In terms of the directors and producers included, this is surely the "whitest" best Black film list ever created by SeeingBlack.com. Because even fewer Black filmmakers are finding opportunities to have their work produced and distributed, there are fewer movies by us or about us on the big screen in 2009. But here are my bright spots, with excerpts from my reviews. Here's to better prospects in 2010!


Avatar
The theme of "Avatar" is worth a mention and worth supporting when it is being bashed in some quarters. Some critics like to pretend that they are making "fair and balanced" reviews unrelated to their political or world views. So, there it is. As it turns out, Neither "Precious" with its gross excess nor "The Frog and the Princess" with its fairytale diversions is the signature "Black" movie of the year. "Avatar" might be the biggest, latest thing in special effects but it is also the biggest, latest thing in speaking truth to power--and fighting the power.


"Capitalism: A Love Story"
...By exploring the economic system of capitalism as an evil, Moore fires a salvo into the heart of America's social machine. Along the way, he explodes some serious myths:
Myth #1: that the economic system of capitalism is the same as or tied to the political system of democracy. Myth #2: That to be an American is to be a capitalist and that to be anti-capitalist is to be anti-American. Myth #3: That people of color with bad credit, who bought houses that they couldn't afford, caused the financial meltdown in the United States. Myth #4: That mainly Blacks and Hispanics are losing their homes to foreclosure.


"American Violet"
In the daily tsunami of news, talk shows and blogs on current events, it is rare that the issue of race and racism ever gets a hearing without reticence, apology or hostility. For example, even as some tout the arrival of the so-called "post-racial" America, this week's government report about increased recruitment by racist extremist groups was shouted down by right-wing talking heads. So, for me, it is amazing to even see the film "American Violet," which is based in part on the true story of how a wide swath of the Black community in a Texas town was arrested one day in a massive drug raid in 1999. I admit it, before the first frames roll, I give a film like this some props for just being, and I also give it a bit of a pass if it is not big-budget polished.


"Notorious"
The triumph and tragedy in the life of the Notorious B.I.G (also known as Biggie Smalls, Big Poppa and Big) comes to life in the ebullient biopic "Notorious," which captures the energy and raw talent of a defining era in hip-hop. Much of the film's weight is carried on the shoulders of Jamal Woolard, the emerging Brooklyn M.C. who grew up not far from Biggie's block and had all but given up on his career before auditioning for this part. Woolard gained more than 50 pounds to play Big when he was at his heaviest, with a double chin and considerable paunch. He obviously mastered the inflection and cadence of Big's performance style, which is the key to making several scenes work, from impromptu freestyling on Brooklyn corners, to studio sessions, to big-venue concerts. Then there are the gestures, movements and even the breathing patterns of an asthmatic that were Big's personal signatures. These scenes are integrated into a narrative, written by Reggie Rock Bythewood and Cheo Hodari Coker, that doesn't take the easy way out with an overemphasis on performance; this is not a two-hour music video. A whiff of the crack era is inserted and some care is taken to develop characters, which are given a big assist from other exceptional performances, most specifically by acting newcomer Naturi Naughton as Lil' Kim and Derek Luke as Sean "Puffy" Combs.


"The Blind Side"
Truth is what gives "The Blind Side" its teeth and bite. Enough of the realities of race, class and gender disparities in Memphis, Tenn. are laid bare to steer the narrative away from the typical: magnanimous, wealthy Whites help poor, hapless Blacks.


Honorable Mention:"Passing Strange," directed by Spike Lee

"The Soloist", starring Jamie Foxx

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