Lackawanna Blues

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.

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.

The centerpiece of Lackawanna Blues is the character Rachel "Nanny" Crosby, who runs a boardinghouse and provides unflagging support to a young boy, Ruben, the narrator of the film. Based upon the experiences of writer-actor Ruben Santiago-Hudson, the film lovingly recreates the upstate New York boardinghouse and evokes the cultural climate of a world in transition in the 1960s.

The first half of the film is virtually non-stop music. The second half addresses more completely the various characters in the boardinghouse. Nanny's ability "to take fragments and make them whole" affects everyone within her sphere. An especially vivid scene is when she confronts an abusive husband, telling him firmly, "If you ever touch that child again, we're going to dance!" As delivered by actress S. Epatha Merkerson, that line is so steely and filled with such resolve that the husband with the hair-trigger temper is frozen in his tracks.

From start to finish, Merkerson delivers a commanding presence Her character binds together the disparate lives of the borders in her home. This was a touching, heartfelt film with a wonderful cast. As played by Merkerson, the character of Nanny simply radiates love. This is a film experience that I will remember for a long time to come.

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!