Lackawanna Blues

Superb editing, outstanding acting, especially by Epatha Merkerson, and highly enjoyable musical soundtrack. This film reaches back to the 40's to comment on the racial lifestyle differences and some effect of desegregation while it weaves the true story of a truly admirable and fantastic lady.

The actor portraying the young Terrence Howard character does a wonderful job reflecting the life and times of his upbringing in the small upstate New York town. The audience laughed, cried, and erupted in applause for the film and its director.

Soon to be shown on HBO (Feb 7, I believe) - fire up the TIVO and enjoy a great story!

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.

I always felt that Ms. Merkerson had never gotten a role fitting her skills. Familiar to millions as the Lt. on Law and Order, she has been seen in a number of theatrical releases, always in a supporting role. HBO's Lackawanna Blues changes that and allows this talented actress to shine as Nanny, successful entrepreneur in a world changing from segregation to integration. But the story is really about the colorful array of characters that she and her adopted son meet in a boarding house in Lackawanna, New York, a suburb of Buffalo.

The story could be set in any major African-American community of the 50's and 60's from Atlanta's Sweet Auburn to New York's Harlem. But the segregation-integration angle is only a subtle undercurrent in the colorful lives of the folks at Nanny's boarding house. The story revolves around Nanny's relationships with all kinds of people, played by some of the best actors in the business (I purposely did not say black actors--this ensemble is a stunning array of talent who happen to be black, except for Jimmy Smits, of course) I recommend this film as a fun and colorful look at a bygone day.

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.