The trailer for this film (click on the link below) looks like a sassy sendup on stereotypes. As happens sometimes, those are the only 2 1/2 minutes of comedy in the film. The rest takes a satirical, but serious look at racial dynamics, college politics and personal relationships. It’s set at a fictional college where residential hall rivalries cause conflict. Surprisingly, in all the cultural discussion, there’s a positive subplot about gay issues. The performances are genuine, but writer/director Justin Simien holds too tightly to his messages, which gives the dialogue too much didactic weight. Young people might enjoy the MTV-tinged drama, but don’t go expecting lots of laffs.
(3 / 5)