Black Nativity Bores
Mary Baker ’17 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Everything in Black Nativity pointed to a hit: source material drawn from one of America’s favorite poets, a star-studded cast, and enough music and holiday spirit to make even Scrooge smile. However, something went wrong in the recipe and turned what promised to be a Christmas cookie treat of a movie into a fruitcake.
Based on Langston Hughes’ Off-Broadway musical version of the birth of Jesus, Black Nativity tells the story of Langston (newcomer Jacob Latimore), a teenage boy living with his single mother Naima (an incredibly under utilized Jennifer Hudson). When they receive an eviction notice, Naima sends Langston off to spend the holidays with her parents, who she ran away from as a teenager. Naima’s father, the Rev. Cornell Cobbs (Forrest Whittaker) and mother Aretha (Angela Bassett) take Langston in as he tries to discover the mystery of why his mother ran away all while learning about the true meaning of Christmas.
Most of the songs are exceptionally downbeat for a movie with such a merry tone, and the characters do not seem to have any reason for naturally breaking out into song. The musical numbers seem forced, especially when Langston raps a few lines then continues on as if nothing has happened. Black Nativity cannot decide whether it wants to be a movie musical or a movie where the characters have a penchant for breaking out into gospel tunes.
Black Nativity disappointed as a holiday film, but provided minor enjoyment and plenty of warm Christmas feelings as a whole.
Overall Grade: C-