A Jazzman's Blues

I have never in my 65 years wanted a movie to to not have a cliched, predictable ending as much as this one! It started with a lot of promise- it wasn't horrible or anything- and how often do we see a movie without a single actor we have seen or heard of before? Seems to me that if Perry had been thinking about this for 27 years or whatever...and I'm not even talking about the logical inconsistencies in the story, since that is so not the point! What is the point of having an imagination, a work ethic, tons of experience in the movie business- yes, I know about Medea but it's not like anyone else was involved in this movie!

I've always adored Tyler Perry, even though his Medea can sometimes get on my nerves, but this film is phenomenal! I loved the bluesy music; the story is so heartbreaking at times, and the authenticity of the era is outstanding! This took him years to come to fruition, but it was well worth it. A love story to remember for years. Powerful stuff that this couple had to endure because of Jim Crow South and the horrible racism. Still too familiar.

Also the struggle with his only brother's jealousy ~ heart-breaking on so many levels. Joshua Boone will become a major star after this movie makes its rounds.

This is the crème de la crème of Tyler Perry's movies. His best work thus far. Very, very, well written. Heart pounding and heart wrenching at the same time. Thought provoking. The movie delved into the African American and the American experience. Don't want to give away to much. Amirah Vann, my favorite villainess from other shows (How to Get Away With Murder and Queen Sugar) is amazing. What a voice. Never knew she could sing like that. All the other actors were superb as well. The ensemble was perfect. The scenery, music and choreography fantastic This is a must see. This is a movie that you can watch over again.

I have never given Tyler Perry overflowing accolades for any of his cinematic undertakings but I proclaim open heartily this noteworthy feature will stand endlessly in his repertoire. The writing(Which I always felt was rushed in Tyler's assortment of movies), was exceptional! The Casting (Joshua Boone who is a reincarnation of Sam Cooke from voice to appearance with phenomenal acting skills and I can't go without applauding Amirah Vann who's a believable chameleon on every theatrical level from conducting a boardroom to a bluesy matriarch. Too many cast members to thank for giving their all to each character. And last the aesthetically pleasing cinematography that put the viewers right there with every voice.

I am always skeptical about TP movies but this one was far better than the other ones in my opinion. Even though there were a few cons why I did not give this movie a 10, It is still an enjoyable watch.

Here are the reasons why I did not give it a 10.

Cons: Movie ended with missing parts that could've sent the movie to another level. The father's hate, where does it come from? If Bayou is someone else's son who is he?

The grandfather, yes we get it, he is depraved rapist. Why didn't Bayou do anything about it? And why is Leanne's mother so detached and evil? Couldn't they show us some dialogues between her and Leanne that made her this way?

Why is Leanne so selfish? As if she did not know that they could kill Bayou.

Why is Bayou's brother like that? Did something happened to him that turned him into an addict?

Lastly Why is Bayou so dumb? You know your brother hates you, you go and trust him around you while you are enjoying stardom. Why go back to the place that you know pretty well that they will kill you. Why couldn't he send someone down there and bring his mom to Chicago to live with him?

What type of life is he proposing to Leanne and his white son (which the skin tone is completely confusing btw).

Who is the old woman at the beginning of the movie? What happened to Bayou's people at the aftermath?

Nice try from Tyler Perry tho.