Heat Wave

Intelligently and insightfully written, movingly played. Heat Wave is hot!

The Watts Riots occurred six months before I was even born, but my mom still has vivid memories of what happened during that time. From what she and my late father told me the movie was an accurate portrayal of that ugly chapter in the history of the City of Los Angeles. Also, this film showed me that the conditions that led up to that riot also helped to spark an even bigger riot almost 26 years later. And much like the first riot the second riot was only a reaction to the problems that were plaguing the city of Los Angeles; a seemingly racist police chief, poor economic conditions and hopelessness in the black community. The entire cast, especially Blair Underwood and James Earl Jones, were outstanding in this historical piece. And Kevin Hooks showed that Thomas Carter wasn't the only great director to come out of the cast of "White Shadow".

This was an intelligent, well-done story about the Watts' riots in Los Angeles back in 1965. An intelligent cast is featured here, too, with Cicely Tyson, Blair Underwood, James Earl Jones and Sally Kirkland.

Language-wise, this is a surprisingly clean movie. Even more of a shock is to see a good Christian woman in the lead (Tyson as "Ruthana Richardson") You don't see that too often in films anymore. Blair and Underwood play likable characters as well.

This is a good movie the whole family could enjoy. However, it's not one you're likely to watch many times. It's just not that riveting, but certainly deserves more attention that it's getting here with just a handful of reviews. Worth seeing and discussing.

Should be required viewing for anyone interested in America's racial issues past and present as well as the journalists who cover them. This film was a tear-jerker at times, bitingly funny at others. It was always enlightening. Definitely gets a thumbs up.