Review of Southside with You (2016) by Tvjerry — 05 Sep 2016

The basic events fact, but the dialogue is an imagining of what happened when a young law firm associate named Barack Obama (Parker Sawyers) took his advisor (and future wife, played by Tika Sumpter) on a daylong date.

They visit an art exhibit, go to a community organizing event, see a movie and eat ice cream. Sawyers' depiction of the future President is spot on: He's a smart, confident charmer. Sumpter feels less accurate, but she still manages to create a compelling character.

While their chemistry is undeniable, the script's insistence on giving us too much bio background drags down the snappy personal dialogue. Two scenes (each designed to give one of them a star moment) are too long.

Ultimately, there's lots of personality in this sweet, interesting look at a future first couple.