Black or White (2014)

Black or white, nobody's perfect and the movie does a good job portraying that. Kevin Costner plays Elliot Andersen, the grandfather of a Eloise Andersen who he's been raising with his wife since the day she was born, but when he's wife passes suddenly, her Grandma Rowena does not feel Elliot is capable of taken care of the child alone, epically when the death of his wife brings out what she considers his drinking problem, so she gets her little brother, a lawyer to take legal action.

The movie seems to work as a vehicle to freely say the things that I think need to be said about race in this country. We live in a world were we can be so politically correct that it does nothing to actually solve the problem, but sweep it under the rug, and this movie is not about that.

But that's superficial for selling the movie to the audience. Black or White would work equally if everyone in the movie were black or white. It's a real story about a blended family were the child is unable to be cared for by the parents and the village has to step in.

This movie is about love, as sappy as it sounds. No one is perfect, but if you love someone enough, the right thing can be done for their benefit. this statement goes for anyone no matter if they are black or white.

Black or White does work for the court room scenes however. It was like watching two different countries use an political agenda to take control of an island they both wanted. To watch Grandpa Elliot do nothing but show love for his Eloise, after his wife's death and attempt to keep it all together for her, then watch him be attacked in the court for being too white to take care of a black child was painful.

Yeah, I would definitely recommend this movie to see, I'm glad Costner was able to get it made.

Fmovies: Black or White tells the story of Elliot Anderson, a grieving widow who must take care of his granddaughter, Eloise, after losing his daughter as well. Once Eloise's African American grandmother, Rowena comes into the picture, all hell breaks loose as a bitter custody battle ensues. Directed by Mike Binder, Black or White stars Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Bill Burr, and Anthony Mackie. The film contains a pair of excellent performances but doesn't truly capitalize on the idea the film wants to get across. Kevin Costner is absolutely amazing as Elliott, a white grandfather to Eloise and soon-to-be alcoholic. What Costner does is introduce some one sided occurrences regarding race relations but thats as far as it goes. Black or White plays it very safe in telling this story when in all actuality it just needs a bit more honesty. The film is an entertaining drama and does hold your attention but it also proves that Mike Binder may not have had a total grasp of this film's real story. This is a story about Eloise and seeing this through her eyes. Binder never allows us to sink into Eloise's character and this makes for a very one sided film at times for both blacks and whites because Eloise is a supporting character and the lead is Kevin Costner. One thing that is extremely frustrating is the idea that Binder needed to include a black male character as a junkie and being untrustworthy. While yes, there are plenty of these people of ALL races, it feels like Binder was really trying to say something else here. Having Eloise's father be a black crackhead that has trouble staying clean is a bit of a clichè in terms of racism and I'm not quite sure why Binder chose to portray that character like that. There's plenty other things Eloise's father could have been and a crackhead should not have been one of them. Octavia Spencer gives another great performance as Rowena but Binder feels so obsessed with painting her as a cold and, at times, villainous character that is willing to go to the lowest depths to get Eloise to be released into her custody. Despite these moments that shift her character's intentions, Rowena just wants to be a grandmother and Elliott just wants to be a grandfather. The film's conclusion also seemed a bit too tied up because anyone who knows anything about custody battles knows that the fight continues outside the court for a very long time and I don't feel the film gave enough honesty to the topic at hand. Overall, Black or White is a decent film with a pair of amazing performances but the film's plot and heavy stereotypical racism hampers its hopes to becoming the important film it wants to be.

In late 1991, Michael Jackson released a song calling attention to the need for racially harmony. The lyrics repeat the sentence: "It don't matter if you're black or white." Although the movie that shares the song's title doesn't use or reference MJ's number 1 hit, "Black or White" (PG-13, 2:01) very effectively reinforces the song's message with a story that's both a pleasure to watch and very timely.

Kevin Costner stars as Elliott Anderson, an L.A. attorney who, with his wife, was raising their bi-racial granddaughter, Eloise (the delightful Jillian Estelle). Eloise's mother / Elliott's daughter died in child birth at the age of 17 and the 23-year-old boyfriend who got her pregnant promptly disappeared. Now, Elliott's beloved wife is killed in a car accident and Eloise's care falls to Elliott. Eloise is a happy 7-year-old who has a very close relationship with her grandfather, but her surviving grandmother, Rowena (Octavia Spencer) feels that Eloise is missing out. Rowena is a real estate agent and entrepreneur who lives with her large family live in Compton. Rowena and her family are welcome in Elliott's home, but that's not enough for Rowena. She feels that Eloise needs a mother's love (or at least a feminine touch), more regular contact with the rest of her family and a stronger connection with her racial heritage, things that Rowena feels Elliott cannot provide. In a sense, Rowena is right. Elliott hires a math tutor (Mpho Koaho) who becomes a big part of Elliott and Eloise's life, and Elliott takes some time off of work, but at the end of the day, he's basically raising Eloise by himself. It's a very tough time for Elliott (and Eloise), but also for Rowena and her family, who miss the little girl. Both sides of Eloise's family love her dearly and want what's best for her – although they disagree on exactly what that is.

When Elliott refuses Rowena's suggestion of shared custody of Eloise, Rowena decides to sue for full custody. Rowena's brother, Jeremiah (Anthony Mackie), is also an attorney and has agreed to represent Rowena in her custody case. At the same time, Elliott's law firm is representing him in his fight to keep his granddaughter with him. For her part, Eloise wants to stay where she is, but the growing tension around her is causing her significant stress – and some confusion. As complicated as this situation already is, Elliott and Rowena each have issues that work against their cases – and what's best for Eloise. Elliott drinks – a lot (even using Eloise's math tutor as his driver at times), but there is some question as to whether Elliott is actually an alcoholic. On the other side, as the custody battle is just heating up, Rowena welcomes her prodigal son, Reggie (Andre Holland) back in to her home and changes her custody petition so that Reggie is actually the one fighting for custody. Reggie is the girl's father, but he has a criminal past which includes drug use, which Reggie keeps insisting is no longer a problem. Rowena loves her son, but seems to place an undue amount of faith in his character and his potential. Compounding these challenges is the fact that Elliott and Rowena each have a blind spot regarding these problems of theirs. Both sides also have to struggle against the prejudices that each has toward the other, prejudices which they may not even fully appreciate themselves.

"Black or White" is a very good title for a very good movie. Co

Black or White fmovies. funny, brilliant, honest script and actors who pull off both harshness and sympathy. special mention to Anthony Mackie, though I know all the critics will give a lion's share of praise to Octavia Spencer and Kevin Costner. Mackie (aka the Falcon) delivers a powerful, resonating speech that simply must be heard. the judge was awesome too, absolutely spot on.

i saw this with my mother at the Toronto Intl Film Festival Elgin Winter Garden Theatre. the room was packed, and the crowd was mixed not just racially but generational too. this is truly a universal film despite its title.

i highly highly recommend this film to everyone.

Writer director Mike Binder has created one of more sensitive films dealing with racial issues yet to be made. He has produced a story, directed it with such sensitivity with an outstanding cast that it absolutely serves not only every ward the film industry can give but also the recognition of everyone working for equal rights. The script is brilliant, rich in humor and pathos, and very, very intelligent.

The synopsis is too brief but offers the flavor of the film: 'BLACK OR WHITE is the story of a grandfather Elliot (Kevin Costner) who when his wife Carol (Jennifer Ehle) is killed in an automobile accident is suddenly left to care for his beloved granddaughter Eloise (Jillian Estell) – a child born to their daughter impregnated at age 17 by an African American junkie Reggie (André Holland): the daughter dies in childbirth and who died in childbirth. When her paternal grandmother Rowena (Octavia Spencer) seeks custody with the help of her brother Jeremiah (Anthony Mackie), the little girl is torn between two families who love her deeply. With the best intentions at heart, both families fight for what they feel is right and are soon forced to confront their true feelings about race, forgiveness, and understanding. Anchored by an all-star cast and based on real events, the movie is a look at two seemingly different worlds, in which nothing is as simple as black or white.'

In addition to the brilliant cast listed above there are cameos by some rather extraordinary actors – Paula Newsome (a gifted and rising star who plays the judge), Mpho Koaho who plays Eloise's tutor, and Joe Chrest – Elliot's attorney partner and best friend.

The film belongs to Costner, Spencer and Estell – and it could not be in stronger hands. Highly Recommended.

"This isn't about Black or White. This is about Eloise." Saw Black or White starring Kevin Michael Costner, Octavia Spencer, Jillian Estell, and Anthony Mackie at Regal Cinemas! "Elliot Anderson" brilliantly played by Costner is a lawyer faced with a "curve-ball" life threw at him and his family when his wife is tragically killed in a car crash. He is then left to cope with loss, explain what happened and care for his grand-daughter, "Eloise Anderson" well-played by 10-year old Jillian Estell, but faces the challenges of racial bias and custody court proceedings.

"Rowena Jeffers" played by Spencer is "Eloise's" paternal grandmother who seeks custody of her grand-daughter with the help of her brother "Jeremiah Jeffers" played by Mackie, and this young lady is left torn between two families who care for her very much. "Reggie Davis," "Eloise's" biological father played by Andre Holland is referred to as a "street ni**er" according to "Elliot Anderson" (Costner) due to his criminal record, continued drug use, and inability to be a good father to "Eloise."

This racial bias tension pours in to the court custody case which was ruled on by "Judge Cummins" played by Paula Newsome. It is up to "Elliot Anderson" and his legal team including "Rick Reynolds" played by Bill Burr to convince not only the judge but "Rowena Jeffers," "Jeremiah Jeffers," and family that "Eloise" is best suited to live with her "white" grandfather rather than the "black" side of the family.

What I personally liked about the movie is that it was based on real events and presented great refreshing messages about race-relations in modern day America! I enjoyed the film and give it an overall cinema score of 9/10! Go see it! ‪#‎LoveHasNoColor‬ ‪#‎maverickradio‬™