G.L.B.T. THEMED MOVIE: BLACK BIRD THE FILM

SYNPOSIS:

Seventeen-year-old Randy tries very hard to be a good person. Since his father left, Randy takes care of his emotionally disturbed mother, and he's the kind of friend all of his classmates can depend on. As strong as he seems on the outside, Randy is hiding a secret inner struggle and denial of his true self. It's not until he opens himself up to love that he discovers that becoming a man means accepting who you really are.

STARRING:

Mo'Nique, Isiah Washington, Kevin Allesse, Gary L. Gray, Nikki Jane, Torrey Laamar, Terrell Tilford, D. Woods & introducing Julian Walker

DIRECTED BY:

Patrick-Ian Polk

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY:

Larry Duplechan

MY THOUGHTS:

This film has his heart in the right place and could have been a very good film. I like that it never focused on one single issue. Thought I am happy that the film makers tried to fit in every possible issue that needs to be addressed or talked about, I don’t think all of those issues hit their mark. Especially since the main character doesn’t get any space to explore all the issues that he is dealing with.

Nonetheless, this a great coming of age film, that prove inspirational for young men struggling to come to terms with their sexuality. The acting by everyone is pretty good; Mo’Nique and Isaiah Washington did a good job as father and mother. They were the perfect yin and yang for our protagonist. Julian’s portrayal of Randy is charming but a bit amateurish but on second thoughts, maybe that’s expected of a 17-year old. I wish that this movie could have fleshed out the main plots; the teenage pregnancy, gay musical, Randy’s sister, his friend getting STD, sexual violence; all are just touched upon and are dropped without any convincing conclusion. Barring these oddities, I still did enjoy the film. I wasn’t bored. There was always something happening, that kept you interested. Maybe we could get a television series to explore more of this world that the film brought to us…

A Must-see (8/10)