BLACK NATIVITY (2013) – My rating: 9/10

Not only is this a feel good movie, it sends a powerful message of forgiveness and redemption.  IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD!  Having lived in Harlem the first 13 years of my life, I can attest to a village that didn’t allow children on the streets during school hours or back talk to adults or any type of disrespect to elders.  Most parents disciplined their children and didn’t try to be their friends.  Church was a way of life and teenage pregnancies were not celebrated.  Black Nativity stars Jennifer Hudson as Naima, Forrest Whitaker as Reverend Cornell Cobbs, Angela Bassett as Aretha Cobbs, Mary J. Blige as the Angel, Tyrese Gibson as Loot and Jacob Latimore as Langston.  I had no idea what to expect but boy was I pleasantly pleased.  If you’re human, emotions will arise and hallelujahs will be shouted.  A mother and son facing eviction is challenged to deal with their past in order to move forward in a positive way.  Naima, a single mom, sends her only child, during the Christmas holidays, from from Maryland to Harlem, NY to live with grandparents he doesn’t know.  Having mixed emotions about leaving his mom, Langston makes decisions based on his current circumstances. The music is outstanding, the singing superb and the acting by such a stellar cast, fantastic.  While this film is a shoe in for Christians, I think everyone will agree, Black navitivy is good for anyone’s soul.  I for one, have made plans to purchase this one for my library of exceptional movies.

NASHVILLE – My rating: 8.5/10

I never thought I would like a country music television series that take place in Nashville, Tennessee.  I’ve been to various cities in Tennessee and really liked what I saw and experienced, however I’ve never been a fan of country music.  I now have a whole new opinion of country music just because of this really well written series and well thought out plot.  The music is simply fantastic and the acting superb.  The story centers around a fading star, Rayna Jaymes (played by Connie Britton) and her family plus her new rival,  Juliette Barnes (played by former Heroes cheerleader, Hayden Panettiere).  There are lots of characters with profound stories.  Rayna and Juliette can’t seem to earn the respect from each other that is well deserved.  Complicating matters, is Rayna’s long time real love and father to one of her children, Deacon Claybourne (played by Charles Esten) and her very rich, corrupted father Lamar Wyatt, played by veteran actor (Powers Boothe) .  There’s lots of talent and lots of drama.  Nashville can be a tad bit soap opera-ish but is still worth watching.  You’ll find everything from music to cat fights to infidelity.  I’m enjoying Nashville to the utmost!