I might get my head bitten off for this one (by both sides of this post), and that’s fine. But I made an observation, and I cannot help but write about it. On Friday, April 20th, Igwe and I went to see the much publicized movie, Think Like A Man, which was inspired by Steve Harvey’s self-help book, Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man. I still have not read the book. I typically don’t like self-help books, but this one seems entertaining. I just might read it — when I’m done with the unread ones sitting in front of me right now.
Our movie was at AMC Loews White Marsh (Baltimore, Maryland) and was slated to start at 9:40 PM. Knowing the rush and congestion of White Marsh — on Fridays — and especially for new movies — we bought our tickets early, and then, we went to have dinner. We came back to the theater at about 9:00 PM, and there was already a long queue in the hallway outside our theater room.
It was not until I saw a group of White people walking swiftly past us that I realized how Black my line was. The group – both males and females – walked so briskly past us and headed for the front that the only reason I stretched my neck out to look at them was to see if they were cutting the line to get to the front, but they made a right and entered another theater instead. And as soon as they went in, more and more White people followed. It was then that I realized what was going on: all the White people were going to watch The Lucky One, and all the Black people were lined up for Think Like A Man.
You know, I have lived in America for almost twelve years, and I am still yet to see myself as an African American. Of course, I realize I am Black. But I am just that – Black. I am Nigerian. And Americans – Black, White, and in between – are also just that: Americans. My decision to see a movie is never because of the color of the people inside, and if I had not heard a Black person say so, I may have never noticed that in horror/suspense movies, the Black person always seems to die first. Whether or not this is a conscious effort on the part of the filmmaker is still debatable.
But when we finally got into the movie theater, we were probably seated on the fifth row from the top, and from there to the bottom, I could only do a head count of three White people. I believe there were more, but no more than ten (and the theater was packed full), and I could not help but wonder if all-white movies are this scarce in its Black support. This is something I have never even paid attention to.
I have no intention of seeing The Lucky One, not because of its whiteness, but because it’s an overly romantic movie. And Zac Efron is in it, which makes me feel like it’s a movie for teenage girls. When it becomes available to rent on Redbox or preferably free on OnDemand premium channels, I’ll consider watching it.
Think Like A Man was exactly what I thought it would be: predictable and hella funny. This is not a movie you see for the suspense or surprise ending; you see this movie purely for entertainment. I was pleased to find out that it grossed $33 million dollars in its opening weekend (especially since it cost $12 million to produce it), and it was the top box office movie, too. It beat The Lucky One at $22.8 million, and it also kicked The Hunger Games off its four-week number one spot. It also doesn’t hurt that CinemaScore rated it a solid A.
I was disappointed, however, at how surprised critics and reviewers were (still are) at the movie’s success. They are not surprised that a predictable, romantic flick made it to the top. No, no, no. They are surprised that a Black movie made it to the top, and they are beginning to wonder why more of these are not made. Yes. I’m beginning to wonder the same, too. Sure, Tyler Perry makes movies, but where are the other African-American film makers? The man has no competition whatsoever.
If there’s a time to tap into their Motherland, it would be now. The inspiration from Africa is practically beyond bothers, and they can go anywhere with that – unless, of course, they want to wait till February (Black History Month). All of a sudden, everyone is Black and proud in February. Oh, and let’s not forget, African, too.
That said, I sincerely did not appreciate the noise in the theater. I know the movie was funny, but damn! Can a girl just watch a movie in peace? There were times that people laughed so hard and for so long that I literally did not hear anything that was said after the funny moment. And let’s not forget the loud remarks like, “Mm hmm!” and “You go, gurl!” and “Gurl, you better go get yo man.” And don’t get me started on the claps and comments when Morris Chestnut made his grand entrance into the movie. Oh. My. God. Really?! Err, speaking of Morris Chestnut, I have a post coming up about him.
Overall, it’s an entertaining movie. It has all the great people in it: Gabrielle Union, Taraji P Henson, Kevin Hart, Wendy Williams, and Michael Ealy. When I can, I will definitely watch it again. If not for anything else, I have to catch up on those lost moments.
On a side note, Michael Ealy’s eyes are entrancing. No man should have such eyes. Indeed, there is a God somewhere.
This movie was so good. I was so glad I went to see it. Tyler Perry needs to be banned from making any more movies because people will forget that a Black director can even make such a great movie.
Oh. My. God. Michael Ealy’s eyes are enchanting. And Terrence J’s lips?!!? And everything about that Zeke guy that was Meagan Good’s boo…. Jesu. Hotness galore.
Black/White demographic in terms of entertainment has been there forever. It’s the reason Girlfriends and The Game got cut by The CW, even though they were absolutely fantastic shows.
LOVE LOVE Michael Ealy. I thought the movie was great too, and wish more people went to see it. However, it was number 1, which I expected considering it had no other competition.
Some of you may remember last year when Jumping The Broom came out the same weekend as Something Borrowed and the exact same thing happened where the “black” movie was number one.
Tyler Perry movies are f*cking irritating. Movies like Jumping The Broom and Think Like A Man are the type of “black” movies I want to see.
I liked Jumping The Broom too. Made me cry. But then again, I cried for Think Like A Man too. So whatever. I’m definitely glad that the movie did so well. Hopefully, more Black people will make more great movies.
Miss Fab, lol at Terrence J’s lips. I didn’t even notice. I was too busy looking at Michael’s eyes. They’re like translucent! And lol at Tyler being banned from making movies. I don’t think he’s that bad, but I think his movies are mostly comedy, albeit satirical. Oh, well. Don’t let Funmie hear you talking bad about her Tyler Perry oh. Lol.
I don’t think its deliberate, Vera! I think that’s just how people are. They gravitate to what looks like and sounds like them. And contrary to what anyone says we really are different! I mean Blacks and whites. I’m not being racist or anything but from our music preferences, likes, food etc we are just plain diff. And mind you its still a novelty/highy entertaining to see people that look like you, sound like you etc on the Big screen! And we want to see more! Personally I don’t like films that are too ‘white’ with white themes! And don’t appreciate that only films like ‘The Help’ ‘Precious’, ‘What’s Love Got to Do with it’ got any mention at the Oscars! I want to watch more movies like ‘Think like a man’ and get lost into the eyes of Micheal Ealy and the lips of Terrence J! #JustMyTwoCents!
Bola, I get where you’re coming from. And I also agree that people gravitate towards things that look or sound like them. It’s only natural. But honestly, I was surprised that Think Like A Man barely had any Whites (in the theater I was in) because the subject matter isn’t Black or White. It’s male and female. Oh, well. It’s all good. Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Actually the idea that everybody is different is not necessarily true. When you really think about it, American white culture always says that color shouldn’t matter, that we all can identify with a hero in film, but when you think about it every ethnicity seems to be able to do just that except for white people, who can’t seem to identify with any protagonist who is not white. I know black people who really got into Indiana Jones, or the Lone Ranger back in the day, or Superman, they went to all the films, and read the comics, and had no problem imagining themselves winning the day. I know Blacks who like the Beatles just as much as Ella Fitzgerald, I also know whites who love rap and blacks who hate it. Arts and personal interest is no true measure of racial difference, and what differences there are are generally the result of society and conditioning.
@James,
Hmmmmm! Deep. I’m thinking about it now, and I realize that I love a lot of “White” movies and a lot of White heros too. Iron Man. Spider Man. X-Men (well, technically, we can’t tell if Optimus Prime and his buddies are Black or White. And I am a Black person who doesn’t care for rap. One thing I know for sure, however, is that more and more, people are becoming more open, inquisitive, and accepting of other people’s culture. That’s a good thing.
Hey Verastic, ur write ups r always thoughtful n well composed, I find them really interesting, easy to read and understand…kip up d gud work..there’s always something to learn frm ur blog n ur observations are frank n exact, I like the fact dat u don’t mice words n u say it as it is, great qualities for a young lady.
Oh, thank you so much, Bella. I never, ever get tired of getting comments like yours. So just in case you feel like coming here everyday and saying the same thing, please feel free. Lol. Thank you so much 🙂
I think in some sense Americans also have a tribal nature in the sense that black people go out to support people they feel are their “own” and generally white people stay away from movies that they think are made for black people probably because they feel they might not be able to relate or something. I think after you have been in this country for a bit you start to notice these racial undertones to everything. Racism is very alive. Well made movies from the motherland actually get loads of white people in the cinema, I was recently at the NY African Film Festival, lots of white people in the crowd. Deduce from that what you will. As for noise, go to the cinema in Yaba, lagos. Noisy as hell, i guess 400 years of separation didnt change that.
Hahaha at the noise in Yaba. I have never been to a movie theater in Nigeria. Looking forward to ‘experience’ one when I visit. I have never been to the African Film Festival, and I would really love to go. Yeah, I can see White people being at the African Film Festival. Perhaps, they see Africans as a different breed of Black — which they wouldn’t be wrong about anyway. I don’t say that to imply that we are better, but just that we are different, from a different continent, and of course, with a different culture. Oh, well.
Lol @ the theatre commentary, have you ever been to a movie theatre in naija? In fact, if those ones bother u, u no fit enter Silverbird Cinemas or Ozone lol
I’ve never been to a movie theater in Nigeria, but I’ve heard that it’s not a very pleasant experience. LOL.
In America,a movie with a black cast is immediately labeled, ‘a black movie’ and only black people will go see it. A movie with a white cast is just a ‘movie’ and everyone, regardless of their skin color will go watch it. ‘White’ is the standard, it is the norm anything outside of it will be categorized accordingly.SMH
You’re so right. I never even thought about that. Movies with all white Cast are called a movie. Hmmmm. Interesting.
I’ve noticed the same thing that you have noticed, and it explains why to date there have been no black filmmakers with the success of say, a Steven Spielberg, or a James Cameron. White filmgoers also believe that any film made by a black person is automatically a black film. Even though we are all subjected to the same education, films, and books, people have this belief that if it falls outside the realm of sports, entertainment, or thug life, blacks have no interest of knowledge of it, so blacks don’t get much chance to do other type movies, but it basically comes down to the old saying “familiarity breeds contempt”. White people simply think that they know everything there is to know about black people, and aren’t that interested in seeing anything else. Nevermind that the usual Hollywood interpretation of black life is so far from the mark as to be fantasy. On the other hand any story featuring white people is made out to be universal, and artistic.
It’s really unfortunate that it happens that way. On the other hand, I think we (Black people) are not helping ourselves either. Just as the White (or non Black community) calls such films “Black movies,” we, too, do the same thing. In retrospect, I don’t suppose I would be interested in watching any film that has been labeled a “White movie.”
Hey there,
I just found your blog. Read quite a few. You echo (almost) all my sentiments (funny cause I thought I was the only 9ja girl who thinks out of the 9ja box…LOL)
I remember this day, my two friends and I went to a movie theater in Georgetown, I believe the Georgetown waterfront. By the time we got to the theater for ‘Think like a man’ the line went down the city block, filled with none other than black people. Funny, cause I thought black people don’t hang in Georgetown, DC (always swanky white folks and tourists, shu there’s no subway close enough to that area, they don’t want it BLACKENIZED).
But there they were – out in full form. That was an acute observation from you because until now I didn’t give that fact much thought, but how true that is! Personally, when I see a movie’s preview that’s when I decide if I’d watch, I already knew I wasn’t paying to watch movie made by artists form the high school musical generation and beyond (just too young). I’ll make exceptions though (you never, know, hasn’t happened yet).
You’ve been here twelve years too? Awesome! The difference is I’ve been to 9ja theaters quite a few times: PH and Lagos, and I quite enjoyed it, for one, going to the movies here might be mundane – I mean, I don’t really anymore, iTunes is my now go-to theatre with my flat screen and surround sound (and no noise! Hallelujah!). But going to one in 9ja – refreshing! (and people were quite civilized, I’ve been there a few times when there were only three people in the theatre. I think you’d like it, but timing is everything.
Living in this country changes the very essence of your being and beliefs, I mean I didn’t really understand the racial disparities and gender disparities until I got here. I was all “just because Jamal is a little too feminine don’t mean he’s…what’s the word…GAY!” Chile’ please. I still operate from that school of thought, at least with my movies choices. It’s a shame when you are raised to be so aware of these facts, like our black counterparts. I choose my movies based on its quality, not on the amount of Black people in it.
Think like a man is a really good movie (ehem-after I don left that crowded scene and deferred it to another day and iTune-rented that bad boy and watched it three times in a row for keeping me in stitches).
Do you know Steve McQueen? You probably don’t. Watch a movie called Shame with Micheal Fassenberger. It was a wonderful movie with awesome reviews. And the director – Steve McQueen is a black man. The movie however, was not a Black movie.
The question is why not? Remember how Joss Stone – the white soul singer came into the music scene, circa 2002, 2003? I think black movies can be made and respected if packaged right: not as a black movie, but as a…wait for it: MOVIE, period. I’m very into film myself, hope to make mine someday. As black filmakers, to be respected we have to do something different and extraordinary. African films, in my opinion would do much better here than black American films for its rich content alone. Everyone want to learn about something not so familiar to them. Tyler perry is trying to make better films these days, he’s really working hard, however his films is Black themed. When filmakers in general start making films to address race equality, then maybe we would get a more balanced racial audience, until then…
I don rambled on for too long girl! Check me out sometime at http://www.msadaku.com
Your blog is insightful. 🙂
Oh, did I mention renting in the comfort of your own home is less than half the price??? Ha ha! Win win (of course that’s if you echo my sentiment here).