You've been working too much? Don't have two hours to kill at a theater?
I don't believe you. Go see this movie.
In a just world, Gugu Mbatha-Raw gets an Oscar nomination for this film, bare minimum. And I'm dead fucking serious. This is a smart, surprisingly complex film with terrific characters, some sharp commentary on the entertainment industry, and real chemistry between its leads.
Go see this movie. We need more movies that are this good. We need Gina Prince-Bythewood to make a movie more frequently than every six years.
2. "my wife and I will see it tonight. *warning: some bashing in my reply..." In response to Reply # 0
some Black folks on OKP kill me. Not all. But the ones who fit the following description: Quick to praise the conceit of such films like Whiplash, Gone Girl or Interstellar, months before they're even released. Express the view that most films directed by and starring Black leads are usually stale and/or didactic/preachy, yet wont even give a film like this a try. Its okay to drool over the narcisissm of pretentious White filmmakers all because their films are "pushing the limits" and are "complex". Egregious violence? Great. Nihilism? Yes. Sci-fi self-importance? Wonderful. But a film dealing with Black female experiences & matters of the heart? Next!
10. "Love and Basketball is a good movie." In response to Reply # 2
As is When Harry Met Sally.
And I can say that even though I don't really go for romance/rom-coms when it comes to narrative art.
So if I'm not seeing this in theaters it's because of the genre. I'm sure I'll eventually see it, and I'm sure it will be good, but I'll watch it on on a tv or laptop the same way I do all movies in genres that I don't like
17. "yes indeed" In response to Reply # 10 Sun Nov-23-14 08:53 AM by Fructose Soda
I'm not a "Notebook" or "Eat Pray Love" kinda guy. But its always refreshing when theres a film about Black people that doesn't involve "baby-mama drama" or ratchet hood conflict. White people make films like Beyond The Lights all the time. Maybe the plots are different, but the underlying theme is the same. btw This movie is good. Nothing extremely ground-breaking, but it definitely deserves as much support as all the over-publicized "Oscar contenders" that are in theatres this season.
I recently saw Nightcrawler, that was dope. I love comedy though. I like tons of shit (action/adventure, sci-fi, anything that isnt scary or overly dramatic)
Frank Longo Member since Nov 18th 2003 86670 posts
Mon Nov-24-14 12:45 AM
24. "I can't think of five better leading lady performances yet." In response to Reply # 18
I've only seen The Theory of Everything and Gone Girl of the expected nominees for Beat Actress, and I'd put Gugu over both (though I'd also nominate Rosamund Pike... I just like Gugu's performance a little more).
29. "RE: I can't think of five better leading lady performances yet." In response to Reply # 24
>I've only seen The Theory of Everything and Gone Girl of the >expected nominees for Beat Actress, and I'd put Gugu over both >(though I'd also nominate Rosamund Pike... I just like Gugu's >performance a little more).
Gugu really SHOULD slip in for Belle...we both know the Academy LOVES costume dramas and Gugu was fantastic in Belle...though Beyond the Lights? Her performance DEFINITELY gives her a shot to be a "dark horse" contender for sure. because right now:
Julianne Moore Still Alice Rosamund Pike Gone Girl Felicity Jones The Theory of Everything Reese Witherspoon Wild
seem to be the current bets for possible slots right now.
So odd, last year the competition was FIERCE for Best Actress. This year? it's weak as fuck.
The fact that Jennifer Anniston and Shailene Woodley are on the campaign trail for Cake (Anniston) and The Fault In Our Stars (Woodley) says a lot. Woodley gave a great performance in Fault. I haven't seen Cake but I read the screenplay for Cake and yes, Anniston should be in the oscar conversation for it if she delivers like I hear she truly did.
But, the options are few and far in between this time around.
But Best Supporting Actress: with Rene Russo (Nightcrawler), Meryl Streep (Into the Woods), Patricia Arquette (Boyhood, though isn't this more of a Best Actress performance?), Tilda Swinton (Snowpiercer), Octavia Spencer (Black and White), Carrie Coon (Gone Girl), etc. all in the running, is the strongest field out right now.
27. "I saw it this weekend" In response to Reply # 0
...and I loved it. It's the first film in recent memory that passed the Bechdel Test. It was great to see two people fall in love in a realistic way. And I loved seeing a strong, Black man on screen who was willing to take a chance on love.
31. "saw it last night and I'll admit that it was a rather " In response to Reply # 0
good movie. Not the best but definitely better than any movie with a black cast that I've seen in the past couple of years.
That soundtrack tho? I'd buy it. I don't know if the actress was actually singing those songs played in the movie but regardless those songs were pretty damn good.
36. "Saw this last night with my sister" In response to Reply # 0
I said it was a a good movie, just not a good romantic movie.
The critique of the entertainment industry was nice.
It was interesting to see how the movie touched on depression and suicide.
The relationship of the singer to her manager was well done.
But the romance, was handled poorly.
Neither side really talked about their lives and how the relationship might progress. They obviously had a deep connection and a spark, but he never talked about why he didn't want to live up to his father's expectations with her. Their relationship lived outside of the real pressures they faced and watching the obstacles ratchet up in intensity as they continued their relationship might have caused more tension and ultimately more of a payoff when he decides to take a chance on her.
That being said it's a solid 3 / 5. I'm glad I watched it, just not sure I would watch it again.
Printer-friendly copy 
Email this topic to a friend
General Discussion
