Editor's Note: We are happy to introduce April L. Patterson a.k.a. "The PhxSoul.com Movie Maven" who will regularly write reviews about movies that prominently feature African American actors. This is The PhxSoul.com Movie Maven's first installment ... we hope you enjoy!
If you haven’t seen Good Hair yet ... “What are you waiting for?”
In this documentary, audiences learn Chris Rock was inspired to go deep into the black community and learn more about black women’s hair after one of his darling little girls came crying to him and asked, “Daddy how come I don’t have good hair?”
On Rock’s quest to learn what exactly is good hair he interviews the likes of Nia Long, Lauren London, Raven Symone, Ice-T, Al Sharpton, and many more. Ice-T scored major cool points for being so real. Then I thought about his better half and took 'em all back. For all you drama lovers who can’t get enough of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kim’s creative mind behind her wig line, Derek J (always in heels) carries his 15 minutes of fame over into Rock’s Good Hair.
From ATL to NY to India, where women tonsure their hair, to LA, the weave mecca, and back to the dirty south, Rock discovers most black women are addicted to creamy crack and weave to obtain a more European look—straight hair—perceived to be “good hair.”
Because Indian women are sacrificing their hair for God and black women are spending thousands of dollars to get it, weave dominated much of the dialog. As black women set boundaries, i.e., avoiding certain activities to preserve their expensive, precious hair, while Sharpton cries these women (myself included) wear oppression on their heads everyday, Rock’s inquisitiveness leaves audiences begging the questions …
- “Where is the black community going wrong?”
- “How is it that black hair is a $9 billion business, but Asians and Caucasians are the primary profiteers?”
On a softer note, I left the theatre thinking I need to be in ATL for the next Bronner Brothers Hair Show. More importantly, I need to find Jason Griggers, the hair grower (aka the Rosa Parks of black hair).
It isn’t raining men so I can’t give the movie two snaps and a twist, but it’s definitely worthy of deuces up as this documentary is thought provoking, witty, and entertaining not to mention there were plenty, as my friend put it, “shake your head moments.”
Whether you’re a man or woman, wear extensions or are as natural as mother earth, you’ll enjoy Good Hair.
Recent Comments