Ahwatukee Foothills News

Ask Mikey Book Reviews Movie Reviews Recipes

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  ‘Black or White’ a solid story about race relations

  There are two movies currently in theaters about American heroes. One of them is “American Sniper,” which centers on a white American hero. The other is “Selma,” which centers on a black American hero. “American Sniper” has exceeded all expectations with its box office results and Oscar nominations while “Selma” has done just okay. While both of these movies are great and important achievements, they seem to have created a wedge between some people. Given this controversy, it’s appropriate that we’d get a movie like “Black or White” right about now.Kevin Costner gives one of his strongest performances in a while as Elliot Anderson, a lawyer raising his biracial granddaughter, Eloise (Jillian Estell). Elliot’s daughter died in childbirth and his wife was recently killed in a car accident. Octavia Spencer is right at home as Rowena, Eloise’s paternal grandmother who doesn’t think Elliot can raise her alone. With a big family and steady job of her own, Rowena hires her lawyer brother (Anthony Mackie) to get full custody. Things only get more complicated when Eloise’s druggy father (André Holland) returns and Rowena pushes him to take responsibility for his daughter. What ensues is a bit like the interracial version of “Kramer vs. Kramer.”The reason “Black or White” works is because its characters are never, for a lack of better words, black and white. None of these people are bad per se, but they all have human flaws. Although he loves his granddaughter with all his heart, Elliot isn’t sure how to be a single parent and often turns to the bottle for answers. That doesn’t mean Rowena has the right to take Eloise away from Elliot either. As nurturing as she is, Rowena doesn’t always know what’s best. After all, the woman did raise a crack addict whom she forgives one too many times. “Black or White” is all about finding the middle ground when it becomes to race, family, and simply doing what’s best.With powerful performances, honest characters, and wise commentary, there are times where “Black or White” demonstrates the makings of a great picture about race relations. There are a few problems, though. For starters, the humor can occasionally feel awkward and out-of-place. Sometimes the comedy works, particularly the scenes involving Mpho Koaho as a tutor always equipped with credentials. But then we get an uneven scene, such as when Elliot tells Eloise about her grandma’s departure and the conversation is partially played for laughs. A film like “The Help” did a much better job at juggling drama and comedy, despite what some say about that infamous pie scene.Also, for a film about the dynamics between black and white people, we spend a lot more time with Costner’s character than any of the African-American ones. They’re not underdeveloped per se, but a few more scenes told from Rowena’s point of view definitely would have elevated the story. Even little Eloise is kind of overshadowed at times, although the film does effectively develop her relationships with all her parental figures. This is actually one of the few custody movies where we see the adults talk to the child involved about who she wants to live with. At the very least, Eloise is a significant figure here and not just a puppet.  Then there’s the film’s final act. Without giving too much away, “Black or White” leads to an action climax in which two characters butt heads. It’s forced, it’s cheap, and it just seems tacked on. As unnecessary as the climax is, it still doesn’t ruin the experience. Writer and director Mike Binder’s film might not be a transcendent story about race, but it is a solid one that will hopefully encourage more pictures like this. Considering how divided people sometimes are, we can never have too many movies about compromise.

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  ‘Pinkalicious’ musical at Mountain Pointe Jan. 30

  Mountain Pointe Theatre Company is putting on the musical “Pinkalicious,” based off the book “Pinkalicious,” by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann. Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe — a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament. The musical is at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30 at Mountain Pointe High School, 4201 E. Knox Road.For more information, visit mptheatre.com or call (480) 759-8449.

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  Park of Four Waters Tour at Pueblo Grande Museum

  The Park of Four Waters Tour will take you on a tour through undeveloped, natural desert to the ruins of prehistoric Hohokam canal systems. This is a first come, first serve tour, included with paid museum admission.DETAILS>> 10-11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30. Space is limited. Sign up at the front desk to reserve a spot at the Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix. For more information, call (602) 495-0901, or visit www.pueblogrande.com.

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  Tastebuds travel south of the border at Tapacubo

  Tempe passersby looking for a new and unique dining experience different from anything else can add Tapacubo to their must-try hot spot list.This new restaurant, located in The Graduate hotel, which recently replaced the Twin Palms on Apache Boulevard, offers customers Mexican and South American-styled food at affordable costs in a vintage ’60s and ‘70s garage-themed location.“We have these large, vintage gas pumps that dispense our margaritas, hubcap chandeliers, and some old cars hanging … that will make you feel like you’re in South America (or) down by the border,” said Tapacubo executive chef, Brian Archibald.Tapacubo, meaning hubcap, is also fully equipped with a bar counter made of 38,000 pesos from Mexico.Archibald said he’s especially proud of Tapacubo’s diverse menu, which offers everything from street-style tacos, to Honduran ceviche and even vegetarian arepas.“Vegetarian dishes are always hard to come across,” Archibald said. “(Tapacubo’s) has a lot of flavor.”

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  Quick look: New this week at the movies

  New this weekBlack or WhiteThis is the story of a grandfather who is suddenly left to care for his beloved granddaughter. When her paternal grandmother seeks custody with the help of her brother, 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. Starring: Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Jillian Estell, Gillian Jacobs, Jennifer Ehle, Anthony Mackie, Bill Burr.  PG-13Black SeaA rogue submarine captain pulls together a misfit crew to go after a sunken treasure rumored to be lost in the depths of the Black Sea. As greed and desperation take control on board their claustrophobic vessel, the increasing uncertainty of the mission causes the men to turn on each other to fight for their own survival.  Starring: Jude Law, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, Konstantin Khabenskiy, Michael Smiley, Jodie Whittaker, Karl Davies.  RLegends From the Sky

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  See modern, historic examples of 1800s-style photography

  There’s a reason the term “oldies but goodies” came about.Take, as evidence, platinum prints — photographs with a velvety surface and a muted but luminescent palatte that ranges from slate to umber. Photographers figured out how to create them around 1873, and the process, despite its laboriousness and the current tidal wave of digital everything, is still in use today.Get a look at why this 19th-century innovation is still turning heads in two exhibitions open through March 1 at Phoenix Art Museum.In “Platinum: Contemporary Photography,” the masterful work of four photographers who have perfected the platinum process — Lois Conner, Scott Davis, Kenro Izu and Andrea Modica — is on view. That show is presented in conjunction with “All That Glitters is Not Gold: Platinum Photography from the Center for Creative Photography,” a chronological look at platinum photos throughout history.For information, call (602) 257-1222 or visit PHXart.org.