Dorathen
Better Late Then Never
Tyreece Hulme
One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.
Hayleigh Joseph
This is ultimately a movie about the very bad things that can happen when we don't address our unease, when we just try to brush it off, whether that's to fit in or to preserve our self-image.
TxMike
This movie begins in the 1950s in Lackawanna, NY, when Ruben Santiago Jr. was born. This is his story which spans roughly 30 years. But there is another main character which really gives the whole movie its tone, and reason for the story being told.S. Epatha Merkerson is Rachel "Nanny" Crosby, a 50-ish woman who has turned her two story home into a boarding house and restaurant. She never turns anyone away, even if they seem a bit crazy. But she also isn't shy about standing eye to eye with a bully looking for the wife he beat up the night before. Nanny has the good fortune of being there for little Ruben when the boy's mom and dad both turn out to be more interested in the rest of the world than their son. Nanny becomes Ruben's real mother, and in her care he grows up to be a fine, well educated man.What the movie accurately depicts is how it was to live as a black person in the 1950s and 1960s in Lackawanna, NY. It is a side of society that we seldom see in movies. It has a great ensemble cast, but it is Merkerson as Nanny that makes the movie what it is. Hers is as good a perforations as any most of us have ever seen. The cast also includes the real Ruben Santiago Jr. as Freddie Cobbs.It is out now on DVD. Truly a special movie.
pbobo46
Lackawanna Blues is a very moving film depicting an era filled with varying emotions and characters as seen through the eyes of a young boy. The film clearly supports "it takes a village to raise a child" and reminds of an important time in black history and culture. I gained an incredible amount of respect for Macy Gray as an actress. Her character was a little crazy, yet lovable; clearly we all have known someone like Macy's character. S. Epatha Merkerson is absolutely fantastic as Nanny. I never realized that Epatha was such a great actress. Law & Order never showcased the depth of Epatha's acting abilities like Lackawanna Blues. I was pleasantly surprised and amazed! The music and the characters reminded me of my own childhood...it was a sweet nostalgic walk down memory lane. I truly enjoyed the film and eagerly await the DVD release to add to my collection.
kfranklin-1
I have watch this movie almost every night that is was on HBO. It is of my opinion that it could have been successful in the theater, providing the advertisement leading up to it was top scale. I was thoroughly impressed with the actress who played Nanny. She is an outstanding actress. Of course, my favorite actor is Terrance Howard. He is a very understated actor and he deserves much more credit than he has received. Ebony magazine did do a nice article on him, giving him some of his due propers. Lakawanna Blue, gave me a understanding of the stories my parents use to tell us. They were from a similar town "Philadelphia, PA" were they had to have their fun in the junt joints and such. I also like to say that Mos Def is a incredible actor. He has found his calling. I've seen him in several movies where he has played a variety of roles, from thug to doctor and he has the stuff! Overall, please put Lakawanna Blues on video for rental.
sstreet57
Lackawanna Blues is a story that many should be able to relate to. It was filled with joy, laughter, mixed with a little sorrow. Afterall, I have seen it about eight times since it has been coming on HBO and it still seems fresh each time I view it. S. Epatha Merkerson did a fantastic job as "Nanny" (the neighborhood mother). Her character was reminiscent of the neighborhood mothers in my day. Terrance Howard did an exceptional job portraying her husband, "Bill". He was a "protector" of his family despite his shortcomings. Macy gray did a fine job portraying, Pauline. All of the cast members were exceptional and rare. We must not forget Marcus (who played young Rueben), He did exceptionally well. I look forward to seeing more of him as he grow up. He has skills at such a young, tender age. I really enjoyed this movie and cannot stop saying good things about it. I have alerted many of my friends and family members to see it. They all were amazed.There need to be more movies like this one. It left you with a bitter sweet feeling but never disappointed.
