Review of Soul Food (1997) by Donn E — 10 Feb 2010

This movie should be a moving yet not sappy family film. It was very well acted, and the message is given through the reality of family life. As seen through the eyes of the 11 year old boy, the family is struggling. What seems to hold them together is "Big Mama" and Sunday dinner. When she is no longer able to prepare Sunday dinner, the tensions and divisions seem to take over. But a determined boy works on getting the family together. The importance of family, of Sabbath, of communication and love are central to the film.

Yet, it becomes difficult to show it to children and young teenagers who would enjoy and learn from it, for their are to gratuitous up against the wall sex scenes that are totally unnecessary. Having said that, it is still a moving film, with humor and grace.