Black Nativity - C+

Rated PG, 93 minutes

"Black Nativity" shines as long as Hudson's onscreen
 

Jennifer Hudson

"Black Nativity" is a loose, modern-day retelling of the Langston Hughes classic Christmas muscial from Kasi Lemmons, the director of such films as "Talk to Me" and "Eve's Bayou." Lemmons' interpretation is uneven and narratively weak, but the music is powerful and it benefits from a strong last act. After his mother, Naima (Jennifer Hudson), is evicted from their Baltimore apartment, teenage Langston (Jacob Latimore) is sent to spend the holidays with his estranged grandparents (Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker) in New York City, where he learns the true meaning of faith, healing, and family. Directed and written by Lemmons and loosely based on the Hughes stage version, Lemmons version combines a few original songs, a contemporary story as well as the traditional "Black Nativity" retelling of the Christmas story, an ambitious, occasionally poignant but uneven interpretation. As a straight musical or a straight forward dramatic film, it would've worked better, though there are a couple of bright spots: anytime Hudson is onscreen, her booming, powerful voice looms over the rest of the cast and she is by far the most memorable voice. Lemmons' handling of the Christmas story as told by Hughes is well-staged but awkwardly integrated, with a small, memorable turn from R&B diva Mary J. Blige as the angel with a blond afro. The heart-tugging finale is very sentimental but features a satisfying message of forgiveness and hope that should please its target audience. Actors Bassett and Whitaker are well-placed, though it (in Whitaker's case fortunately) minimizes their singing voices and not their acting ability. "Black Nativity" is sentimental and without Hudson, unmemorable, though it will appeal to its target audience just fine.

Wes's Grade: C+