Scanialara You won't be disappointed!

Evengyny Thanks for the memories!

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Cheryl A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

eddie_baggins A curious mix of comedy and drama that's surrounded by a quite loaded scenario, Black or White marks the return of writer/director Mike Binder after 7 years in the wilderness between this film and his previous underrated drama Reign Over Me from 2007 and while Black or White succeeds in ways, it fails in an equal share also.Getting to the crux of Black or White's inability to stick it out as a fully formed winner isn't too hard of task as what brings the film down is an uneasy tone. Flirting throughout its runtime between a strange hybrid of comedy and straight up intense family/racial drama, Black or White finds itself in that unwanted middle ground of a film that feels less the sum of its parts either way you look.Binder has found success with darkly comedic films before, Reign Over Me did it well and his breakout The Upside of Anger was a great example of the mixing of genres but Black or White can't seem to shake the narrative shackles holding it back despite the best efforts of its cast.Continuing on his fine comeback form, Kevin Costner is the true winner of Black or White, enhancing the film with his on point acting turn as Elliot Anderson the recently widowed and grieving grandfather of young Eloise. While Elliot isn't an overly affable person (never far from having a drink in his hand) Costner makes the character work and holds the film above water when Octavia Spencer's over the top and caricature like Rowena "Wee-Wee" Jeffers finds herself with some screen time.The character of Wee Wee is a fine showcase also for why Binder's film fails to fire on all cylinders with commentary about dissociation between white and black prevalent throughout, such playing to genre staples like the kindly hearted/loud mouth talking Wee Wee belong to another film, perhaps a Wayan's Brother comedy or another Big Momma's House, not a courtroom focused drama.At one time spoken about regularly as an Oscar contender, Black or White failed to make much of mark in a commercial or critical manner and upon home video inspection it's quite clear as to why that is the case. With a fine Kevin Costner lead performance at front and centre and a nice debut turn from young actress Jillian Estell, Black or White has its moments but in the end there is no illusion to the fact the final result here is a highly forgettable one.2 ½ unwanted pool parties out of 5

Screen_Blitz After the death of his wife, Elliot Anderson (played by Kevin Costner), a former husband and father, becomes the guardian of his bi-racial granddaughter Eloise (played by Jillian Estell). Her mother died while giving birth, and her dad Reggie (played by Andre Holland) has distanced himself from her. Thus, Elliot is set with new responsibilities such as getting her ready for school for every morning, driving her school, picking her up, and making sure she gets her homework done. When Rowena (played by Octavia Spencer), her African- American grandmother from her dad's side sees distrust in Elliot being Eloise's legal guardian, a court battle for the custody of Eloise ensues between Elliot and her (Rowena), along with her family.This comedy-drama tackles major issues involving racism and dysfunctional relationships. When Rowena convinces Elliot that Eloise would be better living with her and her family, he rejects and Rowena comes under the suspicion that he has an issue with African- Americans. This soon becomes a key point in the plot. The problem Elliot has with her family is being the legal guardian of this little girl is that he doesn't see trust in them. Rowena's son Reggie, who is Eloise's father abandoned her (Eloise) when her mother died and he became a drug-addict and involved in crime. In the process, it ended up damaging his relationship with Eloise. There later comes a subplot where Reggie tries to reconnect with her. Then Rowena doesn't Elliot because he develops a drinking problem and he she doesn't believe he is capable of taking care of her on his own. Basically, the movie touches on many serious topics. The only problem is that when the plot tackles all these issues, it tends to get a little off-balance at times, then it becomes little less clear on what direction is the plot is going.Kevin Costner and Octavia Spencer are really great in this. They both demonstrated some amazing performances. They both have their occasional funny scenes, as well as their dramatic scenes. The film has very some very touching moments here and there, especially towards the end. Overall, this is film does great as a feel-good comedy-drama and it is worth watching.

joyce_yang Overall, I liked "Black or White." The title states clearly that there will be edgy questions about relations between Black and White people. The result does not disappoint--there is a good treatment of real issues without stereotyping. As much as I like the ideas the film presents, I think it could be improved in the storytelling.It would be even better if the character played by Andre Holland had been fleshed out more. He wasn't given as much attention as he should have gotten, and he is one of the most important characters to the story. Besides these points, the movie is thought-provoking and memorable.

SnoopyStyle Elliot Anderson (Kevin Costner) loses his wife Carol in a car accident. He's left along to take care of his bi-racial granddaughter Eloise. He is drinking too much. He hires Duvan Araga as a tutor. There is tension between Eloise's grandmother Rowena Jeffers (Octavia Spencer) and Elliot which explodes when Rowena takes Elliot to court. Her brother Jeremiah Jeffers (Anthony Mackie) is a partner in his law firm. He insists that the case should be based on Elliot hating black people. Elliot's animosity centers on drug-addicted Reggie Jr. who refused to allow Elliot and Carol to come to the birth resulting in Elliot's daughter's death.I am good with the central court case with racial overtones. However the movie seems intent on making everybody with their own cartoon problems. The constant drinking by Elliot borders on silly. He's drinking in almost every scene where he could stand still or sit down. It's ridiculous. When Fay starts clapping in court, I just about gave up on the movie. Rowena having a stare down with the judge is subtle by comparison. Octavia Spencer does give a terrific performance. When the movie tries to treat the material with sincerity and care, it's actually very touching. The interconnection between Rowena and Elliot is compelling. The Jeffers family drama is also compelling. There is a great opportunity here but there are a lot little moments that come off badly especially the little weak attempts at humor.