While planted on our sofas during quarantine this year, to keep our minds off of either the grim coronavirus pandemic news or the craziness constantly unfolding in the White House, we streamed Black Films in 2020.
In case you missed some of them, here is a round up of a few of the memorable 2020 releases starring black actors or created by black filmmakers that gave us joy this year.
Black Films in 2020
The 40 year Old Version is directed and stars Radha Blank as a 40 year old down-and-out playwright who aspires to become a rapper. The film is a fun look into the fictional double life of Radha, a respected playwright who has lost her way, and her alter ego, gritty rapper RadhaMusPrime. Find it on Netflix
All In: The Fight for Democracy is directed by Lisa Cortez and Liz Garbus and recounts the history of voter suppression in America, especially in the South, from the Jim Crow era to today. The doc pulls back the curtain reminding us of how much more work needs to done and how important it is to vote. Amazon Prime.
Antebellum. From the producers of Get Out, Antebellum is an intense and graphic horror film starring Janelle Monae as an uber-successful modern-day black woman who is brutally enslaved and forced to work on a Louisiana plantation. That’s all I can tell you without spoiling any plot twists. Amazon Prime.
In Bad Boys for Life Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprise their roles in the 3rd installment of this buddy cop action dramedy. Released in theaters in January 2020 the film was a huge success bringing in $426 million at the box office. 2020 sure started off great, then totally went left! Find it on Starz
Becoming is an intimate look into the life of former First Lady Michelle Obama during a moment of profound change, not only for her personally but for the country she and her husband served over eight impactful years in the White House. The film offers a rare and up-close look at her life, taking viewers behind the scenes as she embarks on a 34-city tour that highlights the power of community to bridge our divides and the spirit of connection that comes when we openly and honestly share our stories.
The Banker stars Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie and Nia Long. Based on a true story, the film follows two black bankers as they hatch a bold plot to take their business to a new level in the racially divided 1960’s. It was Apple TV’s first narrative film.
Black is King is a visibly beautiful project with gorgeous art direction, locations, and costumes, blended with dance and music from Beyonce and 17 other artists. Black is King is a visual album from Beyonce inspired by the 2019 remake of The Lion King: The Gift. The project is a re-imagination of the film’s lessons, honoring all shades of black, mother Africa and African culture. Disney Plus.
Charm City Kings is a coming of age story from Barry Jenkins about the 12 O’ Clock Boys – a group of teenage dirt bikers. The group was the topic of a documentary which was the inspiration for the film. The drama stars Teyonah Parris, rapper Meek Mill and Jahi Di’Allo. HBO Max.
The Clark Sisters. First Ladies of Gospel. Five sisters, Dorinda, Karen, Twinkie,
Denise and Jacky Clark, grow up with no other dream other than becoming a gospel quintet. Under the guidance of their “drill sergeant” mother/manager/musical director, they go on to become household names in the world of music. Better than I expected, I really enjoyed watching the outstanding performances from all of the actors especially, Aunjanue Ellis, Kierra Sheard, and Raven Goodwin.
Da 5 Bloods is a drama-filled and often violent Spike Lee Joint, staring Chadwick Boseman, Delroy Lindo, Clark Peters and the guy from Lovecraft Country Jonathan Majors. In Da 5 Bloods, four war buddies return to Vietnam in hopes of finding treasure they left behind as well as the remains of their fallen squad leader. Watch it on Netflix.
Emperor. Bruce Dern, Naturi Naughton, James Cromwell. A fact based action –packed drama, the film follows Sheilds “Emperor” Green, a bold slave turned outlaw, who fights his way north with the help of abolitionist John Brown. Watch it on Starz in Black.
Hamilton. Hamilton, the hottest and most sought after ticket on Broadway has been brought to the masses by Disney+, 12 years after its Broadway debut. Hamilton is a beautiful and daringly original hip hop musical about America’s Founding Fathers filmed for Disney+ with its original super-star cast, including creator Lin-Manuel Maranda, and Leslie Odom Jr, Daveed Diggs, and Renee Elise Goldsberry, to name a few.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a magical musical whose theme, “It’s all possible, if you believe” has you believing by the film’s end. Starring Forest Whitaker, Keegan Michael Key and Anika Noni Rose, the production has a Wizard of OZ feel, with beautiful, elaborate and colorful sets and costumes, and songs about hopes and dreams. Find it on Netflix.
John Lewis: Good Trouble – a documentary about legendary civil rights leader, activist and congressman John Lewis. Directed by Dawn Porter, the project features interviews with Lewis and follows his 60-plus year career on the front lines of the fight for civil rights and, most famously, voting rights. HBO Max or Amazon Prime.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. a Netflix musical drama from August Wilson brought to the screen by George C. Wolfe and staring Viola Davis as the crass, bold, loud and successful blues singer Ma Rainey, in 1920’s Chicago. Chadwik Boseman also stars in his last performance as Rainey’s trumpeter Levee, on which a good part of the story focuses. Glen Turman also stars. Netflix.
Safety is a Disney+ sports drama with heart from Reginald Hudlin. Based on a true story, Safety is about Ray Ray McElrathbey, a Clemson University football star juggling the demands on the field with school work AND caring for his 11 year old brother, who he has living with him in his dorm. Disney+.
Self Made. Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker is a fictionalized depiction of black self-made millionaire, Madam CJ Walker, the turn-of the century black hair care mogul who built an empire in the face of skepticism and racism. The mini-series for Netflix gained an Emmy nomination for its lead, Octavia Spencer. Netflix.
Soul from Pixar and Disney is available December 25 th with an all star cast lead by
Jamie Foxx along with Phylicia Rashad, Tina Faye, Daveed Diggs and Angela Bassett. The animated feature focuses on a music teacher who looses his passion and doesn’t remember what it means to have soul. Premieres Dec 25 on Disney+
Sylvie’s Love. A young aspiring saxophonist (Nnambi Asomugha) and an aspiring
television producer (Tessa Thompson) fall in love in 1950’s Harlem. Director Eugene Ashe beautifully creates the bustling Harlem Jazz club scene as well as the sparks and tension between these two soulmates Aja Naomi King and Eva Longoria also star. An Amazon Prime Original.
Tenet. The big budget Sci Fi action thriller written and directed by Christopher Nolan stars one of my favorite actors, John David Washington. Tenet was one of few films to be rolled out in theaters, the past September, mid- pandemic. Still in theaters, you can now see Tenet on demand and on Apple TV, Youtube and Amazon Prime.
The Photograph. A romantic drama within a romantic drama that ties together a past and present love story. From Will Packer, the project stars Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield who work well together on camera. The project is written and directed by a sista, Stella Meghie and is now playing on HBO and HBO Max.
Uncorked. A drama about a young black man who struggles to realize his dream of traveling to Paris and becoming a sommelier, rather than taking over his father’s neighborhood barbecue restaurant. The film is directed by Insecure’s Prentice Penny for Netflix and stars Mamoudou Athie, Courtney B. Vance and Niecy Nash. Netflix.
Project Power starring Jamie Foxx is an action-packed superhero drama about a new pill that gives you temporary super powers, but you don’t know what your power is going to be until you take it. The Duece’s Dominique Fishback also stars and does a excellent job. Available on Netflix.
Vampires vs The Bronx. When a lair of Vampires invade the Bronx a group of teens set a plan in motion to protect their neighborhood. Comedy and horror make for a cool mix in this kid-friendly dramedy. The project also stars Zoe Saldana, Chris Redd from SNL, Joel “Mero” Martinez and Method Man. Netflix.
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