Black or White Review
RYAN: This is the new drama starring Oscar winners Kevin Costner and Octavia Spencer as Grandparents fighting over the custody of their granddaughter.
CAROLINE: And how is it?
RYAN: It’s not bad. It’s a full two hours and I found it to move very well. It’s a real drama – dealing with major themes of parental control, rights, and racial issues. It’s interesting how the story sets up the concept of racism. I was curious early on to see how that would play out in the story and it’s certainly impactful.
CAROLINE: How are the stars?
RYAN: Good – It’s good seeing Kevin in a straightforward drama. He really has the chops. As for Octavia – it’s not her best performance. She overacted a bit and was less natural than I’ve known her to be in other work. But she does provide a bit of nice levity in a few moments. And I like her so much that she’s just fun to watch.
CAROLINE: Who’s the little girl?
RYAN: Jillian Estell. She hasn’t been in too much but she’s very good. There’s a great strength and maturity in her. The role isn’t too demanding but I almost wish there had been more with her. And then Anthony Mackie, as Octavia’s brother, is really fantastic. I like the way their sibling connection is brought to the screen.
CAROLINE: So does this batter really come down to the issue of racism?
RYAN: Interestingly yes, though it’s not ultimately about that, so it’s more complicated than just that – which is a strong point for the screenplay. The title really sets up the expectation about racial play and it does go there; especially for a great moment that Costner has late in the film.
CAROLINE: I bet.
RYAN: The set up for the courtroom battle is good. The stakes are high. You’re dealing with that emotional connection of a parent to a child. I like this movie and I think it has great potential but there’s one thing that’s really holding me back from loving it.
CAROLINE: What’s that? The length?
RYAN: No, it’s the score. It’s super low budge. It sounds very melodramatic sometimes and lighthearted other times; never appropriately. It’s so cheesy that just when the movie is cooking, the score comes in and distracts, sounding like a Lifetime or Hallmark movie and just ruins it.
CAROLINE: How horrid. That’s such a bummer, I can imagine.
RYAN: I really miss good courtroom drama and this has a bit of it but why don’t we get much of that anymore? My Cousin Vinny, A Few Good Men, Nuts, Primal Fear… Love those movies!! I want a new, great, courtroom drama!
CAROLINE: Those are all really great films.
RYAN: This one had potential. It’s good, not great.
