Snark, Critic and Pop!

Night Catches Us is the kind of independent film that can only thrive on the film festival circuit.

Technically, it’s very sound. The acting is strong. The directing by writer/director Tanya Hamilton shows much promise (some problems with pacing, I’d say) . The film, set in 1976 Philadelphia, looks and feels authentic. The streets, the decor, the fashion, the hair all put you in the right frame of mind. 

But man oh man is Night Catches Us dull.

The story is that Marcus (Anthony Mackie) has returned home to attend the funeral for his father after years of self-imposed exile including a stint in prison. Thugs believe that Marcus, prior to his exodus, was the rat who snitched on a Black Panther Neil who killed a cop and was ultimately gunned down by police. (continue reading…)