Help me pick a movie for Black History Month!

Green Book (2018) would've been a good one for Black History. It's still a good watch any time!

Gerald Corona

It's too late for Black History Month, obviously, but I would recommend In the Heat of the Night regardless, particularly if you haven't seen it before. Fantastic movie from the height of the civil rights movement. And stellar work from Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger.

G. T. Blackwell

Also Amistad is good

Ray Riddle

Have you seen Glory?

Ray Riddle

You could also do Red Tails. It's historical drama based on the story of the Tuskegee airmen during WWII and the uphill battle they had to face in a US military prior to the US's move to integrate the different races. Funny enough the military was one of the first government institutions that desegregated during Truman's presidency. I've not seen it but was highly acclaimed.

You could go with something like Missisippi Burning. It has FBI in Misissippi during Jim Crow in the 60s during the civil rights movement. so, it's got a good cast. It has William Defoe, Gene Hackman and Lee Ermy. I enjoyed it very much. It also has Gailard Sartain as a sherriff you can hate. He does a nice job with it. It might be a good choice for this month. You should at least seriously consider it. They have a couple of trailers on Imdb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095647/fullcredits

Hidden Figures is a great hidden history of NASA and a great story of black rights - these women made NASA space program - if you don't do your YouTube show, watched for yourself

JarHead0351

Coming to American will always be my favourite black movie

Denise Mullin

Moonlight is an absolute must watch for Maharshayla Ali. And he's going to be our MCU Blade to 😃😃

Anakin Starkiller

For historical movies I wish Glory was on the poll. For comedy I wish Undercover Brother was.

Another movie that should be mentioned is The Hurricane, based on a true story and with Denzel Washington giving one of the best performances of his career. Should have won the Oscar for it.

Justin S.

All respect to Chadwick, but then I would ask, why not pay respect to Cicely Tyson and do Jane Pittman or something similar from her catalogue.

Great film and not as well known in some circles.

Heya Nat. I joined just for the Black History Month vote, but it looks like I may be a bit too late and Moonlight already won. Its an Older Movie, but sometime in the future ( or maybe if you squeeze in another film) I would say try A Soldier's Story. I saw that with my father when I was young and it always resonated with me. Many of the actors in it have gone on to major notoriety and it is based around the treatment of blacks who enlisted for WWII. .

So underrated. That opening fight scene on the beach is beautiful

Nicholas Hentges

While the help may be a good movie, a white savior movie isn't the movie needed for BHM. That's like watching Dances with Wolves on Indigenous Peoples Day, it can be a fine movie, but kind of pulls away from the people the movie is supposed to be about.

Nicholas Hentges

Looks like the whole thing was deleted, so not sure why I am the crybaby here but can definitely see that you are the mature one here lol

Nicholas Hentges

I wish Pootie Tang was one of the choices.

Dooly

You next Bond movie has to be "In Her Majesty's Secret Service". I think you will love it,

James Hawkins

And the winner is... La La Land! LMFAO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KeOxeuiZjs

Dave M.

Aww, where did your little crybaby argument go lil Nicky? Lmao

ryanrichey13

Everyone is jumping on The Help for being a "white savior" movie but so many other suggestions I see being made could fall under that narrative too, like Glory and Glory Road etc. The reality is, these all are based on true stories and the filmmakers are telling the story how it happened. I think sometimes people need to calm down and just enjoy a good movie. That's just my opinion.

It Hurt A Lot

While I don't think it's entirely appropriate for Black History Month I would put forward that you watch "Watchmen (TV Show)" in the near future. The show relates to black history since it starts with the Tulsa Race Massacre. The show mixes fiction with history in a way that makes it extremely relevant now in much the same way "V for Vendetta" did. I would suggest watching the "Watchmen (Movie)" first though.

Brant Gudiness

Black Dynamite is the real answer.

WackySwacky

42 would be a really good one for this! And 12 years a slave

Caleb Clark

Love you channel thx

michael denny

real suggestion though, could we get "In the heat of the Night" or "Black Klansman." Sometime this month. These choices feel a little safe if I'm being honest. Also we should do a Quentin Tarentino film someday.

michael denny

Not entirely a Black History movie but The Trial of the Chicago Seven on Netflix was really good

Joel

Can’t wait for Thor The Dark World. I don’t know but it got too much love when it was in the theaters. But I do like it better than the first. But I like the third movie better than both one or two. You’re my first Patreon. And I’m really enjoying the experience!

Jeremy Vickers

Thanks! I definitely didn’t know who made it. Just that I love Viola Davis and unfortunately that it was on a list for movies to watch during BHM. I should’ve done more research, but glad I have Patreon folks to enlighten me

Natalie Gold

Haha gotta do both of course! BHM is way more important than Valentine’s so BHM gets at least two movies and Valentine’s gets one :)

Natalie Gold

I'm voting for Moonlight, but I'd also throw in BlacKKKlansman, which is a more-or-less true story and very entertaining.

Kevin Mowery

Get Out is on my list for a scary poll soon-ish :)

Natalie Gold

While not a classic, The Wiz is probably as "big" as mainstream black films ever got in the 70's, and Coming to America is ten times the feel-good "African royalty fantasy" that Black Panther wanted to be.

Eric Janssen

Damn. I'd probably go with Black Dynamite for Comedy, Django Unchained for Action/Adventure, and The Color Purple for drama. Underground for a series, and Raising Deon for Sci-Fi

Tony Hart

I have not seen any one else mention Richard Wright who was an amazing author he wrote two amazing books one is an autobiography of his life, which was an interesting book, the second one is a fictional story called Native Son I haven't watched it yet but they made a move based on Native Son that came out last year and might be an interesting movie to consider I don't think any one else has mentioned him or his books or the movies based on them.

Baron

Hello ! I'm wondering... is Get Out a good movie for this theme ?

Feed Gods

This!

Lisa Tosti

How about a crossover, not only recognizing BHM but also paying tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman? 42, Get on Up, or Marshall maybe?

Ian Forbes

If you want a real look at American history for that I loved the movie Amistad. It's based on a true story and has a stellar cast. Directed by Spielberg too. It deals with slavery and doesn't pull any punches so parts of it are very upsetting.

JayF

And movies outside Civil Rights/racism to take a look at The Wiz, Coming to America, Bad Boys, John Q, The Five Heart Beats, Set it Off, The Wood, Four Brothers, Drumline.

David Martin

I would steer clear of The Help. It has some great performances, but the fact it's a White Savior movie means it's probably not the best choice for BHM.

Ken Matzigkeit

Moonlight's great. For another poll I suggest Spike Lee's semi-autobiographical Crooklyn

Ken

The Help is fantastic. I think that is the best choice on there. I'd love to see your reaction to that movie. Other good picks for black history month would be Remember the Titans, 42, Hidden Figures, The Tuskegee Airmen.

David Crabtree

Think we'll get to that one, and Inglorious Basterds and Django, for "Quentin Tarantino Blaxploitation Fanboy & White-Guilt Badass Race-Avenger Fantasy" month.

Eric Janssen

Love that you’re actually making a poll for BHM tho

David Martin

Uh, it DOES? Might want to go back a few more posts, think I saw a few other titles repeated more frequently.

Eric Janssen

By the way I love that you are doing black history month movies instead of just romance for valentines day. Not sure I've seen a reactor make that choice so respect to you. I appreciate it

Elisa H.

For your next pick options, it looks like people really like or want: 42 Judas and the Black Messiah Malcolm X Blackkklansman Hidden Figures Simple test to see if it is something worth watching for black history month: does it star and have in its crew predominantly black people? Is it told from their perspective or a white person's? Is it based on a true story told by a black person and not from the perspective of white people? It doesnt have to be an absolute true story, it can be a story about experiences of black people told in a fictional narrative, but it should have to do with real fears and struggles and hopes of the black community. If it has a white person coming to realizations, that is not the movie for black history month. A movie about black history by black people is the movie for black history month. If you lean towards green book and the help, turn around and find something better, Django Unchained has more historical and narrative accuracy than those 2. Though if you are going to pick a fictional movie, Da 5 Bloods on Netflix is fantastic.

Nicholas Hentges

I agree, those are better options. I would also add Glory to your list.

Tom

Since it's for Black History Month shouldn't the choices be more related to black history? The key word being history. Maybe movies like Selma, Hidden Figures, and 42 are better for this.

Bob Criswell

God no, white supremacists get enough screen time, dont need to donate black history month to a white supremacist reformation film.

Nicholas Hentges

Just here to echo what other people have said about The Help being a poor choice for Black History Month. It was created and produced by white people and leans heavily on the "white savior" trope. Even Viola Davis has spoken up about regretting being a part of it. I'd suggest looking for movies that were written, directed, and produced by Black people rather than just having a few Black characters.

42 is another great movie for Black History Month. It's about Jackie Robinson. Great story plus Chadwick Bozeman is awesome as always.

Ron K

I’ve seen Green Book which is the only reason it’s not here. Loved that movie!

Natalie Gold

Cynthia is a goddess. I saw her on Broadway years ago and she floored me😭

Natalie Gold

I saw the play years ago and LOVED it. Definitely interested to see the movie

Natalie Gold

This won’t be the only movie I’m doing for Black History Month

Natalie Gold

Blackkklansman would have been great.

Vincent Valentin

Hidden figures or 42 (Chadwick Boseman) might have been good picks as well

Elisa H.

I haven't seen the others, but I LOVE The Help. Other great ones I have seen are Hidden Figures, The Colour Purple, 12 Years A Slave and The Butler (2013)

Kassandra Jeffery

Aw man, was really hoping to see Hidden Figures, or even BlackKKlansman

Cifer

Since Glory, Malcolm X and Do the Right Thing have already been mentioned (and rightly so), what about Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip? No, seriously, there's one moment that sums up Black History Month, and was a personal racial turning point for Pryor as well.

Eric Janssen

Moonlight by far but I’m up for Glory too.

Christian Rennie

I would like to give a hearty, please no to Green Book and The Help

Vincent Valentin

I second both too. I am a little partial to Glory tho.

Christian Rennie

100% agreed, it shows the futility and absolute abhorrent way racism can consume your life. Powerful movie.

ryanrichey13

That movie starring Chadwick Bozeman about Jackie Robinson. "42"

Robert Reichle

Uh Jackie brown, not even on list wtf.

michael denny

Green book was better. Better performance outta Ali

Joel

moonlight is overrated

Joel

People above already suggested “Glory” and “Do The Right Thing” and I would second those. Both great picks.

Horror Movie Syllabus

Please, whatever you do, don't watch The Help. Awful movie.

Saf

The help is p bad I heard. I'd go with Moonlight

Kelvin

If you are looking for another movie to celebrate, I'd suggest Glory Road.

Bryce Allison

Moonlight is the best choice here and well deserved the oscar for best picture the year it came out. Malcolm X or Hidden Figures would be better choices to include than the Help in my opinion. Another underrated movie to keep in mind for BHM going forward is Mo' Better Blues (1990) with Denzel Washington. It has a lot of really good music and an interesting story.

Justin S.

Can I petition to replace The Help with Judas and The Black Messiah? Its on HBO Max starting Feb 12th. Or Malcom X instead of The Help. Or Blackkklansman instead of The Help,

Vincent Valentin

I would join the crowd and vote for Hidden Figures, although the selection above is fine....

Chris Gronau

Not movies but Documentaries. Even if you don't watch these as watch-alongs, you should watch them yourself. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5804038 (I Am Not Your Negro) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5895028 (13th)

Robert Hughes

Also, it's got Mahershala Ali's Oscar winning turn, so you can't go wrong.

David Trumble

Not to be divisive, but anything but the help. It's a well-intentioned movie with good actors but it is told so much from the perspective of the white characters and has a certain "white savior" feeling to it. Nothing against the film-makers personally, but for me if I was going to watch something for Black History Month I would choose something that came from black voices, black writers and directors etc. "Moonlight" for me personally, out of the options.

David Trumble

I definitely agree with "Hidden Figures". Such an excellent movie. I ended up voting for "The Help". It was between that and "Moonlight".

Randee Carreno

Moonlight, a very deserved Best Picture winner, a very moving film. Also, I'd add Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing to your master list; it's as relevant today as it was in 1989, and also his latest film, Da 5 Bloods (on Netflix) is probably my favorite film of all of his, and I highly recommend everyone watch it now if you haven't seen it. Hard to watch in places, but so worth it. Uses some unusual techniques/choices that I think work incredibly well, and I think Delroy Lindo needs to win an Oscar for his performance. Also Chadwick Boseman's second-to-last film before his death (RIP King). Everyone watch Da 5 Bloods - thank me later. :-)

Andy Jordan

I would totally agree with Hidden Figures as a recommendation. The woman at the center of that movie, Katherine Johnson, also died last February 24th so it would have also been a nice 1 year tribute. Another movie I'd recommend is Fences from 2016. The Help is great but I can't get over Viola Davis saying she regretted doing the movie. I can't say why without spoiling the film. I voted for Moonlight.

Haughtbreaker Nic

I would have suggested Hidden Figures, though I confess I was a NASA fan-boy in my youth. I didn't care so much for Harriet as a movie (the history might be good... I don't know) but I liked all the others.

David Wetzel

I was just about to suggest Hidden Figures. An outstanding movie! If not for BHM, it should definitely be on the list of future movies to watch. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4846340/

John

I would rather Malcolm X than One night in Miami, that movie was Fiction smh...even Viola Davis didnt like The Help and regretted taking the role. Would rather have Remember the Titans, Malcolm X, American Skin, and Judas and the Black Messiah if we’re keeping it in the realm of Civil Rights/racism.

David Martin

I can't believe No one has mentioned Hidden Figures. One of my Faves along with who I voted for - The Help

Bob Criswell

I never got around to seeing Moonlight so that got my vote. Have you ever seen Groundhog Day since today is Groundhog Day?

Joe Blankenship

Moonlight is going to shatter you like a Sub Zero fatality in Mortal Kombat, and you will be unable to function for hours.

JediLounger

May I suggest Amistad?

G. T. Blackwell

Voting for Moonlight but I think Green Book could be an excellent choice as well

Danishprince

You have to watch it because it's a good movie not with the motive of educating yourself

It Hurt A Lot

Consider Blindspotting

Flick Freaks

I hear The Help isn’t really regarded well.

Robert Gruhn

My vote is for none of the above. They're all worthy, but for my money, "Hollywood Shuffle" would give you a better run for your money with Black history, and way more laughs while you ponder the subjects it brings up.

Carlton Baker II

No Malcolm X?

Jay Hegener

There's never a good excuse for sitting out a Natalie G reaction video, especially not one as important as this.

Darryl Low

Couple write-ins, not sure if either is your cup of tea: "12 Years a Slave" was powerful and well-acted/directed. "Glory" is a war film but clearly focussed on the human element (American Civil War). Denzel Washington won Best Supporting Actor for the latter, and well-deserved.

Daniel Bannon

Not heard of any of these so I have no preference whichever wins the reaction will be great regardless

Ian

Based on your other reactions you should check out The Bingo Long Traveling All Stars and Motor Kings. [Available on Prime]

Taff Lewis

As a white guy, I"m sitting this one out. But I do request you react to "With apologies to Jesse Jackson" South Park Episode.

Grigsy

While I have been really wanting to see HARRIET - because I can't get ENOUGH of the incredibly multi-talented Cynthia Erivo (WHAT a voice, what an actress - what a talent), I have been curious to watch MOONLIGHT for YEARS now. So I'm going with that as my pick for the poll. Though there are SO many films related to Black History Month I should just start digging into.

This_Jedi_crafts

Something like Do The Right Thing or Fruitvale Station would be good. You could also do Creed if you want a more recent movie that would get your video a lot of views

Jackson Greenberg

Wow, thanks for this Nat. Haven't seen any of these, so I am looking forward to watching the winning movie, and then I really do need to catch the rest of them.

Darryl Low

I had discovered by chance "The Help" that I really liked, on the other hand the others movies I didn't see them even if I had only good echoes of them, anyway, it can only be interesting discoveries

Calo Grsf

Moonlight's about the only watchable one of the bunch, sohhhhhhh.......

Diiirk706

I will say i agree with another comment here. American History X while not traditional in BHM standards is quite powerful and relevant today as it was, if not more relevant, than it was when it was released

Adam Block

Please consider "Hidden Figures"?

Robyn

The Help was so good

It Hurt A Lot

Oooo, tough one! I think Moonlight will win overall, but my vote is One Night in Miami.

Matthew Periolat

We gave One Night In Miami “movie of the year.

Flick Freaks