Black or White-Teen Movie Review

Black or white, it simply doesn’t matter. This is the story about an adorable 7-year-old girl named Eloise Anderson (Jillian Estell). Eloise lives very comfortably in a beautiful home in Los Angeles, CA with her maternal grandparents. Though her mother died at child birth and she’s estranged from her father, Eloise is a happy girl, who’s loved by her grandparents and extended family. When her maternal grandmother dies unexpectedly, Eloise’s paternal grandmother (Octavia Spencer) seeks custody; feeling that Eloise needs a mother figure in her life and should connect with her black heritage. Now the legal battle begins as both families want custody of their beloved granddaughter. Based on a true story, this is a heartwarming film about race, addiction, and the importance of family.

Rating: 2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: May 5, 2015
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 15+
Sexual Content: None
Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drug and Alcohol Content: Excessive
Will Kids Like It? No

Talking Points:

Eloise is a sweet 7-year-old girl, both families mean well and ultimately want what’s best for Eloise.

The film has an all-star cast. To name a few; Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer and Anthony Macki.

The film is slow moving in parts. Due to the mature subject matter, this will not appeal to most kids.

Sexual Content: None

Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild

Two male characters get into an intense fight. They wrestle, one pulls out a knife, a coffee mug is smashed over ones head. After the fight, a character falls into the pool and nearly drowns.

Crude or Profane Language: Excessive

The f-word is said once. We also hear “sh-t,” “h—,” “a–,” “d–k, and “street n-gger,” several times each throughout the film.

Drug and Alcohol Content: Excessive

Eloise’s maternal grandpa has a drinking problem, we see him drinking alcohol throughout the film, while trying to handle his problem.

Eloise’s father is a crack addict, we see him smoke a crack pipe.

Will Kids Like It? No

Overall Black or White is an interesting film for adults. It will not appeal to kids or teenagers.