source: The Watsons Go to Birmingham

This movie is based on the book by Christopher Paul Curtis, a well respected children's author. The movie is about an African American family living in Detroit, Michigan who spend the summer in Birmingham, Alabama. The Watson children don't know about Jim Crow laws and segregation in the South. The children soon learn about the civil rights movement and discrimination. A scene like in the diner where the waitress tells them to go in the back or the cinema where whites and blacks are separated from each other. The film has a harrowing climax with the reality of the church bombing. The Watsons have made a life in the North but their Southern relatives face discrimination and segregation on a daily basis. This film is appropriate viewing for children. In fact, the movie and book could be used in the classroom.

A fictional historic movie that tells the story about the Afro-Americans family. It was a television movie adapted from a novel of the same name. The movie is a purpose to learn about the history. Also describes the unity of the family and importance to fight back for the right things which was inspiring. It was not a violent movie, it was PG rated that everyone in the family can watch together on a fine occasion. It was shorter and targets nothing particularly about, but all the stuffs that happen around the family was showcased satisfactory manner. An old man, Kenny recalls his childhood incidental story when the country was in revolution for his race. Kenny is a 11-year-old, born in a happy middle class family who live in Michigan. He got a trouble making older brother and an adorable little sister. On a summer holiday they decide to visit grandma who is in Birmingham. So the journey begins, but half way through they come to know that revolution for the civil rights movement has begun. Once they have reached, after the initial few days all the three children start to like the city. One side the revolution and the other side the family vacation. How the Watson family encountered historic event that took place was briefed with many good dialogues and tragic incidents. ''Nonviolence is the key in the fight... To break the bondage of oppression.'' A fine family story. This television movie offers lots of fun moments as well thinkable about our history. Good performance except a couple of them did not convince through their exhibition. The story was told from a kid's perspective about the events he witnessed during the holiday vacation that changed the history of entire country forever. As a kid, he grew up in a society that troubled by racism remarks. Where he visits during the holiday makes him realize the existence of two kinds of a divided society. The story of the family might be fictitious, but the affairs happened around them were based on the real. Especially the bombing incident was very true. Anyway, a simplest movie for television audience. This movie is especially for people who are not into books. Those who are into both are always draw differences. I have not read it, but I liked this movie. Not a must see movie, but to add to the watch list and give it a shot when the proper time you think has arrived.

"The Watsons go to Birmingham" is quite an interesting film and keeps my attention throughout. Kenny, (Bryce Clyde Jenkins) and his family are African Americans. They live in a time period where segregation is still happening. Their family takes a trip to Birmingham, Alabama to visit their Grandmother Sands (LaTanya Richardson). In Birmingham, they take a stand for what is right. I absolutely love the story line in this film. It's powerful, gives me a better perspective of what people went through back then and gives me an appreciation for the rights that I have today. Some of the scene sequences are extremely intense and the actors are doing a spectacular job in portraying their characters with the emotions. The young actors such as Bailey Tippen (Naomi), Skai Jackson (Joetta) and Harrison Knight (Bryon) are to be commended for their outstanding performances. They are so believable. The set, makeup, wardrobe and antique cars are great to see with so much attention to details. It really gives you a feel of how it was back then. My favorite character is Kenny because I can relate to him and in some scenes I would probably act the same way. My favorite scene is when Bryon is kissing his reflection on the car window and his lips are stuck. He has a hard time getting them off of the window. I can tell this really hurts, but it is extremely funny to see. Director, Lenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun), does a great job in directing this film and understands the history and the story line. There is a lot attention to detail with the human behaviors and uniqueness that's makes this film so much more believable. A message in this film is that we are all created equal. It does not matter what skin color you are, you have the same rights as anyone else. Please treat people the way you want to be treated. I recommend "The Watson go to Birmingham" for ages 10 to 18 and for the entire family. I give it 4 out of 5 stars as the overall production is put together extremely well. Reviewed by Brianna Hope B.,KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Excellent film where a black family from Michigan go to Birmingham, Alabama one summer at the time when the civil rights movement was definitely gaining momentum throughout the nation. The elder son is troubled and destined to get into big trouble. The younger brother is much more of the intellectual type, a real bookworm. The sister is sweet. Anika Rose is quite good as the mother. This trip will bring the family together. Note how quickly the eldest son matures. It is a revelation of integration of his personal problems with what is occurring in America circa 1962. When the bombing of the church occurs, this event would give rise to Spike Lee's excellent documentary,"Four Little Girls." This tragedy would serve as a wake up call to America.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham