Funny Valentines
| Funny Valentines | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Julie Dash |
| Screenplay by | Ron Stacker Thompson Ashley Tyler Amy Schor Ferris |
| Based on | Funny Valentines by J. California Cooper |
| Produced by | Scott White |
| Starring | Alfre Woodard |
| Cinematography | Karl Herrmann |
| Edited by | Hibah Frisina |
| Music by | Stanley Clarke |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Starz! Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 108 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Funny Valentines is a 1999 American drama film directed by Julie Dash and starring Alfre Woodard.[1] It is based on J. California Cooper's short story of the same name.[2] The film was produced by Starz! Pictures and released in selected theatres and later premiered on cable television.[3]
Synopsis
[edit]Looking to escape a troubled marriage, a woman returns to her hometown, where she repairs a broken friendship with her cousin and finds true happiness.
Cast
[edit]- Alfre Woodard as Joyce May
- Loretta Devine as Dearie B.
- CCH Pounder as Ethel B.
- Peter Jay Fernandez as Danny
- Megalyn Echikunwoke as Lauren
- Kajuana Shuford as Gail
- Kiara Tucker as Young Joyce
- Saycon Sengbloh as Young Dearie B.
- Christopher Dunn as Robert Earl
- Tom Wright as Dr. Thomas Holder
- Von Coulter as Troy Watts
Production
[edit]Filming occurred in Wilmington, North Carolina.[2] This is the second movie co-starring Alfre Woodard and Loretta Devine after Down in the Delta.
Critical response
[edit]The film and performances received positive reviews from critics. Laura Fries from the Variety magazine wrote in her review: "Director Julie Dash fosters a real sense of affection for these characters.[4][5] Like her film debut, “Daughters in the Dust,” Dash provides a lush atmosphere, creating a visual treat with intricate flashback sequences and inviting locations."[2]
At The 2000 Black Reel Awards the film received five nominations.
References
[edit]- ^ Johnson, Allan; Hettrick, Scott (February 12, 1999). "DEVINE IS DIVINE IN FUNNY VALENTINES". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
- ^ a b c Fries, Laura (9 February 1999). "Funny Valentines". Variety. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ "Funny Valentines (1999) - Julie Dash | Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related | AllMovie" – via www.allmovie.com.
- ^ Leonard, John (February 15, 1999). ""Funny Valentines" and "Deep in My Heart" - Nymag". New York Magazine.
- ^ "USA CABLE MOVIE DOESN'T DO JUSTICE TO CIVIL RIGHTS TALE". Chicago Tribune. February 9, 1999.