Celia Therapy

Beyond “Waiting to Exhale” and “Soul Food”When Waiting to Exhale made a splash back in the 90s for being a romantic comedy/drama movie starring middle-class women of color, people took notice at how few and far between such movies were. While Hollywood still seems to shy away from such
 vehicles, great movies about women of color, Black, Hispanic, Asian, what have you, are out there to find. Here’s a list of just some movies now on dvd which offer great characters and stories involving women of color.Real Women Have Curves American Ferrera plays a young, promising high school student who must battle her old-fashioned, appearance conscious mother and her own insecurities as she makes the move from high school to college. The film, based on a stage play, can be a little slow, but has some really fun moments, great character development, and offers a positive theme: stop worrying some much what other people think of you. Ferrera is an engaging star. George Lopez has a cameo. Down In The DeltaAlfre Woodard is one of America’s best actresses. In this film, directed by Maya Angelou, Woodard has a rare chance to be a film’s lead. She plays a single mother who’s struggle to break free of addiction leads her to the Delta south where she reconnects with family and deals with her personal demons. Entertaining and upbeat, with an independent movie feel; a great showcase for Woodard. GirlFightMichelle Rodriguez (Lost) stars as a hard-scrabble city girl looking for her place in the world. She finds it in the boxing ring, where she begins to excel and gain confidence and control over her own life. The movie precedes “Million Dollar Baby” by a few years and while it didn’t get half the notice, and has a kind of “movie of the week” production value thing going on, the script and acting are good and the sports movie clichés are kept to a minimum. What’s Love Got To Do With It?Angela Bassett was Oscar-nominated for her portrayal of rock icon Tina Turner. The movie traces Turner’s early years with abusive husband Ike, played by Laurence Fishburne who was also Oscar-nominated.