Black or White

We've seen many films that have or had a racial theme to the story (of all races or people with color), but "Black or White" clears showcases these issues in a way that hits home with us all, whether we be black, white or whatever. The only other film that dealt with this issue healthily as this was "Crash" '05, whereas people in the film and in the audience were forced to face their respective prejudices head on. Will this start a trend in future films?

This is the 'based on true events' story of a grandfather, Elliot Anderson (Kevin Costner) who is suddenly left to care for his beloved granddaughter, Eloise Anderson (Jillian Estell) after his wife, Carol (Jennifer Ehle) dies in a car accident. When Eloise's paternal grandmother, Rowena Jeffers (Octavia Spencer) seeks custody with the legal help from her attorney brother, Jeremiah (Anthony Mackie), the little girl is torn between the two families who love her deeply. Add in the girl's father, Reggie Davis (Andre Holland) who has his own personal demons, and you have a recipe for tension. With the best intensions at heart, both families fight for what they feel is right and are soon forced to confront their own true feelings about race, forgiveness, and understanding. The movie is a definitive look at two seemingly different worlds, in which nothing is as simple as black or white.

Others to round out the cast are Bill Burr as Rick Reynolds, Elliot's attorney and work associate, Mypho Koaho as Duvan Araga, Eloise's math tutor, Gillian Jacobs as Fay, Rick's girlfriend, Paula Newsome as Judge Cummins and Bertha Bindewald as Rosita, Elliot's housekeeper.

This was effectively directed by Mike Binder ("Crossing the Bridge" '92, "Indian Summer" '93, "Blankman" '94, "The Sex Monster" '99, "Fourplay" '01, "The Search for John Gissing" '01, "The Upside of Anger" '05, "Man About Town" '06, "Reign Over Me" '07). The fact that this guy hasn't directed anything since "Reign Over Me" proves that one can maintain true professionalism even after so many years. This has got to be one of Binder's better efforts. The way that Costner exuded this man walking an extreme tightrope between love for his granddaughter and his drinking problem was executed with perfection, because it was such a subtle performance. Clearly Binder and Costner are good for each other--they've worked together in the past, so seeing them team up on this film clearly proved that team effort. This is the best thing Costner has done in a while, although his "Draft Day" was also well done, this was clearly a film that will bring Costner back and in spades. This was also written by Binder and clearly delineated well. With the exception of a couple of slow moments in storyline, it was clear that this was expertly executed by a seasoned talented writer as Binder definitely is.

If you're wondering if Costner will ever make a comeback to beat none, go see this, because if he didn't redefine his ability with "Draft Day", he certainly did with "Black or White". Not to mention, this film also speaks to us all in the ability for us to be forced to look into that proverbial mirror and re-examine our morals and values of how we perceive others. and how they perceive us.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                              Rated: PG-13                                  121mins.