Here is a look at three current movies, two worth seeing, and one that is a misfire:

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

This forgettable movie, nominated for several Oscars no less, is as revolting as its regrettable title, surprising for a film produced by Denzel Washington. The makeup and wardrobe to make Viola Davis look 40 pounds heavier and decades older is ridiculous.

The first 20 minutes of the film is nearly unwatchable, like a bad Eugene O’Neill play, all staged-dialogue, in one room. As the braggadocio horn player, the non-stop banter by the late Chaz Boseman, to whom the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will posthumously award an Oscar, is simply irritating.

The use of blatant stereotypes – black and white – in this ‘woke era’ is mindboggling: Ma’s white manager is a milquetoast, the recording studio owner is exploitative, the Klansmen (only referred to in a soliloquy by Bozeman) vicious, Ma’s niece is promiscuous, the black band members are accommodating, etc.

The United States vs Billie Holiday

This film is surprising. On par with Renée Zellweger in Judy, singer Andra Day in the title role, is quite convincing. Along with Carrie Mulligan, in Promising Young Woman, I think she shares the lead for the best female actor award.

As with four of the other nominated movies for the April 25 telecast, in arguably the worst line-up in Oscar history, the upshot is the same: All white men are bad, all black people are exploited.

Rose Plays Julie

This is a little-known movie that deserves a larger audience. A young woman finds her birth mother, then decides to track down her ignominious father.

Without giving away the story, the film proceeds at a slow pace, but it’s not boring in the least: it is quiet and intriguing, and I recommend it.

– – – – –

 

We'd love to hear your thoughts about this article. Please take a minute to share them in the comment section by clicking here. Or carry the conversation over on your favorite social network by clicking one of the share buttons below.

 
 
 

Join the conversation!

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.