Proving that cliches are endemic to practically all forms of backstage music dramas, this debut feature set in the world of dance hall reggae in London chronicles the travails of a single mother desperately trying to make it in the music biz while struggling with financial and relationship problems.
Though the ending won't be revealed here, suffice it to say that "Babymother" features a triumphant climactic musical number. The British film, made by FilmFour, is being given a limited release by Fine Line Features, mainly in cities with large Jamaican populations.
The heroine is the beautiful and statuesque Anita Anjela Lauren Smith), who is desperate to become a deejay (rap) star in the dance halls of Harlesden, a section of London that is the center of the local reggae industry. Life for Anita isn't easy; she's bringing up two kids alone while living in a housing project, and she has uneasy relationships with her elderly mother, with whom she frequently deposits her kids, and her straight-laced, gainfully employed sister. Her children's father, Byron (Wil Johnson), with whom she has an on-and-off relationship, is himself an ambitious reggae musician who's not above attempting to derail Anita's burgeoning career.
When Anita, joined by her two "rude girl" friends and musical partners, scores a hit at a local club, things seem to pick up, and she attracts the interest of a local promoter. But another series of obstacles threaten her success, and eventually Anita finds herself in a musical showdown where she must battle her former lover for the top prize.
Although dramatically the film won't erase anyone's memories of "A Star Is Born", it does provide a vibrant, colorful insider's view to a previously underexposed milieu. The narrative is frequently halted for exuberant musical numbers, and the outrageous costumes, jewelry and hairstyles on display alone are worth the price of admission.
(Fri.-Sun., March 17-19, 2000)+++...
Though the ending won't be revealed here, suffice it to say that "Babymother" features a triumphant climactic musical number. The British film, made by FilmFour, is being given a limited release by Fine Line Features, mainly in cities with large Jamaican populations.
The heroine is the beautiful and statuesque Anita Anjela Lauren Smith), who is desperate to become a deejay (rap) star in the dance halls of Harlesden, a section of London that is the center of the local reggae industry. Life for Anita isn't easy; she's bringing up two kids alone while living in a housing project, and she has uneasy relationships with her elderly mother, with whom she frequently deposits her kids, and her straight-laced, gainfully employed sister. Her children's father, Byron (Wil Johnson), with whom she has an on-and-off relationship, is himself an ambitious reggae musician who's not above attempting to derail Anita's burgeoning career.
When Anita, joined by her two "rude girl" friends and musical partners, scores a hit at a local club, things seem to pick up, and she attracts the interest of a local promoter. But another series of obstacles threaten her success, and eventually Anita finds herself in a musical showdown where she must battle her former lover for the top prize.
Although dramatically the film won't erase anyone's memories of "A Star Is Born", it does provide a vibrant, colorful insider's view to a previously underexposed milieu. The narrative is frequently halted for exuberant musical numbers, and the outrageous costumes, jewelry and hairstyles on display alone are worth the price of admission.
(Fri.-Sun., March 17-19, 2000)+++...
- 3/17/2000
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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