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'Southside with You': A Sensible Romance
By Michael S. Goldberger, iBerkshires Film Critic
01:13PM / Thursday, September 08, 2016
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Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers portray the first couple on their first date filled with romance and repartee.

My Dad, a kindly stoic whose inner romanticism made a poignant appearance when the occasion stirred him, was fond of pointing out, if seeing, let us say, a very large woman and a very small man strolling down the street, "See, there's someone for everyone." All of which is my nostalgic, roundabout way of noting the kismet that writer-director Richard Tanne captures in "Southside with You," a chronicle of Michelle Robinson and Barack Obama's first date in 1989.

The thought here is that the odds of two such socially incisive and committed people finding one another is perhaps even greater than the serendipitous meeting of the big gal and the little guy. The given is that both principals in Tanne's decidedly friendly treatment are altruists dedicated to "making a difference" in this world. Thus, those who don't agree that the viciously intransigent political atmosphere during President Obama's terms in office frittered away America's opportunity to make important progress may not enjoy the significance of the movie.

It's reminiscent in gist of the talkatively eloquent "My Dinner with Andre" (1981), except that there's movement through the South Side of Chicago as attorney Michelle and the Harvard associate she's supervising argue whether or not they're actually on a date. Michelle says it's not, while it's apparent the future president hopes the proof will be in the pudding. The setting affords a thoughtful exchange of ideas and motivations, explains the sociology that shaped their opinions, and makes for an insightful, 20/20 hindsight into the making of a First Family.

On a more universal level, the mental thrust and parry Michelle and Barack engagingly conduct as they go from an Afro-Centric art exhibit to a community organizing event, to a pub and then to a showing of Spike Lee's "Do The Right Thing" (1989), should jog your own fond memories. It's a sweet, getting-to-know-you study in courtship, replete with all the joys, fears, second-guessing and wishful dreams that humans exercise in their application of what Darwin called natural selection.

Oh, it's also rather romantic ... the limitless possibilities that loom when you believe you've found the right one. Alas, someone to help you pull the wagon chock full of your ambitions and hopes, now seemingly more achievable than ever. Still, and with good reason considering the extra pitfalls that can readily smash plans and aspirations when you're in the minority portion of a racially divided society, our potential lovers carefully evaluate résumés, dot i's and cross t's for scrutinizing, and diplomatically negotiate differences. Oh no, he likes pie. She prefers ice cream.

More seriously, and aside from preaching to the choir of political thought that feels, successful presidency or not, that President Obama had his heart in the right place, Tanne's screenplay astutely addresses the rigors and wiles of good leadership. At the organizing event where the young activist is already a minor rock star, he uses the group's desire for a community center as a microcosm of what it takes to get something accomplished in government. No slouch in judgment, Michelle chides Barack a bit for the opportune choice of venue to show off his stuff.

The repartee between Tika Sumpter's Michelle Robinson and Parker Sawyers' Barack Obama is entertainingly evocative and full of pungent and even important, if not very exciting, dialogue. These are cautious people who weigh the potential effect of words with careful consideration. In their judiciously chosen inquiries and responses, hyperbole or wit is allowed only if it constructively advances the point in question. Obvious even in moments of playful banter, these are two folks very aware of the struggle that made possible the opportunities they now envision.

Played as a feature length scene study by these two young thespians, Tanne's smart, perceptive screenplay might prove a tad cumbersome for someone who couldn't care less about the mini history lesson available both literally and between the lines. Granted, a little dramatic license here and there might have made matters move a bit more fluidly. But that's a doubled-edge sword. We sense a conviction to remain accurate, lest no shortage of diehard birthers and other detractors seizes yet another flimsy opportunity to claim fraud.

It's all a matter of perspective, often ruled by bias. I venture to surmise that the bulk of this disloyal opposition consists of the very same crowd yelling boisterous approval of a current presidential candidate's outlandish claims and promises. But here you'll find only a knowing subtlety that instead plays to the intelligence of the electorate and begs to be appreciated on that level. In essence, via time machine methodology, "Southside with You" is a polite first foray into establishing President Obama's legacy, as well as a decent date night movie for kindred spirits.

"Southside with You," rated PG-13, is a Roadside Attractions release directed by Richard Tanne and stars Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers. Running time: 84 minutes. It plays beginning Friday at Images Cinema in Williamstown.

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