Quick Movie Reviews
Rating of
3.5/4
Chris Kavan - wrote on 04/30/2020
While the pace may seem slow to some, If Beale Street Could talk is bolstered by some powerhouse performances from leads KiKi Layne and Stephan James, as well as strong support from Regina King, Teyonah Parris, Colman Domingo and Michael Beach. Barry Jenkins is an adept at using both light and sound to great effect and the film sends a powerful message that rises above mere injustice to something with much more emotional depth and humanity.
Rating of
4/4
Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 06/08/2019
Each scene is meticulously handled to make you feel every ounce of its power. "If Beale Street Could Talk" repeatedly begs the question, "What would you do and how far would you go for the people you love?"
Rating of
3/4
Indyfreak - wrote on 04/04/2019
An aching solemn but exceptionally acted drama about a young couple's tribulations in 1970s Harlem. They face one hardship after another, culminating in the male protagonist Fonny (James) being wrongly incarcerated as his lover (Layne) has to prepare for her firstborn's arrival. James had a mediocre debut in the otherwise solid 2016 film RACE but he's far better here, displaying love or anger or hope or fear at his various situations. Kiki Layne is great as the beleaguered expecting young mother. Regina King is very good in the part that earned her first Oscar. The plot is nonlinear and doesn't really unfold until the close of the second act. It takes a while getting there but it's worth it. The story is perhaps a tad too grim at times.
