B Boy Blues is an impressive directorial debut by Jussie Smollett. His film version of James Earl Hardy’s iconic 1994 novel is about the romance between a couple of black men in New York. Class and culture clash when a college-educated magazine journalist from Brooklyn and a homeboy bike messenger from Harlem fall in love.
Mitchell (Timothy Richardson), who is successful, middle-class and very focused on his career, finds himself falling for the smoking hot Raheim (Thomas Mackie), a handsome, super-fit bike courier who delivers a parcel to him one day at work. Raheim charms Mitchell into going on a date with him and the two men quickly fall into a passionate relationship. Despite his friends’ misgivings about the cultural divide between the two men, and a few red flags, Mitchell is enraptured by the incredibly sexy and smooth Raheim. The repercussions of their mutual obsession, however, begin to affect his work, friendships and family.
Smollett has delivered a heartfelt comedy-drama full of ridiculously good-looking people. The all-black cast is an unapologetic celebration of African-American gay men. Excellent Spike Lee-esq cinematography and an uplifting soundtrack give the movie real warmth. This film has a high budget feel about it, and after watching a lot of quite melancholy queer drama recently, it was refreshing to be taken into a largely positive queer environment. The story brims with drama, romance, heart, and charisma and will captivate you from start to finish, leaving you wanting more – especially of the super-hot love scenes. Strong casting delivers a realistic, relatable mix of characters whom you’ll care for and the many outdoor shots help make this a classic New York love story. The script is sharp and often laugh-out funny. A special mention needs to be made for actress/rapper Heather B who plays Mitchell’s aunt Ruth, a strong matriarch who holds the family together. There are four books in the B-Boy series so hopefully, we’ll soon see more of these guys.
P.S. B Boy Blues is the Opening Night Film at Miami's Outshine Film Festival
Review: Ris Fatah Queerguru Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah
Labels: 2022, B Boy Blues, James Earl Hardy, Jussie Smollett, Ris Fatah, Thomas Mackie, Timothy Richardson
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