Writer/Director Kasi Lemmons’ Black Nativity is a
heartfelt Christmas story of the repercussions resulting from trying to
interfere with someone’s life, no matter whether it’s done with their supposed
best interests at heart. And, it’s a
musical with a libretto by the poet Langston Hughes. What’s more, you don’t have to be Black to
enjoy it.
Naima Cobb (Jennifer Hudson) is a single mother, living
in Baltimore, who has been estranged from her Minister father (Forest Whitaker)
and mother (Angela Bassett) for over 15 years.
Now, owing $5,000, she is about to be evicted from her apartment and
sends her son Langston (Jacob Latimore) to New York to live with her parents
while she tries to get her life together.
Langston wants to know what has driven the family apart
and goes through a surprising journey to learn the truth and learning that same
$5K amount figures in the answer.
The singing, including that of Mary J. Blige, is
excellent, with Whitaker’s fine voice surprising me. And, Jennifer Hudson could make your chest
heave with emotion even if she were just singing about bananas.
We needed a good musical this year.
As I said above, you don’t need to be Black to enjoy
this film…just have a heart.
I give Black Nativity a joyful 4 out of 5.
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