Michael Ledo
The film is about the "first date" of Michelle Robinson (Tika Sumpter) and her underling Barrack Obama (Parker Sawyers) although I suspect it went nothing like this. What the film does is to give us the family history of the two candidates and a look into their character, mostly good, and only a little critical. Not an action film and if you don't want to hear conversations between this couple, you need to go elsewhere, because that is most of the feature. Takes place in 1989 and they spent the day together. They visited an art exhibition, attended a community meeting, where Obama "parted the waters," and watched "Do The Right Thing." The film had its moments of humor, yet each candidate is shown as being serious and dedicated. Tika Sumpter nailed the part in looks and voice. Parker Sawyers- not so much, and I will leave it at that.The film is inspirational for Michelle Obama supporters.Guide: 1 F-word.
kz917-1
The viewer is a fly on the wall and along for the ride on Barack Obama's and Michelle Robinson's first date. A different look into the romantic side of Barack and Michelle's relationship. Michelle certainly took some convincing according to the movie. Great moments and quotes of Barack. I only wonder how factual it is and what the couple former president and former first lady think of it.
namashi_1
Richard Tanne's 'Southside with You' is a pleasant surprise. A Small Little Gem, that's both charming & engrossing. And if you even thought watching the former U.S President & His Wife/Former First Lady going on their first date as a rather uninteresting concept for a film ...think again!'Southside with You' Synopsis: The film chronicles the summer 1989 afternoon when the future President of the United States, Barack Obama, wooed his future First Lady, Michelle Obama, on a first date across Chicago's South Side.'Southside with You' is a delightful tale of 2 people who went on to create history. You watch & observe them. Its all heart. 'Southside with You' is a love-story, but it also covers themes of racism & how America was back in the late 1980's. Although done subtly, the message is out loud and clear. Obama's Voice for equality & patience, is shown in great strength & it also shows us a leader who later came into power, because he knew the drill. Tanne's Screenplay is excellent. The Writing is of Superior Quality. Not for a minute, does the Writing take a dip, its consistently crisp. Tanne's Direction, too, is superb. He's handled the film with precision. Cinematography is perfect. Editing is neat, culminating the film within a sharp 84-minutes. Art & Costume Design are perfectly done.Performance-Wise: Parker Sawyers and Tika Sumpter as a young Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson, respectively, bring in their A-Game. Parker is a revelation, channeling Obama with grit & tenderness. Tika is a live-wire, She portrays Michelle, with unmistakably honesty. Both the actors, deserve more work in the movies. They've got the stuff.On the whole, 'Southside with You' is Magnificent. Don't dare to miss it.And yes, I do miss the America when Obama was President!
waznojake2001
I saw this film yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the actors captured the essence of the Obamas wonderfully; what they may have lacked in appearance they certainly had in spirit.The movie that kept popping into my head while watching Southside With You was My Dinner with Andre. Now some may find that a stretch but really it's not. It's been a long time since I've watch two adults on screen having a conversation for ninety minutes. I found the conversation interesting and compelling. (The other movie that comes to mind is Mind Walk)A lot of folks will skip this film because it lacks over-the-top drama, action and violence. This movie is for a mature audience but for different reasons. It is insightful and intelligent and you'll be glad that you saw if indeed you do.