Night Catches Us (2010)

Let's be realistic.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

Blistering performances.

Night Catches Us (2010)A really fascinating look at an African-American reality in Philadelphia in 1976. The plot hook is more sensational than the movie itself—a former Black Panther returning home has to adjust to regular life and accusations of tattling. What really grips you, though, is the "regular life" part, because the acting and direction make this all feel honest and revealing. A slice of life done well.If the core of the movie is how Blacks of different attitudes and philosophies learn to get along (and not get along) with each other, there is also the more expected acrimony between the Black community and the mostly White cops patrolling it. It's hard to know how accurate this part is, because here we are shown clichés of some very dumb and mean and hardheaded white cops, and maybe that was the norm. I'd like to think that some other movies have it right when there are those bad eggs on the force, but that many make an effort to get along and be reasonable with the people they are protecting.But maybe one message of the movie taken whole is just how different it was back then, in the shadow of the truly radical and violent 1960s, as the Muslim influence was rising, as power was promising to shift more evenly between groups but was lurching too slowly. Maybe it was just filled with such distrust it led to caricatures for real. There are several segments of archival footage of Panthers and other protesting, and the gritty roughness of those scenes reveals some kind of glossing over of the situation for this fictional version made 35 years later.The leading actor, Anthony Mackie, and leading actress, Kerry Washington, are both likable and excellent. You might say too likable and excellent—there is a modern feel to their demeanors that's hard to put your finger on. But they're both a joy to watch act and interact. The intentions are low key, and the result is easy going despite the tensions around them. It's a love story after all! Writer and director Tanya Hamilton is making her first feature film here, and she makes the most of her modest intentions. As a commentary on race relations it is nearly the opposite of Spike Lee's approaches in their highly produced flair. And whatever the limitations of the film and its script, it has the net gain of a feeling of sincerity. Which goes a long way.

Excellent movie! I hightly recommend checking it out. I went to go see it when it first showed in chicago last December. I really wish more movies like this would come out. i would like to see more "black" movie producers produce movies of substance and stop with the stereotypical garbage! High five to Tanya Hamilton! Great job to all the actors and actress who started in the film as well. The ending of the film leaves one yearning for more. I would like to see a part two if this is possible. I look forward to checking out more of her movies in the future.peace, Akil

For those who say where are the black dramas look no further.I enjoyed this movie from beginning to end and recommend it to anyone who loves quality story telling and great acting.Anthony Mackie and Kerry Washington give awesome performances and the story is so deep and engorging you can't help but be sucked in. I always find it amazing that quality films such as this have a hard time seeing the light of day (or moonlight for that matter)even though we are inundated with channels through our various cable/satellite packages. Is it a conspiracy? I'll leave that up to people smarter than me, all I know is this is a terrific movie and a must see. Dick-SmoothDrama radio

I'd encourage anyone interested in watching good acting and film-making to watch "Night Catches Us".The movie is set in 1976, in Philadelphia, and it is not "Rocky's" S. Philadelphia. The main characters have all had experience/involvement in the Black Panther movement, and the movie cuts a path through the complex feelings and realities that have evolved since they were once involved with it.It's one of those films that revolves around a core group of characters who've all turned into somewhat different people from when they first knew each other. The dynamic is even more intense because each of the main characters has a tie-in to someone who was obviously a leader or loved one -- indeed it was his death years earlier that led the group to disperse.I'm kinda bummed that awards seasons might be passing by this gem. Kerry Washington is great, but it's Anthony Mackie's film; he has an intensity and dignity. No overwrought acting.