Southside with You 2016

     This film tells the story of the first date between Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson Obama.  It was in the summer of 1989 in the afternoon.  Michelle’s parents teased her when she was preparing for her ‘non-date!’  She was determined not to make a big deal of this event but Barack was expecting to sway her over to his side.  Barack gives a rough speech to community activists welcoming him back home.  They go to an art gallery with Ernie Barnes paintings.  

      We already know how this film turns out before the start. They are two ordinary people doing ordinary things but later they become larger-than-life public figures.  This film shows Chicago and it’s people, the beginnings of a romance and also comedy.  Michelle has concerns about dating a co-worker since she is his superior.  Office romances can be complicated and can also end very badly. This film needs more of a spark to remain interesting!!  3* (This movie is OK)

84 min, Bio directed by Richard Tanne with Tika Sumpter, Parker Sawyers, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Phillip Edward Van Lear, Taylar Fondren, Deanna Reed-Foster, Jerod Haynes, Barielle Lott-Rogers, Preston Tate Jr.

Note:  Imdb 6.5 out of 10, 91% critic 74% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 4*, Amazon 3.9* out of 5* with 248 reviews.

Special Note:  Filmed in Chicago and Waukegan, Illinois.  The director Richard Tanne said the main events of this film actually occurred on the first date except the community meeting.  This happened later.  John Legend wrote the song Start for this film after seeing an early cut.  Barack is shown smoking cigarettes but Michelle encouraged him to quit smoking before his campaign for the Democratic nomination.