Review of Good Hair (2009) by Michael C — 11 Nov 2009

This documentary that humorously dissects the intricacies and culture of African-American hair is obviously subject matter I wouldn't have as much of an identification with, and therefore there are a handful of moments where it did not interest me.

But there also several details I found intriguing; the costs of hair of this ilk (in the thousands), the sacrifices (the relaxer used is often painful on the level of childbirth), and the general oddities that are part of this culture (elaborate, theatrical hair-cutting competitions are part of the film).

The best part of the film is Chris Rock as our unlikely guide through this odd world. His likeable persona and humor help him garner interviews with plenty of people on the subject, including Maya Angelou, Al Sharpton, and Raven Symone.

Not one of the better documentaries of this year, but with Rock as the MC it is at the very least an amusing exploration of a unorthodox subculture.