As a filmmaker, Maya Angelou is a fine writer.
Which is to say, of course, that the award-winning author and activist has fine storytelling instincts. But her cinematic directorial debut, "Down in the Delta," shows that she hasn't quite mastered the nuances of film pacing or of real, technical filmmaking.
And despite some fine performances — especially from stars Alfre Woodard and Al Freeman Jr. — the material (written by first-time scripter Myron Goble) is much too familiar and could have used a lot of doctoring. (Why Angelou didn't do that is anyone's guess.)
Still, the film does have a good heart, and it's nice to see an urban drama filled with more "normal" characters than usual. Also, the film dares to explore actual themes (in this case, family roots and redemption), a real rarity in movies these days.
Woodard stars as Loretta, an irresponsible mother of two living in a crime-ridden Chicago ghetto. In spite of constant prodding from her mother, Rosa Lynn (Mary Alice), Loretta is unable to pull herself out of a self-destructive rut until Rosa Lynn finally puts her foot down.
Pawning a much-beloved family heirloom, a candelabra nicknamed "Nathan," Rosa Lynn buys Loretta and her children bus tickets and sends them to the Mississippi delta. There, she and her children (Mpho Koaho and Kulani Hassen) learn the real meaning of family, as well as the history behind "Nathan."
Loretta is almost immediately put to work by her stern but loving uncle, Earl (Al Freeman Jr.), who owns a chicken restaurant. Meanwhile, the children begin to enjoy this change of pace, and they even connect with Annie (Esther Rolle), Earl's enfeebled wife.
Angelou wisely lets her cast dominate, and the performances are fine all the way around, especially Woodard, Freeman and Alice. And Wesley Snipes (who co-produced the film) is surprisingly charming in a small but crucial supporting role.
Unfortunately, some of the situations seem incredibly contrived — the ending is far too convenient and predictable. It doesn't help that Angelou plays things in such a low-key fashion that the movie lacks energy, as well as the necessary emotional heft.
"Down in the Delta" is rated PG-13 for urban violence (overheard), as well as a brief tussle, a scene depicting crack cocaine use and scattered profanities.