FIRST LOOK: Kasi Lemmon’s ‘Black Nativity’

Jacob Latimore, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson and Forest Whitaker

Posted by | Ray Cornelius

When I first heard that director Kasi Lemmons was turning the Langston Hughes classic musical Black Nativity into a movie I nearly gasped. I have seen the stage version of the show several times here in Atlanta and I was very concerned that the music and message would get lost in all the Hollywood hoopla. However, from the looks of the newly released images of the film, Lemmons and her all-star cast may have very well captured the true spirit of the play.

Four official images of Black Nativity starring Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett, and Forest Whitaker have been revealed this week. Reportedly, the film will feature a variety of musical genres including R&B, Gospel, and rap. A few things I didn’t know before was that Mary J. Blige will have a cameo in the film as a guardian angel to Jacob Latimore’s character. Also, Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett will perform their own songs with Hudson saying that they both can carry a tune.

As previously reported, noted jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard is composing the film’s score along with soul vocalist Raphael Saadiq writing music for it. Rounding out the cast is Tyrese Gibson, Nas and Beyoncé’s tour mate and R&B newcomer, Luke James.

Check out the images below and tell us what you think…

Jennifer Hudson with Jacob Latimore

 Jacob Latimore with cast

Mary J. Blige rocking her signature blond curls as a guardian angel

The Black Nativity  opens in theaters just in time for the holidays on November 27.

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