I am a huge fan of Kelsey Grammer, and watched it for that reason. Then the story about how a first time writer/director, and the owner of the OK Cafe (which is very, very good in Atlanta) was intriguing. The making of it is far more interesting than the film however.
I have a hard time with films that pretend to be historical, but don't actually use the factual history to tell the story, like this one. Additionally, it is slow, dry in many spots, an 'off' view of how black folks operate. Its an updated new of Gone with the Wind, that should have been left alone. It is in some ways, just as insulting, though you can tell it is trying very hard not to be, and yet, still . . .
There is so much emotional confusion in the main character for too long, and her clarity has no hard defining moments but is as namely pam-by as she is. The script is very weak, though the acting is strong. The Director has a 'type' in casting black women, so two key characters look too much alike, when in fact black people come in a range of appearances. The conflict between the people of all colors, within their own race and class is incredibly superficial and shallow, so it loses any power it might have had if handled better. The lack of understanding about the power of the script sinks this film into humdrum land, and just makes the view wait for the end.
The Writer/Director gets an A for effort, and perhaps her next film will be better, if she hires a real scriptwriter. Her directing was passable though.
