And, finally, watched the new Kevin Costner / Octavia Spencer family drama Black or White… a movie about a custody case over Costner’s granddaughter (who is black). It’s a complicated set up for a short blurb here but basically Costner’s character’s daughter died in child birth – and the father/boy friend being a no account crack head, Costner and his wife take custody of her… but Costner’s wife (the primary caregiver) dies and he has to do what he can for his granddaughter while dealing with grief and his rampant alcoholism. Meanwhile, the grandmother on the other side and her very large family from S. Central LA wants custody (the trailer provides a better explanation).

It’s a flick that wants to talk seriously about race issues like white folk caring for a black child and that child not learning of her culture and whatnot. It’s about that, sure, but it seemed – perhaps unintentionally – to be more about whether the father (the crackhead) can turn his life around and not be a scumbag and whether Costner’s opinion of him colors his opinion of all black folk. I liked the movie for not having any “bad guys” in that both Costner and Spencer both want whats best for the little girl and both have their problems. You can root for both sides… .and even the crackhead father I could feel sorry for since everyone treats him like a shitheel to the point he seems himself that way in return.

Or something like that. I think the message gets a little muddled but it’s sweet and funny and above all earnest (if occasionally a little too melodramatic).

Overall, it’s a bit shambly and rambly in its presentation and it doesn’t offer particularly easy answers but it’s still a movie that’s pretty much worth watching if the premise appeals or if you like a good family drama.

Score: 78