Review: What an awful movie! All of the reviews were saying that the film was crap, but I thought that I would give it a go because I like Keith David, but the film was proper crap. If the director was trying to make a comedy with a message, he failed miserably. The jokes weren't funny and the storyline was ridiculous. Omar Gooding, the young brother of Cuba Gooding, wasn't a good choice by the director because he just made a fool out of himself. I thought that the movie was going to be about Christmas in Compton, which is the American title for the movie, but it ended up being about Omar Gooding managing a band, trying to make them the next Destiny Child. Anyway, I think that you can tell that I really didn't enjoy this movie. Awful!Round-Up: It's always a shame when you see actors like Eric Roberts and Keith David in terrible movies like this because they are respected actors. I wonder what makes them take on these roles once they read the terrible script. I haven't seen Omar Gooding in anything else so I can't really comment in his history, but he hasn't got the screen charisma like his brother. I wasn't massively disappointed with this movie because I wasn't expecting that much, and I must admit, I did fall asleep halfway through it, so I will be putting it at the bottom of the pile. I recommend this movie to people who like there pointless comedies about a man trying to make a band successful. 1/10
... View MoreAfter seeing the title of this film I was a bit apprehensive about watching another black film that would portray the black heritage and culture in the same way Hollywood has always been good at doing along with some well known black film companies.But I have to say this has to be one of this years most heartfelt, culturally rounded, inspirational, funny and family friendly Christmas Movie.Everyone and their family should get a chance to buy this DVD or go out and see this film with it's wonderful message or family, friends, community and the power of love and determination.I know I will spread the word to everyone and after you see it I'm sure you will too!!Also after reading the mission behind making this movie and others to come on www. brite idea ent . com (I think it is) you will understand what they call conscious filmmaking is all about and continue to support this type of filmmaking.I'm a Fan for Life!Merry Christmas 2012 and God Bless you all!
... View MoreThe viewers comment on Christmas In Compton by Dr. PeterEgo is truly an unfair one. Dr. PeterEgo wrote this review on January 31st, 2012. Not sure how Dr. PeterEgo got a hold of a copy of the film before it's release? It was impossible for Dr. PeterEgo to even see a completed final cut of the film as the film is still in post. A completed film was to be ready for viewing at the cast and crew screening on the night of January 31st, however the post house didn't make their deadline. The Producers only found this out the day before the screening. Rather than canceling the 400 plus invited only guests, the Post house offered a Blue Ray version of Christmas In Compton as a substitute. Yes, there were some adjustments that needed to be made to the film and this was explained at the screening. Dr. PeterEgo has the right to express his opinion, however slanted it may be. Once the true completed version of Christmas In Compton is released, viewers will find that this is a Christmas story with a heart and includes a few fantastic original Christmas songs to boot.
... View MoreHonest review of Christmas in Compton.I believe that David Raynr tried to sincerely craft a film that honored the values of family, hard work and integrity over the quick buck. I believe he wanted to see positive black role models in his film, while also creating something that he hoped would find an audience. Unfortunately, and I say unfortunately because I hoped for something different, he fails epically, and perhaps most disappointingly, he does it with such irony.The rest is a plot review and contains spoilers:Derrick Hollander (Omar Gooding) wants to be in the music business. He discovered a kid rapper in Compton that was then stolen under his nose by the evil record label owner Tommy Maxell, played as only Eric Roberts can viciously play him. Derrick now works for his dad, Big Earl (Keith David – why is this man in this movie? I know Keith gotta eat but give him real roles, Hollywood!) at a Christmas Tree lot. He is also now managing a girl group called 'Suga Stuff' in hopes to secure another deal .with the same Tommy Maxell that already screwed him over. Why is he going right back to Tommy? I have absolutely no clue. This is just one of many glaring plot holes in the movie. I am also not sure how owning a random lot in the middle of Compton selling Christmas trees is supposed to bring in much money throughout the year(especially when they start giving them away at the end) except for the month of December, but hey, I guess they needed a back drop and this is it. Raynr seeks to make a film about positive experiences for black men, yet his lead is untrustworthy, unlikeable, a thief, lazy, and downright stupid. None of these traits would be that bad if he somehow learned his lesson or was made to pay for his mistakes at some point in the movie. However, he never does. He defrauds his father, commits assault and theft at Tommy Maxell's home, and after his father has a mild heart attack and leaves him in control of the Lot, runs from responsibility and quickly hands over the daily duties to a pretty girl who just started working at the lot all because he is lazy and sexually attracted to her. By the end of the movie when he has hit rock bottom he finally devises a plan to secure enough funds to buy back the lot, yet STILL fails. More people have to work in order to bail Derrick and his father out of trouble. A hustler with a heart of gold sells 10,000 'Suga Stuff' cds for him, and the group themselves do the smart thing and go up to the radio station on their own , getting their song played on the radio. Even the crooked fence Delicious (Miguel Nunez) comes through, putting the girls single on ITunes and selling a bunch of copies. Derrick, who is supposed to be their manager, does absolutely nothing to benefit these girls. We never see any proof of his hard work, we only see him get bailed out again and again by other people, and this is why the message of the film falls flat. Derrick's character is essentially the stereotypical problematic black youth that refuses to grow up and accept responsibility. We are told he at least finished college, but ultimately none of that matters, because his actions on screen show he is absolutely worthless. I haven't even gone into the terrible ethnic stereotypes. There are far too many Korean jokes, but none are more offensive than the one that finds the Korean kid singing on stage. It is not funny, it is extremely insulting. I hope the director finds a place to cut that scene from the movie, as it has absolutely no value. The name choices of characters are a throwback to a time that I hoped we were past in black cinema. Pookie, Delicious, Squeaky, Tre, Steve Ho? David Raynr has taken us back indeed. The film needs to lose about 20 minutes of worthless clutter. There is far too much going on with nothing to say. I shudder to think that this is what is supposed to pass for a positive black film experience in 2012. I applaud David Raynr for making a movie, but I am disappointed it comes off as such a betrayal to his people.
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