“Southside With You” Movie Review

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TheGrio had the opportunity to see the highly anticipated film Southside With You before it hits theaters, and trust us, this is a movie you do not want to miss!

When I first heard about a movie coming out about Barack and Michelle’s relationship, I was extremely excited! I mean, who isn’t excited, to finally see how the president was able to get our awesome First Lady, Michelle Obama?

What made me want to watch the movie more was getting the chance to see budding actress Tika Sumpter play the role of Michelle Obama. Sumpter has starred in many different movies, such as Bessie and Get on Up, but I was excited to see her being challenged to play the role of our First Lady.

–Trailer for new film on Barack and Michelle Obama’s first date released, ‘Southside with You’

Parker Sawyers played the role of Barack Obama. Personally, I have never heard of the actor, but the resemblance was uncanny. Sawyers was able to embody the president’s sense humor, personality and confidence.

The movie was set in the southside of Chicago in 80s, where Michelle Obama was born. The beginning of the movie gives you a great feel for Michelle’s character and upbringing. It is evident that she is a strong, smart, independent African-American woman who keeps her family very close to her heart.

Barack Obama, on the other hand, is a confident, intelligent, and charismatic man who isn’t the greatest at being on time. When he takes Michelle Obama on their first “date,” one of the first things she says to him is: “You’re late.”

He replies, bashfully, “I was hoping you wouldn’t notice.”

–First Look: Barack, Michelle Obama’s first date retold in ‘Southside With You’

Throughout their first date, we see how Barack tried extremely hard to get Michelle to look at him as not just an employee but a romantic interest. Although Michelle was attracted to Barack, she knew that a relationship with him would only lead to trouble, professionally. She did not want their relationship to mess up her job that she has worked extremely hard for.

Moreover, throughout the movie, you see Barack’s determination and admiration for Michelle, which was portrayed beautifully. The main characters had a true onscreen chemistry that made me just fall in love right away. I may be a little biased because I am a big fan of Barack and Michelle already, but I believe the characters depicted their bond in a honest way.

Not only did the Director Richard Tanne describe their first date elegantly but he also captured the era and characters to a T. He made the film truly immersive; from the scenery to the background music, you really felt like you were there.

–Young Barack Obama cast in new film ‘Barry’

Date movies can tend to be drawn out, but the plot of Southside With You made sure to the grasp the audience’s attention the entire time. From their slight disagreements to Barack explaining his upbringing to Michelle’s constant reminder that this wasn’t a date and, lastly, the moment she realized it was a date, the whole thing was captured exquisitely .

It is clear Barack did not take no for an answer, and we are sure glad he didn’t. Barack Obama is excellent president, but it’s the woman behind him that made him an even better person.

Southside With You hits theaters August 26th.