Kings of the Evening (2008)

What can you say about a movie that was made in 2008 but not released until 2010, and then grossed less than $100K before being pulled? I know what some might say, but I say this is a decent Christmas movie. What, you say? A Christmas movie?

This is a story of forgiveness, self-respect, honor, and redemption. No, it's not a bible story.

Tyson Beckford, yeah, the super model, plays a down-and-out young ex-con, estranged from his family and his identity. The lovely Lynn Whitfield plays the owner of a boarding house who takes in the Beckford's Homer. Glynn Turman is brilliant as a much older, hapless version of Homer. Rounding out the main characters is Linara Washington who fills the pivotal role here. These 4 working together is movie magic.

Kudos to Director Andrew P. Jones for letting these 4 take the scenes and spin a story worth watching. Yes, white guys can direct. While this is a story taken from South African culture, it is a worthy lesson in self-respect under horrible circumstances.

Watch this movie with someone who will not cringe at the realities of racial tensions during the Great Depression.