Seven Fun Movie Recommendations for Black History Month
It’s Black History Month. You may have noticed. It’s time to celebrate this time by reminiscing through our favorite movies and music that feature our favorite black stars. In case you we’re wondering, there are actually movies that star a predominately black cast that aren’t about Slavery or a war-torn Africa. If you’re not particularly interested in the following recommendations, don’t fret, a movie about Michael Jackson is coming out soon starring Joseph Fiennes.
Here we go.
Attack the Block
Attack on the Block is a UK Thriller about a diverse handful of a teens that fight off an alien invasion in their small South London town. It stars one of my favorite actors, John Boyega, who you SHOULD know from Star Wars. If you haven’t seen Star Wars, that’s ok, it’s not a requisite for Black History Month. AOTB is fun, because it’s a Science Fiction movie featuring British-accented troubled youths fighting aliens with Samurai swords and super soakers, which you will admit, was the plot of all your childhood fantasies. Oh, and there’s plenty of gore, if you’re into that kinda thing.
Dope
This is my favorite movie from 2015. ‘Dope’ is a coming-of-age story about Malcolm (pictured middle, played by Shameik Moore), who along with his two side-mates Diggy and Jib (respectively played by Kiersey Clemons and Tony Revolori), are obsessed with 90’s Hip-Hop culture. The movie follows Malcolm and his friends constantly being in the wrong place at the wrong time, eventually getting mixed up in a drug war and harassed by shoe thieves. Don’t worry, throughout the movie, you’ll probably browse online indie shops, wishing you dressed as cool as Malcolm.
Similar films: House Party, Poetic Justice
Top Five
“Top Five” is one of my guilty pleasures. I’m not sure exactly why I enjoyed it so much, but it does have some great comedic moments. I’ve always been a fan of Rosario Dawson, and Chris Rock seems to be self-reflecting on some of his past experiences here. The story is about a comedian taking on the non-trifling task of being seen as a serious actor after releasing a film about the 18th century Haitian rebellion. As you can imagine, it didn’t go well. Rock’s character Andre Allen, goes on radio shows trying to convince the world he is more than the type-cast of his former role as a walking-talking-bear police officer, called Hammy. There are a ton of cameos, but I won’t spoil you.
Similar films: Beyond the Lights, Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?
Girlhood
Not many people know about this movie, but it’s definitely well made and well directed. The story follows Marieme (played by Karidja Touré), a young woman on the search for likeliness amongst her peers, eventually tagging along with the wrong crowd. The film was made in Paris, with real French speaking actresses, so you’ll have to follow along via subtitles. I’ll admit, the story is kind of depressing as there doesn’t seem to be any positive climaxes, but it’s definitely artistic and worth the watch.
Black Dynamite
Alright, here’s the deal. You’ve probably already seen this movie. Or, you know about it’s ridiculous dialog and goofy action scenes. If neither, then prepare yourself for a movie character known by no other name than “Black Dynamite”, who is essentially a mustache bearing melting pot of Shaft, Bruce LeRoy, Dolemite, Undercover Brother, and your black uncle Ronald. Our hero, Black Dynamite, is a crime fighting kung-fu ex-military vigilante, cleaning up the streets with nunchucks and boom-mics. Yep, during an action scene, Black Dynamite breaks the fourth wall by noticing the audio technician’s boom-mic above their heads. At the very least, you can brag to your co-workers on Monday that you watched a movie called Black Dynamite, forcing them to ask, “What the hell is Black Dynamite??”
Similar films: I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood
An Oversimplification Of Her Beauty
It’s not the wackiest movie I’ve ever seen… Ok, it’s the wackiest movie I’ve ever seen. Up there with Upstream Color and Mr Nobody. The first run through this film by filmmaker and main actor Terence Nance had me second guessing my purchase on iTunes. But on second viewing, I was quite intrigued. It also proves I shouldn’t watch indie self-star films at 2 in the morning. The story follows Terence as he prepares for an upcoming date, only to get stood up. Nance’s voice is quite addicting and it’s oddly strange how he never considers delivering the damn bed to his house. Poor guy.
Luv
I was initially conflicted about recommending this movie to you. It stars Common as Vincent, a slick ex-convict who takes his 11 year old nephew Woody (played by Michael Rainey Jr.) on a day of less-than suitable behavior for an 11-year old boy. The movie is heart wrenching and it truly does make you wonder what the hell the point is, until the very end.
Similar style film: Tangerine.
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All images are courtesy of their respective production companies.