Green Book

Is it odd to say that inspirational feel good movies find themselves set during periods of racial tension? These can bring two racially different protagonists to move from being distant to finding a respectful kinship with one another. They can also showcase a biographical story of someone achieving great accomplishments during those harsh time. Whether it ranges from team efforts (such as Remember the Titans) or showing naysayers what is possible through determined handwork (such as Hidden Figures). This brings us to Green Book, which is directed by Peter Farrelly (one of the Farrelly brothers known for Dumb & Dumber, There's Something About Mary) and written by Peter Farrelly, Brian Hayes Currie, and Nick Vallelonga. This has been one of those awards contenders from its premiere at film festivals in September but the marketing campaign for the film did an underwhelming job to get audiences enticed. Upon its release it received positive critical reception along with some awards buzz around it. I entered the auditorium ready to see what it can do for me after watching the disappointing Crimes of Grindelwald and left it impressed as well as happy from the feel-good experience.

Plot: The film follows the true story of a famous Jamaican-American jazz pianist hiring a New York nightclub bouncer to escort him on his music tour down in the South during the 1960s. What makes this an interesting road trip is they mention what the green book actually is and show useful it was for African Americans in looking for safe spots to visit during the time of Jim Crow laws. That kind of detail aids this friendship flick in standing out among those with a similar premise. The level of care with how the protagonists interact and learn from each other is why this story works so well. The pacing is pretty solid and the length feels just right as we take on this music tour with them. There really isn't that much to talk about with this section as it all relies on the acting. A few issues that could have been fixed includes if they brought up the titular book a bit more since it only pops up once or twice as well as presenting the dangers of the Jim Crow laws more effectively.

Characters: The people to focus on are Tony "Tony Lip" Vallelonga (Viggo Mortenson) and Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali). Tony is a stubborn street smart New York bouncer who's hired on an escort job for Don's music tour to the harsh South. Viggo does a great job as this prejudiced casual mannered man who grows in his travels with some witty remarks that can crack unexpected laughs. Don is a pompous jazz musician whose equally headstrong attitude clashes with Tony in their road trip. Mahershala is gives an prideful performance that conveys the conflicted frustrations the man felt in his life while doing what he felt would help prove himself. The chemistry between these actors is enjoyable and endearing to watch with how they bounce off one another. Honorable mentions go to Dolores Vallelonga (Linda Cardellini) and Johnny (Sebastian Maniscalo) for their respective performances in supporting roles.

Overall Consensus: Green Book succeeds with its true story being depicted through great acting, a heartwarming plot, and a balanced tone shift. ⭑⭑⭑⭑🎟🍿 Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes PG-13

Reasons to watch it: You like any of the aforementioned actors. You are a fan of feel good comedy-dramas. You don't mind misleading titles of friendship flicks. You enjoy movies that take place during the 1960s with Jim Crow laws.

Reasons to avoid it: You dislike any of the aforementioned actors. You aren't a fan of feel good comedy-dramas. You are annoyed with movies that take place during the 1960s with Jim Crow laws.