Not Just Your Average Shock Jock Schlock

I rarely post to these things, because frankly, I have better things to do than argue with spotty 15 year olds who are taking a break from typing one handed to incite some online fight. HOWEVER, if this post gets even ONE MORE PERSON to see this film, it will be worth it.

You GOTS to see this film, y'all. (colloquiallism intended)

There has already been much comparison to Good Morning Vietnam, Private parts, etc. Frankly, that's pure laziness. The only thing they have in common is outspoken radio personalities. Period. Yes, Petey Greene was one of the first widely known "shock jocks". Yes, he was a rare "voice of the common people" during the politically volatile days of civil rights battles, esp. the assassination of Dr. King. Yes, he inspired and befriended a younger Howard Stern. Yes, he says more offensive phrases in the first 10 minutes of the movie than all the Lenny Bruce, Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor Live shows put together. And No, they didn't include a re-enactment of the famous "How to Eat a Watermelon" clip. But go see this anyway.

Why? Because this is the rarest of rare things in Black Cinema.

It's a love story.

And I don't mean Taraji Henson's Vernell, although she does a fine job, bringing depth and compassion to a composite character that could very easily have become a caricature. She looks like every cover girl from the Supremes, to Foxy Brown to some very "Dynasty" looking mourning clothes at the end, and yet still manages to stay as 3D as her Chaka-licious fro.(Note: It's a biopic people. There's no spoilers if you know your history. Google that ish)

No, I mean the love story that exists between Petey Greene, and Dewey Hughes.

Now, before y'all start rolling eyes and signifyin' about how dare I imply any of that "funnyman" business between those two brothas, let me just say that that reaction is *exactly* why I think everyone needs to see this film. Because the world needs to see more examples of the deep and powerful love that exists when two Black men, on seemingly opposite sides of the same coin, find common ground, respect and (tell the truth and shame the devil) love.

There was a wonderful interview with director Kasi Lemmons in which she discussed those who were skeptical as to whether or not she, as a woman, would be able to accurately depict this predominantly male story. Her response was that as a wife and mother, she'd had a lifetime of experience with Black men, and knew them as well or better as they did themselves. I think it was that same insight that kept this story from being reduced to a trite string of "oh no he didn't" escapades. Without a lot of heavy handed dialogue, lingering camera work or mood music, Ms. Lemmons is wise enough to recognize the caliber of the actors she's working with and allow them to do what they do best - tell the story. For example ( potential spoiler) in an uncharacteristically unguarded moment, Dewey tells Petey that they need one another, because "You say the things I'm afraid to say, and I do the things you are afraid to do". To which the reply is: "Damn. That's deep. That should go on a Hallmark Card." Any other response would have been less than genuine. But you are in no doubt as to the love that is there, and that it is mutual.

As the friend who attended this film with me remarked, you "know" these people. You know (or possibly have been) the woman who's crazy outspoken antics guard a strong, tender heart. You know (or have been) the "Model Negro" uncomfortably stradddling the fence between "keeping it real" and "keep hope alive". You know (or have been) the quickwitted charmer that in another life, would have been brokering deals on wall street and negotiating peace in the middle east rather than risking their lives over $20 hustles. You know them. You love them. You are one of them. And with eloquence, with humor, with great, great love, this film tells your story.

So please, PLEASE, do yourself a favor and GO SEE THIS MOVIE. They say those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Well, audiences who don't invest in quality entertainment like this when they come along will be doomed forever to a Black Cinema section consisting of Friday, Big Momma's House, and Little Man.

As Petey would say, " Wake up, Dammit!" And see this film.