Black Or White – It starts out flat and overacted and improves only a tad. Grandfather Elliot Anderson (Kevin Costner) and his wife have raised granddaughter Eloise (Jillian Estell) since their daughter died in childbirth. She was only 17 when 23 year-old Reggie (Andre Holland) impregnated her. Grandmother dies in car accident so “Papa” is doubly angry. He makes good use of his well-stocked bar. Reggie’s mom Rowena “Wee Wee” (Octavia Spencer) and family bring a custody suit. She thinks Reggie wants to be a parent. He’d prefer to sell her. Rowena’s nephew Jeremiah (Anthony Markie) is a hot shot lawyer who wants to make everything about race and makes you want to slap him.
Eloise is feisty and sweet. She teaches Papa how to discipline her correctly. Spencer does her simpering smile with those snapping black eyes. She can’t keep her mouth shut in court and the interaction between her and the judge (Paula Newsome) is one of the better parts. Probably the best part is Duvon (Mpho Koaho), who tutors both Eloise and Elliott. Costner is able to do one really good speech stating just because he doesn’t like crack-addict Reggie who “killed” his daughter doesn’t make him a racist.
The couple good performances do not make up for a bad movie.
scenebymarilyn Blog 
Posted on February 12, 2015
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