So last Friday, I, along with a co-worker, attended the Philadelphia premier of Night Catches Us, which was one of the featured movies through the Philadelphia Film Festival.
Haven't heard of it before? Not a surprise as some of the themes within this film generally are not of interest to many mainstream film circles. From the IMDb:
"In 1976, complex political and emotional forces are set in motion when a young man returns to the race-torn Philadelphia neighborhood where he came of age during the Black Power movement."
Haven't heard of it before? Not a surprise as some of the themes within this film generally are not of interest to many mainstream film circles. From the IMDb:
"In 1976, complex political and emotional forces are set in motion when a young man returns to the race-torn Philadelphia neighborhood where he came of age during the Black Power movement."
However, the film, which is directed by Tanya Hamilton, features a dope soundtrack, which was produced by The Roots, and stars a pretty decent line-up including the very beautiful Kerri Washington as Patricia "Patty" Wilson and the equally beautiful Anthony Mackie as Marcus Washington. Also, the film featured a friend of my former boyfriend Len but that's a whole 'nother post.
Check out the trailer and tell me this doesn't look good:
Check out the trailer and tell me this doesn't look good:
Despite some historical inaccuracies (which you will hear below) and a couple of plot holes, I would still suggest that folks go see it. If not for the filmmaker's courage to include the Black Panther Party Movement in a storyline but for her thoughtful and beautiful representation of somewhat ordinary people during this transitional period in history. Plus it was nice seeing my neighborhood (Germantown) on the big screen.
But be forewarn, if you are expecting this film to be an factual retelling of the Panther activity in Philadelphia, you might be disappointed. While some stuff mentioned is relatable to the movement, the majority of it is purely fiction. However, if you can go in with the expectations that you will see a movie about a complicated love story, set to the backdrop of the Panther movement, than you might actually have a good time. Think Rose and Jack on the Titanic.
I won't go into any more details about the movie - other than to say that Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter ( front man for The Roots), had a bit part in it, which was actually quite unintentionally comical (I love Black Thought but acting may not be his forte). I want you to go see it. After all, this is a small film, which will mostly be banished to your local independent film house as oppose to a mega-plex. And while it may not be perfect, we still should support our stories told by us, with good intentions, on the big screen.
Listen below to an audience Q&A with Kerry Washington (Oh, did I mention that she was there for the screening) and Director Tanya Hamilton:
But be forewarn, if you are expecting this film to be an factual retelling of the Panther activity in Philadelphia, you might be disappointed. While some stuff mentioned is relatable to the movement, the majority of it is purely fiction. However, if you can go in with the expectations that you will see a movie about a complicated love story, set to the backdrop of the Panther movement, than you might actually have a good time. Think Rose and Jack on the Titanic.
I won't go into any more details about the movie - other than to say that Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter ( front man for The Roots), had a bit part in it, which was actually quite unintentionally comical (I love Black Thought but acting may not be his forte). I want you to go see it. After all, this is a small film, which will mostly be banished to your local independent film house as oppose to a mega-plex. And while it may not be perfect, we still should support our stories told by us, with good intentions, on the big screen.
Listen below to an audience Q&A with Kerry Washington (Oh, did I mention that she was there for the screening) and Director Tanya Hamilton:
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