Set in the Summer of 1963 Flint Michigan is home to the Watsons a close knit All American Family made up of Daniel and Wilona Watson (Harris and Rose) and their three kids 15 year-old juvenile delinquent Byron (Knight) nerdy 11 year-old Kenny (Jenkins) and eight year-old adorable sister Joetta (Jackson). When Byrons antics go over the top his parents realize enough is enough and they decide the family needs a dose of Grandma Sands (Richardson) no nonsense approach in Birmingham Alabama. So the Watsons load up the 1948 Plymouth Brown Bomber outfitted with a true tone Ultra-Glide turntable and head South with plenty of comedy en route. When they finally make it to Birmingham they meet Grandma Sands and her friend Mr. Robert (Grier) who show them around town and the Watsons discover that life is very different there than in Flint - and not necessarily for the better. During that historic summer the Watsons find themselves caught up in something far bigger than Byrons ...
Review
"The Watsons go to Birmingham" is quite an interesting film and keeps my attention throughout.
Kenny (Bryce Clyde Jenkins) and his family are African Americans. They live in a time period where segregation is still happening. Their family takes a trip to Birmingham Alabama to visit their Grandmother Sands (LaTanya Richardson). In Birmingham they take a stand for what is right.
I absolutely love the story line in this film. It's powerful gives me a better perspective of what people went through back then and gives me an appreciation for the rights that I have today. Some of the scene sequences are extremely intense and the actors are doing a spectacular job in portraying their characters with the emotions. The young actors such as Bailey Tippen (Naomi) Skai Jackson (Joetta) and Harrison Knight (Bryon) are to be commended for their outstanding performances. They are so believable. The set makeup wardrobe and antique cars are great to see with so much attention to details. It really gives you a feel of how it was back then. My favorite character is Kenny because I can relate to him and in some scenes I would probably act the same way. My favorite scene is when Bryon is kissing his reflection on the car window and his lips are stuck. He has a hard time getting them off of the window. I can tell this really hurts but it is extremely funny to see.
Director Lenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun) does a great job in directing this film and understands the history and the story line. There is a lot attention to detail with the human behaviors and uniqueness that's makes this film so much more believable. A message in this film is that we are all created equal. It does not matter what skin color you are you have the same rights as anyone else. Please treat people the way you want to be treated.
I recommend "The Watson go to Birmingham" for ages 10 to 18 and for the entire family. I give it 4 out of 5 stars as the overall production is put together extremely well.
Reviewed by Brianna Hope B.KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
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