For Real

In an interview with Tavis Smiley, Tim Reid said that he wished to make an African American version of MY FAIR LADY. Instead of mimicking the classical musical with Black actors in period costumes, Reid re-worked the basic theme to fit the current cultural moment.

The film is timely and on point. It is a fine piece of cultural criticism which is not heavy-handed. Reid respects contemporary Black youth culture and honors the original version of George Bernard Shaw's PYGMALION.

As the previous review has stated, there are a few moments that do not ring true. In terms of the narrative, the "work-out" could have been cut. However, this scene is valuable in that it demonstrates how Black women are commodified in American culture. Again, a timely piece of cultural criticism.

This film is appropriate for teens and young adults. I especially recommend it for high school and college students writing comparative essays between European-centric plays and film with Hip Hop Culture.

Very nice. A nice addition to independent Black Film.

What could have been an excellent family movie, took a wrong turn. The sex scene between an eighteen year old and the obviously over 50 Tim Reid ruined the movie. Too bad. Trash is done all the time. He had the opportunity to do something special.

I had never heard of the movie until I saw it on TV One a couple of weeks ago. it's been playing every weekend. I liked it, seeing how it tells of a rags to riches story. the only thing that bothered me some was the sex scene between Tim Reid's character and the 18 year old girl. It's not their ages that got to me, it's this: 1) Tim Reid was on Sister Sister. You see him more as a fatherly figure these days than anything else. 2) Tim Reid reminds me of my father. he looks remarkably like him. I can't stomach that scene cuz that's like watching my dad...uggggh! I can't understand why anyone would write that in. He seemed to calm down a bit as far as the sexuality between them near the end. He seemed to be more of a fatherly-type after the teen's aunt passes away.

I'm a music teacher and I enjoyed the movie. One reason is the use of original material.The characters could have been a little more believable, but the over all storyline was good.There are a lot of "Cee Cee's" out there growing up in difficult situations, they need care and guidance.The theme of this movie touches on that premise, but it does not complete it.It also speaks to the disadvantages of kids that live in low-income housing and the lack of opportunities.It does however show that everyone can change and rise above their own situation.Believe it,these situations really do happen.The studio scenes are realistic,because there are ego problems and fights from time to time .The song "For Real",was fun and danceable. I especially enjoyed the song, "Wings", very moving.Keep up the good work Tim Reid.

I saw the premier for this movie in Dallas. I love Tim Reid, but I was disappointed in this movie. I thought that the romance between him and a teen was disgusting and took what could have been a really nice movie to an all time low.