palace and we would each take turns in going to get the movie and bringing it back. We would all huddle up in front of the television set and laugh the night away. In a funny way, it actually saved our lives. Was talking about it with my sister the other day: the fact that we had so many good shows on TV, kept us at home. Which means we were always supervised by (an) adult(s). They would correct us and give us time out if need be. Nowadays, with the introduction of mobile phones, the youngins tend to prefer to roam the streets. To the detriment of home life.  

On the other hand, renting a movie has become much more simple: one can do it from the confines of our beds sorta speak. And it's a much cheaper alternative then going to the movies, as expensive as it has become. Even read a joke about these astronomical prices on Facebook, that had me in stitches: "Whenever I see someone buying snacks at the movies, I just assume they are drug dealers. There is no way, this side of heaven, that someone can have that much money."

Black movies in particular, hold a soft spot in my heart: I love to check out the outfits, the hair do's, the creative & innovative lingo and overall, just getting in touch with everyday Black culture. Starting to realize that we were really spoiled during the 90s, with all of the Black movies that hit theaters. Some of which I actually own, such as: Love and Basketball & Disappearing Acts, both starring African-American actress Sanaa Lathan, alongside Omar Epps and Wesley Snipes respectively. Who could forget about the House Party trilogy with Kid 'n' Play? Best believe I own those too. So many good memories of an era that brought us so much joy and laughter. 

Nowadays I try to duplicate that tradition in my solo household, which is no easy fit, but still brings me enormous satisfaction. Usually watch it on Saturdays, after church. What I do is walk from church and then stop by the movie theater Kinepolis just to buy popcorn. What happens is that I eat up all the popcorn before I even make it home, but that's a story for another day. So after this long introduction and without much further ado, here are the 3 Black movies I recently watched: 

When Love Happens

Granted, the plot is not hard to figure out: young career woman who lives in the city with her parents, is disgruntled because her age is increasing, but the potential suitable mates are not. The fact that she is an event planner and has to plan one of her frenemies' wedding party, doesn't help either. On top of that, her ex comes back into her life, to make things even more confused for her. 

It wouldn't be a postmodern flick if it didn't feature digital technology. So what happens is that the protagonist (actress Weruche Opia) actually chronicles her dating adventures through vlogs on social media. Vlogs that one of her best friends is all too eager to watch. This close friend, who happens to be a man, is very interested in her. But lacks the guts to let her know. Will not reveal anything more about the movie, go see for yourself on Netflix how it ends. In the meantime, feast your ears on this soundtrack from the movie. 

What About Your Friends

Brilliant feel good movie about the friendship between three young women, about to embark on their journey to college. They all have different living situations: Angell Conwell's character is raised in a two-parent household, her father is extremely protective of her and almost doesn't want her to go on a weekend get-away; to check out potential colleges she would like to attend. Keisha Knight Pulliam's character was raised by a single mom, who also happens to be a career woman. She has very little time for her daughter and her aspirations to become a singer. And finally, Monica McSwain's character is being raised by a very doting single father, who would do anything to see his daughter achieve her goal of becoming a fashion designer. 

The overall atmosphere is one of peace and serenity, despite the antagonist's attempts to derail Pulliam's singing endeavors. It's a role played by 1990s bonafide Black actress: Alexis Fields. It puts her in stark contrast with the role she played in the sitcom Sister Sister, alongside the Mowry twins, where she was just as sweet as pie. The friendship between the three leading ladies, catapults us back to our younger years in high school, where life was for the taking. 

Downsized

Boris Kodjoe and his beautiful wife, Nicole Ari Parker, reunite in this family movie as a husband and wife duo that are not quite ordinary. They have a total of 4 children (with a set of twins), live in a lavish home and both have thriving careers, yet...something is not quite right. 

At the onset of the movie, we see a boy and a girl of middle school age, sitting in a girl's bedroom. In the next scene, they are being instructed by their parents to have the child they've conceived and to get married as soon as possible. 

This is a movie I watched during one of my insomnia bouts and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. The movie really gripped me, so I won't give away too much of the plot. The movie can be found on YouTube, right here. Would love to discuss this movie with y'all afterwards.