It's not "Radio Days", perhaps "45 RPM" days, taking long forgotten gadgets, nostalgic references and trends, early 1970's style, not a boom box or cell phone in sight. The film focuses on the family of Alfre Woodard (always a delight) and Delroy Lindo, their adolescent children, assorted relatives and neighbors, not all likeable, but there for each other when they need to be. The script requires the kids to be constantly screaming at each other, so it's easy to feel a headache after watching this. That makes the quieter moments all the more special, and the use of various styles of music necessary to alter the mood here and there.
The film is a slice of a frantic, non-stop life, fights over eating food the kids hate, neighborhood feuds (race related), the local bodega and weird assortment of people who hang out and work there. I didn't care for the kids behavior or how they were constantly stood up for when wrong, but as parents usually do, they'll get disciplined in private away from the eyes of nosy neighbors. There's a visit to relatives out of town that show a contrast, so there's a sense of realism that is often uncomfortable to watch when seeking entertainment. Performance wise, it's as real as they come. A mixed bag, but a joint definitely worth a toke.
The film is a slice of a frantic, non-stop life, fights over eating food the kids hate, neighborhood feuds (race related), the local bodega and weird assortment of people who hang out and work there. I didn't care for the kids behavior or how they were constantly stood up for when wrong, but as parents usually do, they'll get disciplined in private away from the eyes of nosy neighbors. There's a visit to relatives out of town that show a contrast, so there's a sense of realism that is often uncomfortable to watch when seeking entertainment. Performance wise, it's as real as they come. A mixed bag, but a joint definitely worth a toke.