Disappearing Acts
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Movie Reviews of Disappearing Acts
Movie Review: A pleasant surprise! 4.5 stars.
Summary: 4 Stars
I saw "Disappearing Acts" a couple of times on HBO, and bought the DVD several months ago. I must admit that I was a tiny bit skeptical about whether I'd like a made-for-HBO movie. But I should have known that the "Dream Team" of Gina Prince-Bythewood directing and Sanaa Lathan acting, would deliver the goods. From the beginning, this movie just felt real - no glossy sets, clothes, etc. Just the genuine simplicity that you would find in the homes/lives of everywoman or everyman. This lack of unnecessary trappings allowed the characters to take the spotlight. As usual, Sanaa Lathan lit up the screen with a natural talent and presence rarely seen in film nowadays. She demonstrated incredible acting range in this movie, conveying Zora's initial infatuation, lust, and ecstasy, which gave way to pain, frustration, hurt and, ultimately, forgiveness and self-realization. Wesley Snipes gave a surprisingly good performance as Franklin, showing why typecasting him as only an action hero would be a sheer waste of talent. While a more conventionally- handsome actor could probably have been cast as Franklin, I don't know whether he could have done the job here. Wesley has always done a superior job playing characters that are more significant by what they don't say rather than what they do. That was a good fit for the role of Franklin, with his multiple demons and insecurities. Plus, Sanaa and Wesley had a strong on-screen chemistry that made you understand why Zora and Franklin found it so difficult to let each other go. (That refrigerator love scene practically melted my TV screen!)
I thought that the movie was pretty true to the book, although, naturally, there was some cinematographic license taken here and there. The movie did a fine job of getting across the book's message that although lust/passion are easy, forging a real relationship takes work and sacrifice, even if it means letting the person you love go so that they can deal with their own issues. I think that many women (and men) can relate to what it's like to get into a co-dependent relationship where both parties lose themselves to some extent (hence the title of the movie/book).
The only reason "Disappearing Acts" is getting a 4.5 rather than a 5 is because deep down, I always wished that they could have cast an absolutely stunning black actor to play Franklin, who would have had the chemistry that Wesley had with Sanaa. That would have been a bit truer to Franklin's character as he was portrayed in the book. But like I said, there's no guarantee that a beautiful male lead would have generated the same sort of sensuality that made this movie so riveting. Overall, this was a very good, well-acted movie, which made me want to re-read the book. Not to mention the soundtrack is on point. (Definitely get it if you are an R&B/soul fan).
Movie Review: Lighten up on the Language but Good!
Summary: 4 Stars
With the exception of the strong language at times in the film, I thought this movie was very well written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. For example, notice the romantic scenes that are dimly lit, and just like 'Love & Basketball' Gina makes sure you feel the characters one-on-one.
I almost didn't get Wesley Snipes character until the very end of the film. I think women will have a hard time trying to relate to his role in the film. Sanaa's character is very easy to understand and relate to of a single woman with ambitions, dreams, and going through regular life financial struggles.
Basically, the film introduces you to Zora & Franklin who fall head-over-heels for each other in a sultry, passionate love affair in the beginning. Their love builds and Franklin's B-side comes crashing in. Then he sees her B-side as well.
They both have their issues. Franklin seems defeated by the time you get to the end of the movie with all of his issues, and her issues, and so forth. And they finally decide to part ways only to.......
By the way, they had a baby together in the movie. The problem with their relationship is that it was one with all the bad timing but in the
Sanaa shines like the sun acting, and Wesley does okay acting making you think of some of his earlier works before the action films. This is like an Oxygen/Lifetime film with an HBO edge. Women will probably get lost in Wesley's character of Franklin but if you take the time he will make all the sense in the world.
Zora (named after the author Zora Neale Hurston) is a versatile lady who works as a music teacher, is an aspiring singer-songwriter, and mother. The film allows you to use your own imagination to make it work in many of the scenes.
In the end, I almost gave this film 3 stars but just like 'How Stella Got Her Groove Back' by Terry McMillan I love the challenges she presents in her African-American romance novels. This being more of a focus on socio-economics. Good but could have had less language.
Movie Review: Realistic love story
Summary: 4 Stars
I was getting tired of watching this movie probably because I didn't really like the charactor Franklin he was just getting on my nerves he just felt like bagage to the girl friend (I forget the charactors name) I got mad when Franklin wasn't doing his part in the relationship, even if he couldn't get a job, he could have at least helped out with the baby more so the mother of the child didn't have to lose out on her dream of becoming a singer. Perhaps if she didn't meet him she might have made it. In all fairness to Franklin there were times when the girlfriend provoked Franklin insecurities. For example when he had brought tickets for a concert for them for her birthday and she traded them in for better seats. Thats a no no you don't take a gift back in front of the person who brought you the gift, that would hurt anybody and make them feel unappreciated.
All in all I thought it was a somewhat realistic story about a relationship between a man and a woman and trying to keep it togetherarguments and breakup an all. The ending kind of leaves you hanging but you can assume they try to get back together.
Movie Review: Good Movie Choice
Summary: 4 Stars
Sanaa Lathan is always a stunning and wonderfully charismatic actress brings Zora to life. I have seen this film multiple times and am so happy I have finally found a place to purchase it. In my opinion, I think a lot of women and men for that matter will be able to relate to this film one way or another. Women can understand what Zora goes thru via dealing with a man in time that you really wanted to love but just couldn't get there due to the man being a strain on them financially, physically, emotionally or however it suited them. At one point in time a woman experiences meeting a man that has great qualities but is not at the same station in life as they are whether it be money, education, values and so forth. Men, however, can relate in Wesley Snipes because they know what its like to work your butt off to try to get your child support payments on time or working on and off again trying to find something steady to support the one they love and prove to them it wouldn't always be like that way forever.
All in all this movie is powerful and heartfelt and very endearing.
Movie Review: Disappearing Acts
Summary: 4 Stars
If you've ever been in love with someone who was perhaps a bit out of your league and you foundd yourself constantly trying to compensate for that, then you know the rest. Wesley Snipes gives a powerful performance as a man who is a bit over his head and in love with Zora (Sanaa Lathan). Things heat up when the stakes get higher. Zora is pregnant, Franklin's out of work and their class differences become even more apparent when Zora just wants a night out on the town and Franklin just can't seem to get his act together. When the going gets tough, Franklin does a disappearing act of his own and Zora's on her own....this sounds like a familiar scenerio. The story is familiar but the ending is better. It looks like the family will make it after all. That's one for single mothers.If you're looking for a good black lover story, then "Disappearing Acts" is one that will leave you with a warm feeling inside and a positive feeling about love relationships.