Jeffrey Wright plays a writer/professor who can’t seem to get his new book published. Out of frustration he pens a novel full of outrageous Black stereotypes that, to his surprise, becomes a best seller. The core of the satire revolves around white culture and it’s response to the novel. Sadly, it’s only occasionally funny…more often incisive. Actually, his personal plight with his family is the most interesting part of the story with Tracee Ellis Ross & Sterling K. Brown turning in wonderful performances as his siblings. Wright embraces his character with depth and it’s was great to see Leslie Uggams playing his mother. While the writing delves into hypocrisy from several angles, it gradually becomes more preachy and less amusing. There are unquestionably racial questions to be addressed and political statements to be made. The movie’s message maintains its sardonic punch, while lacking the comedy that would have made the film even more effective. 
(3 / 5)
