Lackawanna Blues

S.Eptha Merkenson...what can I say, with a slump of her shoulders, or a look in her eye, this woman conveyed a range of emotions without opening her mouth! I hope to see her in many more leading lady roles. The movie world shouldn't let talent like hers go to waste.

Another stand out actor was the gentleman who showed young Ruben his scrapbook. His storytelling went from hilarious to sorrowful. An unforgettable 5 min soliloquy.

I wished the movie could have been longer to allow more depth into some of the other characters, but the story was Ruben's relationship with Nanny, and a wonderful relationship it was.

The music, costumes, sets, and characters all came together to make one truly enjoyable movie. Thank You Mr Santiago Hudson for allowing us to view a small slice of your life.

This is a wonderful film, and is very nostalgic to those of us who remember the years. The editing is exceptional. The music and soundtrack is worthy of a Grammy. The fashions and furnishings were correct to the most minute detail. It brought back memories of family and neighbors and how the politics of the 50's and 60's truly affected black communities, both personally and as the cultural group that the attention was focused on. Mos Def has once again added to what we know of his talent. Now he will also known as a singer and an entertainer, as well as a talented actor and rap artist. My only disappointment is that IMDb did not list HILL HARPER in the credits. He is one of the most talented actors in the business and played a major part in Lackawanna Blues. How could you forget him?

Lackawanna Blues is a story that many should be able to relate to. It was filled with joy, laughter, mixed with a little sorrow. Afterall, I have seen it about eight times since it has been coming on HBO and it still seems fresh each time I view it. S. Epatha Merkerson did a fantastic job as "Nanny" (the neighborhood mother). Her character was reminiscent of the neighborhood mothers in my day. Terrance Howard did an exceptional job portraying her husband, "Bill". He was a "protector" of his family despite his shortcomings. Macy gray did a fine job portraying, Pauline. All of the cast members were exceptional and rare. We must not forget Marcus (who played young Rueben), He did exceptionally well. I look forward to seeing more of him as he grow up. He has skills at such a young, tender age. I really enjoyed this movie and cannot stop saying good things about it. I have alerted many of my friends and family members to see it. They all were amazed.There need to be more movies like this one. It left you with a bitter sweet feeling but never disappointed.

One word....Excellent! Everyone should see this movie. It is the very heart and soul of what family and community are all about. It defines the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." Lackawanna Blues features an all-star cast with the likes of Louis Gossett, Jr., Delroy Lindo, Lou Myer and Ernie Hudson. The movie is set in the 60's and seen through the eyes of a young boy growing up in a rooming house run by the lady that everyone calls Nanny. S. Epatha Merkerson did an outstanding job playing the lead role. I always look forward to Black HIstory Month so that I can see movies and documentaries that celebrate Black Heritage.

"Lackawanna Blues'is so emotionally powerful in its portrayal of urban Blacks during the 50s and early 60s. A culture of joy and sadness specific to working class Blacks that existed outside the mainstream culture. The characters of Santiago-Hudson's play depicted Black individuals who lived imperfect lives but maintained strong positive values of love,loyalty and honor. Although the characters moved away from those values at times, they did not deny the importance of the values. Instead they recognized and accepted their own imperfection and those of the other characters, without judgment, that passed through the life of "nanny". The central characters were strong and believable, the settings were realistic and brought back personal memories of a by-gone era. Pre-integration urban life was a time of sensory intoxication, sight, sound,and smell, that could almost be experienced by watching the drama "Lackawanna Blues" unfold. I will watch it again and again.