| By Derrel Jazz Johnson |
The cast of the new film Black Nativity, (minus Mary J. Blige) and dozens of other stars descended upon the Apollo Theater in Harlem for the New York Premiere of the star-studded project a week before its national release. Stars Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Tyrese Gibson, Jacob Latimore, Nas, Vondie Curtis-Hall and director and writer Kasi Lemmons were joined by singer Sting, actor Courtney Vance, hip-hop artist Reverend Run, television personality AJ Calloway, director Malcolm Lee, Reverend TD Jakes, Lynn Whitfield, and more.
The film, shot primarily in Harlem and inspired by the work of Langston Hughes, centers around a teenager, appropriately named Langston (Latimore), who is sent to New York City for the holidays to stay with his grandparents (Whitaker and Bassett) who he has never met, because of financial problems with his Mom (Hudson) in Baltimore. Langston quickly discovers that New York City is quite different than he expected, and the same can be said of his expectations of his grandparents. “This is New York, walk like you have a purpose”, Langston is told by his grandmother.
Whitaker plays Reverend Cornell Cobbs, who is the head of Holy Resurrection Church (which is located on 141st and Convent) and is a respected member of the Harlem community. He is full of wisdom and stories, including receiving a gift from Martin Luther King, Jr., in his youth. He has a strong love for his Harlem community, and even quotes the great writer the central character is named after. “I’d rather be a lamp post in Harlem than Governor of Georgia”, Reverend Cobbs says as he drives his grandson down 125th street.
Langston, like any teenager, is quite inquisitive, and his many questions and explorations consistently lead him to different crossroads with different consequences. As with all of us, he doesn’t always make the right decision, but his choices lead him to a place where he learns not only about his grandparents and parents, but also about himself.
As we saw in Dreamgirls, the film that reintroduced her to the world after American Idol, Hudson’s voice and acting ability augment the film. Her powerful vocals throughout the film are the best. With Hudson, an Academy Award winner in Dreamgirls, Whitaker, also an Oscar winner, and Bassett, a former nominee, the strong cast pulls you into the film almost immediately, creating an emotional connection between the characters and the audience.
Gibson, a big hit with the females, plays a heartfelt character who meets Langston in an awkward situation. He coincidentally runs into Lunch Money, his nickname for Langston, several times throughout the film, and plays a central role at the conclusion of this film.
Hip-hop great Nas makes notable appearances as Isiah in the film, but the fusion of hip hop into the holiday themes was certainly a challenge. When done, it is highly effective, leaving me wanting to hear and see Nas on the screen a lot more. Mary J. Blige plays the absurdly titled Platinum Fro, and her character’s name and interaction in the play are similiarly confusing.
The man behind much of the music in this film is former Tony! Toni! Tone! and Lucy Pearl front man Rafael Saadiq, who did a remarkable job of seamlessly incorporating all of the talented musicians from different genres into the film.
Black Nativity is an excellent choice on the eve of the holiday season. With its star-studded cast and their incredible talents, it is family entertainment at its best.