ja-191-280465
"Cover" directed by Bill Duke is a poignant film that highlights the cause and effects of infidelity, betrayal and deception. Aunjanue Ellis does very well as the religious devoted mother and housewife who soon becomes distraught after discovering her husband's double life. Not to mention, the radiant and beautiful Vivica A. Fox as the supportive, best friend. The directing is more than suitable for the film as Bill Duke keeps the viewer guessing with his intelligent and crafty use of mystery and suspense. In addition, the film has a clever storyline that's strong enough to keep one glued to their seat. Most importantly, the storyline is well thought out ,unpredictable and original. "Cover also includes performances by Leon as the seductive and charismatic Ryan Chambers, Roger Guenveur Smith("Do The Right Thing"), Paula Jai Parker("Friday"), Louis Gossett Jr, and Clifton Davis from the 1970s TV sitcom "That's My Mama". I highly recommend this film. 8/10.
Jucelle Romande
Cover is a little known treat that is surprisingly suspenseful and enlightening. It tackles the highly pervasive yet equally controversial materials like homosexuality and "down-low" in the Black American community. Few movies have dared venture there and make a case for acceptance amongst Christians.When her husband gets promoted, Valerie Mass's life begins to fall apart. Aunjanue Ellis plays Valerie Mass, an unassuming "God-fearing" church woman, who relocates to a new city with her husband. Razaaq Adoti is Dutch, Valerie's husband. Dutch's social life goes on the fast lane. He soon befriends Ryan Chambers (Leon from the movie Capers), a known womanizer, and starts acting more aloof. Neglected by her husband, Valerie turns to a church prayer group where she meets a sickly woman. The truth she will uncover is worse than anything she could have imagined. When Ryan turns up dead on New Year's Eve, she becomes the most likely suspect.Aside for Vivica Fox and Leon, the cast is low on the mainstream acting radar. Nevertheless, it delivers decent performances. Black American movies are not without the religious idiosyncrasies but none of that detract from the serious subject matter or a solid plot.Producers Bill Duke and Kenneth Dixon teamed up to create a complex tale of faith and redemption. The plot is quite simple but, somehow, they manage to keep a tight leash on it, keeping you guessing until the very end.Leon delivers sex and edge without fail. Few actors in Hollywood command the screen the way this man can. Leon brings charisma and magneticism in every role he plays. Vivica Fox plays her "trademark hood" affectation, which I find annoying. Her role, essentially, brings nothing to this movie. This is a movie with a lot of twists. So, don't expect action.This is a new recipe for Black films and I look forward to seeing more like it. I definitely recommending renting the DVD and watching it on a girls' night-in.
leka1622
I really was surprised by this movie. It kept my attention. I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next. THis movie deals very closely to a social issue that is harming the black community. even though some parts were kind of off the wall it still turned out the be a good film. I thought that it was well acted. I kept trying to figure out who the husband was cheating with and was completely surprised by who the person turned out to be. I enjoyed the film. The other wife who tried to kill herself was just foolish but I can't say that there is not a person who would put up with what she did from her husband. I wouldn't have ever guessed that most of the black male characters in the movie were down low, but it is happening. I think that this movie was an accurate portrayal of what is going on in today's society.
dbborroughs
Church going house wife is arrested and charged with murder. Things become complicated as her neat little life begins to unravel and when its clear the Assistant District Attorney prosecuting the case doesn't care if she's guilty since he's looking to win the up coming election. Weakest film directed by actor turned director Bill Duke. Feeling more like a Tyler Perry wannabe thriller then the realistic and often gritty films that Duke usually turns out, this film seems more intent on being about something other than the mystery at hand. The film has a weak script which has too many "dark secrets" that the good cast can't really turn into anything truly worth watching. It just misses...and whats worse you can see it going whizzing by...