Leaderboard

I just watched Bessie again and, as is often the case with me, when it comes to movies, I really need to see them more than once to get the full effect. Which is to say, I liked this film better after a second viewing, even if I did have to make certain assumption about the uneven story line. And upon reconsideration I would concede that Bessie Smith's life although maybe not compelling was at least hectic. I liked the performances of all the supporting actors, particularly Monique, Charles Dutton, Mike Epps, and especially Khandi Alexander, the actress who played Bessie's sister, but - I don't think the star of the movie ever transcended her own persona. She didn't become Bessie Smith. She was Queen Latifa, playing the role of Bessie Smith. - a girl from New Jersey, affecting the accent of a down home woman from the South, sounding more "street" than "country". Out of a possible 4 stars, I now give the movie 3!