IMDb editors highlight the stories, faces, and trending stars that had us buzzing this week. What caught your eye?
Related lists from IMDb users
Title: Chi-Raq (2015)
Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below.
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Nick Cannon | ... | ||
| Teyonah Parris | ... | ||
| Wesley Snipes | ... | ||
| Angela Bassett | ... | ||
| Samuel L. Jackson | ... |
Dolmedes
|
|
| John Cusack | ... |
Father Mike Corridan
|
|
| Jennifer Hudson | ... | ||
| David Patrick Kelly | ... |
General King Kong
|
|
| D.B. Sweeney | ... |
Mayor McCloud
|
|
| Dave Chappelle | ... |
Morris
|
|
| Steve Harris | ... |
Old Duke
|
|
| Harry Lennix | ... |
Commissioner Blades
|
|
 |
Anthony Fitzpatrick | ... |
Chief Riptide
(as Tony Fitzpatrick)
|
| Anya Engel-Adams | ... |
Rasheeda
|
|
| Ebony Joy | ... |
Marcy
|
|
After the murder of a child by a stray bullet, a group of women led by Lysistrata organize against the on-going violence in Chicago's Southside creating a movement that challenges the nature of race, sex and violence in America and around the world.
I really enjoyed the film, but I readily admit that it is probably hit or miss. First, many people don't like satire, African-American satire, the black lives matter movement or Spike Lee's directing style. If you count yourself among any of these groups, you won't find this film entertaining. Stop reading now. Otherwise, here are some really nice features of the film.
1. Teyonah Parris! OMG. She is beautiful inside and out. Her role is challenging. On one hand, her character reveals the very real role of minority women in the modern US civil rights movements. This aspect of the role requires a certain amount seriousness to avoid disrespecting the inspirational work of say Alicia Garza. On the other hand, her character is saving Chicago by withholding sex from her boyfriend (Nick Canon). It's a comedy!
Ms. Parris does an excellent job of balancing these competing aspects of the film. While there is plenty of needless booty slapping, her scenes with Jenifer Hudson and Angela Basset are moving. The explanation of black lives matter movement should be mandatory watching by some republican presidential candidates.
Did I mention that Ms. Parris is beautiful? This movie could spark her career as a Hollywood diva. She reminded me of a young Halle Berry in Boomerang.
2. The supporting actors are great. First and foremost, John Cusack is masterful. He delivers a fiery spirit-filled sermon as a local Catholic pastor. He does great and highlights the multi-cultural aspect BLM by frequently and poignantly invoking the term "us" to describe those affected by violence in Chicago. Second, Samuel L. is hilarious. Whenever the movie seems to get too serious or dull, his lyrics makes you laugh. Angela Basset and Dave Chappelle also have nice bits.
3. The premise is nice. Not only is the film based on a Greek play, it highlights a real movement of similar context in Liberia. For some reason, the real story has been overlooked in the press.
4. You will never watch another feature length film that is wholly in rhyme. That may make you happy, but enjoy the uniqueness.
The movie also had downsides, including: Nick Canon can't act, Jenifer Hudson can't act and there is silly/dull ode to sex-inducing R&B music. However, those issues are forgivable. I would watch this again. I have recommended it to everyone I know.