Gran Torino

Clint Eastwood plays a grumpy old white racist living in a rough neighborhood that is being taken over by gangs. When he unwillingly ends up getting involved with his neighbors family and begins mentoring the young boy he realizes someone has to stand up to the local gang before the entire neighborhood is lost. This was a fantastic movie with an unexpected ending.

The Secret Life of Bees

Based on the best-selling novel this is the story of a young girl who after the death of her mother runs away from home and finds solace at the home of three African American sisters. During the time of the Civil Rights movement this movie touches on the some fragile new found freedoms as well as the young girls struggle to find a place in life. Dakota Fanning does another great performance and Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Sophie Okonedo & Alicia Keys are also superb.

The Great Debaters

Based on a true story of Melvin B. Tolson who during the civil rights era leads an all African American group of students to become debate champions. A good movie about the fight for race equality during the volatile 1930's. Denzel Washington is always great and this movie was no exception.

Hairspray

This is a star filled musical about Tracy Turnblad who has the dream of one day dancing on the Corny Collins show. One day she gets the chance to audition and realizes that talent alone might not be enough. She has to deal with some bigger issues to make her dreams come true. Even though it was a little strange seeing John Travolta as a woman I thought this was enjoyable to watch. Nikki Blonsky was a great Tracy Turnblad.

Pride

Terrance Howard plays a school teacher who, because he is African American has trouble finding a job even though he is educated. He finally gets frustrated and takes a job cleaning out an old community center, and in the process decides to fix up the swimming pool and start Philadelphia's first all African-American swim team. The team does not really take it seriously at first and so struggles to get accepted. This is an inspirational film that is really worth watching.