Tanya’s Score: Okay-and-a-half
Rated: 14A
Starring: Brenda Jenkins and Jesse Owens
Plot: In the 1970s, a young black man (Stephan James) is falsely accused of a crime and his pregnant fiancee (KiKi Layne) as well as her family struggle to prove his innocence.
Tanya’s Verdict: This is one of those movies that on paper seems to have everything I typically like in a movie: a good story, strong actors, cinematic creativity. But for me, something still fell short.
Generally, I like it when movies jump back and forth between past and present – but here I found it disjointed. Usually, I like a strong soundtrack but at times in this movie, I found the music overwhelming. Normally, I like sparse yet meaningful dialogue – but here it was borderline maudlin.
Overall, the movie means well. Some may find it even inspirational and hopeful. But for me, I was disappointed by its dreariness.
*Four score descriptions: Sh**; Okay; Good; Great
“Okay-and-a-half” 🙂