SOUL FOOD (1997) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch | Vanessa Williams | Vivica A. Fox | Nia Long

[@CinePals]

Once again, I apologize. This was meant to come out yesterday but with all the mayhem of the end of the year and our team being more limited than normal, it took more time to complete this. Additionally KZbin was being more intense with copyright claims, so some parts of the first half might feel a little bit more chopped up than our normal style. Not my preference but we did our best. Hope you enjoy!

[@Traveljetsetter954]

I hope you do waiting to exhale

[@TheGoldenAge7]

This was a great holiday movie choice. The family dynamic resonated with my own family. Hope we eventually get “Juice” in the future.

[@KingKayyDaKidd]

What’s love Got to Do with it the Tina Turner movie❤

[@candor8981]

Grateful for the uploads regardless 🙌🏾 🎉

[@Radiance0044]

Please react to: -The Wood (1999) -Fresh (1994) -Beloved (1998) -Whats love got to do with it (1993) -Jason Lyric (1994) -Waiting to exhale (1995) - The Five heartbeats (1991) - The Temptations (1998) -Cabin in the woods (2011) - Harlem nights (1989) - A thin line between love and hate (1996) - Their eyes were watching god (2005) - Undercover brother (2002)

[@aprilglogirl]

Watching this as an adult makes us all feel like Terri wasn’t the villain we thought she was….😂😂

[@shania991]

Na they was really playing in Teri face this whole movie 😂

[@SpiritualLifeCoach43]

I always felt bad for Terri

[@LadyCee-q5c]

This! I think another adult realization was it was a failure to not notice that eating the way they did is what killed Big Mama. The correlation wasn’t even mentioned

[@BABYDOLL87LOVELY]

SHE DEFINITELY WASN'T!

[@A.Light33]

@@LadyCee-q5c Exactly!

[@ginahouston9352]

THIS. IS. A. BLACK. CINEMA. CLASSIC! thank you! 🤎

[@yanyan9356]

The family treated Terry like their personal ATM.

[@poet82n]

Automatically Teri's Money..... They sure did.

[@CapricornKidd90]

Especially Momma Joe

[@RetroVibez-hs9qp]

No Teri treated Teri like the ATM she liked to throw her money everywhere and complain about it because it gave her something to complain about she walked around with a chip on her shoulders mad at her sisters when she should have been mad at her parents and herself

[@tiaraw872]

​@RetroVibez-hs9qp umm no. Clearly the family came to her for money for literally any family emergency. Immediately, they said her name when it came to paying for something w/o even asking her 1st, so try again

[@vibrationzzz]

@@RetroVibez-hs9qpno teri obviously only used her money because deep down she cared it definitely showed her character because she did multiple things she didn’t have to but also guilt, people pleasing and gaslighting play a part too

[@candicem8931]

Let me sit back and see if Jaby falls for cousin Faith. You know how he feels about toxic beautiful ladies 😂

[@jayc5031]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@misstexas651]

No

[@NYC42O]

😂😂😂

[@mpatient133]

he loves him a mean ass toxic, black woman

[@kissy3211]

😭

[@chelliebean5773]

Terry is hardened and bitter because she feels no one really cares about her and just uses her as a piggy bank. The only thing is her career that gives her a sense of pride. Because she feels no one else is, or truly respect her. She has a hard time showing loved, because she doesn't feel loved. She feels beaten up, but she is a fighter and be ready to throw some hands. Terry is truly the smart one. And Maxine is truly the condumate middle child.

[@polivepea]

Exactly...family keeps taking from her...money, love interests, etc...

[@yolandaperry86]

@@chelliebean5773 Exactly!

[@xelectrix]

I dont remember everything from the movie but does she explain why she doesn't want to become partner? I wonder if it's because she knows she would have to work more and have less time for family. She really does love them.

[@StacieGlows]

​@@xelectrixI think she was just thinking about the money missing from their account. She didn't really seem focused on the work conversation because she was upset about him taking the money out without talking to her about it.

[@dahliaherrod4301]

Maxine was clearly groomed to take over for Big Momma. Even her brother mistakes her for Big Momma. She's a housewife with three young kids who knows how to cook and nurture people. She has her responsibilities too. Teri is not the only one.

[@mikeindiamikeindia4109]

Maturing is realizing that everybody was awful except Terri 😂

[@nascreates3392]

My amendment - everybody was awful except Ahmad. All the adults did something wrong at some point... I'll even add Uncle Pete to the amendment. Lol

[@mikeindiamikeindia4109]

@nascreates3392 I'll definitely take exception to Ahmad and Uncle Pete lol

[@RetroVibez-hs9qp]

@@nascreates3392Idk Ahmad was too grown for his own good but you know what that was their fault too so nvm Ahmad is still amended 🤣🤣

[@luffyKoP123]

@@mikeindiamikeindia4109 bro everybody was terrible y’all just love these narratives of making somebody a victim they all had they issues

[@iamoverit4905]

I really wish that Terri would've left her family alone just straight TRASH...

[@JayWay-p8c]

37:31 I love how Terri reacted smart and immediately removed Ahmad from the situation before he could see anything. She kept it cool while being upset.👏🏾👏🏾

[@HiLaToya]

Far more level headed and less impulsive than her childish husband.

[@shania991]

Right! Even though he saw alot I'm happy she shielded him from that moment.

[@creativetears1]

I always think back to that episode of the boondocks that talked about this movie and how big Mama got diabetes from the food that they were eating and after she passed, they went back to eating the exact same food that killed her 😂

[@33-vertebrae]

Lmaoooo

[@Havonna8251]

I'm watching that episode now 😂 🤣 Huey was telling the truth about that movie 🤣 😭 👏🏻

[@Teenytinymia]

"Nobody learned anything, nobody went on a diet! And that's the end of the movie" 😂

[@nopenottuhday2691]

" The same food !, THE SAME DAMN FOOD !" 😂😂

[@brianmcclain6631]

There's truth in that. My parents and grandparents all have heart disease and high blood pressure. They ate like this EVERY day and a ton of lard was used.

[@JazzyBelle611]

Soul Food is an awesome movie. It has one of the best soundtracks ever. Waiting to Exhale also.

[@CinePals]

Achara echoed that sentiment about the music in the discussion.

[@bigb2494]

Both soundtracks written and produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds

[@kyraspikes7542]

@@bigb2494 He also produced the Boomerang soundtrack, a movie that to me is one of the best romantic comedies ever made. Its up there with When Harry Met Sally for me.

[@CoriJohnson-p2f]

Another amazing soundtrack is from the movie Love Jones.

[@michellewilliams5533]

Yeeeees. Both soundtracks were the best! Good point

[@hopet7090]

I love Achara so much!!! She feels things so genuinely and deeply

[@SimplyRaecosmetics]

A true empath! I cry on cue with her every time lol

[@JayWay-p8c]

ATM: Automatically Terri’s Money 😆

[@kwalton7690]

Achara: I feel like we gotta have like a big catharsis moment for Teri when she finally breaks down... Me: Giiiirrrllll

[@ItsMyRealName]

Lol after watching this as an adult (I haven’t watched it in years) I feel Teri more than ever. And I’m not even an oldest child 😂

[@kwalton7690]

​@@ItsMyRealName 💯 Teri is the most relatable sister to me. Maxine lives on my sh*t list for this whole film.

[@poet82n]

​@@kwalton7690Same, especially in the tv series of Soul Food. I love that series and watch it every year. Teri is the strongest character to me.

[@kwalton7690]

@@poet82n The series is great!

[@cinemeleon2808]

Thanks for typing her name. I was going to look for it in the video because IDK whyyyy Jaby doesn't have her name mentioned in the description. 🙄

[@brandyanderson3522]

- Big Mama got a stash of money but always has Teri pay for things. - Big Mama gets diabetes from eating soul food. And the just keep eating the same food. - The family treats Teri's money as communal. Maxine deciding Teri would pay without even TALKING to Teri first. - Teri is the only one who wants to use Big Mama's money for the family.

[@deed2157]

We don't really know how big Mama got diabetes bec diet isn't the only factor that may contribute to it. A family history of it, inactivity, age related changes in the body are factors too. Soul food in moderation wouldn't be an issue😂 Even swapping certain ingredients in specific soul food dishes would make a healthier version of classic dishes.

[@RemoteControl-q4o]

I remember someone did a recap years ago, that "still eating the same.food" had me 😂😂😂in it's true tho, us black folk don't give af "baby my family been cooking like.thsi for generations and lived fine" erm but big mama 🤔🤣🤣🤣

[@_adrian_sean]

All of them wasn't SHXT to Teri. Why didn't big mama use the money after their daddy died in a trust for the house??

[@missmisher]

@@_adrian_seanRight? Big Mama was the real villain. She could have used that money to pay her own bills (vs Terri paying for the house, taxes, EVERYTHING), as well as help Bird with her wedding and shop, yet she let Terri continue to be used as an ATM. Foul. Justice for Terri.

[@Xfactor444-x4n]

@@brandyanderson3522 the stash of movie was probably to ensure her brother would be ok of anything happened to her.

[@JMac7395]

FOOT NOTES: 1.Teri was intentionally used as the family bank account by Mama Joe, while she sat on thousands of dollars for decades. The family was accustomed to & entitled to Teri's money. 2. Faith deliberately targeted Miles as revenge for Terri chastising & threatening her. I suspect Faith & Miles continued sleeping together up to Mama Joe's funeral. 3. Mama Joe kept the family together by forcing everyone to tolerate disrespect & not acknowledge the issues. Resulting with built up resentments & bitterness. This is why when Mama Joe got sick the family immediately fell. They didn't know how to truly stand together as a family. Only when truths were openly acknowledged did the family start to heal & properly bond.

[@MathematicalBeing]

Teri wasn’t intentionally used😂. Teri was a control freak. And she mostly lended people money so she could hold it over peoples heads. That why she was always bringing it up. If you were genuinely giving people money out of the kindness of your heart, why would you throw it up in peoples face every chance you get? And it’s not just about the money. She tried to control her husband as well. Tried to get him to stop chasing his dreams. I understand Teri because we are kinda of the same person but a lot of Teri’s misfortune was her own doing. Her need to control everything.

[@sweetsuite498]

EXACTLY!

[@LittleMsLibra8]

@@MathematicalBeingcontrol issues stem from feeling out of control. Terri definitely was used by the family, but instead of leaving them to fend for themselves she leveraged what perceived power she had to establish herself as valuable in her own way. The family was dysfunctional.. period 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@MathematicalBeing]

@@LittleMsLibra8 Terry is not being used by her family in Soul Food. She’s arguably the smartest person in her family, a successful attorney who knows exactly what she’s doing. She wasn’t forced to give Bird money for her shop or pay for Bird’s wedding-her family never threatened to cut her off if she didn’t. Terry chooses to give money because it allows her to hold power over them. This is evident when she found out Miles was cheating with Faith. In the kitchen, she declared she wouldn’t pay for anything else and even suggested selling the house. Terry clearly knows how to say no, but in that moment, her refusal was driven by anger, not a lack of control. After the funeral, she still put the house up for sale because she was upset about Miles. Her sister even pointed out that she was taking her anger over Miles out on the family. Yes, her family relies on her, but only because she repeatedly enables them. Terry’s behavior stems from her need for control, not pure generosity. She uses her financial support to maintain authority over her family. While her trauma might explain her need for control, it doesn’t excuse it. As an adult, it’s her responsibility to unpack and heal those parts of herself instead of letting them dictate her actions. Her family isn’t without faults, but Terry’s actions are largely motivated by her desire for control. That’s clear throughout the movie.

[@DCfan6767]

@@MathematicalBeing They pressured her to give the money. When she said no or offered an alternative, they got mad. Specifically, her sisters were like well you have money so don't complain. I do agree that Big Mama did use Terri, she never acknowledged her feelings which emboldened her other daughters to do the same. As much as I love Big Mama her policy was to sweep stuff under the rug. The scene where one daughter says hey you have to ignore it when your husband does dumb stuff because it hurts their ego was not good. In reality Lim was horrible the way she attacked Bird was very scary, he may not have hit her, but he broke windows in her business and got in her face, he's abusive. They way he danced with his ex at his wedding was so nasty and no one held him accountable. Bird is terrible to be so mad at Terri but not Lim. The best thing for Terri is to take a long vacation and let the others deal with their own problems.

[@TrueLibraGirl]

Yall should check out Waiting to Exhale. There will be a lot faces you recognize.

[@Trublu319]

Yes such a great movie

[@lucheechala]

Yes Waiting to Exhale!

[@carameldiva5131]

I was thinking this!!!❤❤❤❤

[@godsweirdchild2450]

I was just thinking this. They'll definitely have a good laugh and possibly a cry

[@believeume122]

Yes please

[@cinnamongirl7519]

Terri did try to hold boundaries but the family broke her down again and again and made Terri look like a bad person which she is not. She’s probably the sane one. She protected her sister, helped her mom and whole family financially, made sure her sister had consistent child care and they called her ‘stuck up’ and served her legal papers. She wasn’t allowed to be soft

[@TheBrookeJ]

Fun fact, the kitchen scene with Terri was improv’d and everyone was actually shocked with what she said.

[@CeliniacForLife]

In real life, Vanessa was going through marital problems with her first husband and got divorced around the time the film released. So I'm sure that's why this scene came off so real.

[@roselynholloway7863]

Oh wow

[@bobbie31]

But the knife part followed so how could it be improved?

[@Monee_121]

​@@bobbie31 She just picked up the knife that was on the counter and that's why everyone really jumped back but stayed in character. That wasn't in the script.

[@bobbie31]

@Monee_121 😳😳😳😳

[@Fluer-de-Lis]

Terry is actually the hero of this movie . She’s cold but she has to be

[@meld.4784]

This!!!! They treated Teri so bad and she was financially carrying the whole family! And they had the audacity to get mad when she brought up what she paid and/or didn’t want to pay for.

[@StayTunedReviews]

Faith is the real hero of the movie. She saw value in Miles, she poured her heart, mind and bodily fluids into him, and her treachery actually brought the family together to solve their issues.

[@SashaBoo2000]

​@@StayTunedReviewsI think you are wrong😂 they real hero is the boy

[@StayTunedReviews]

@@SashaBoo2000 the same boy that manipulated all of his relatives to have Sunday dinner, convinced his family to make a spread of the same food that killed Big Mama and the same boy that nearly burned down Big Mama's house which would've caused Bird, Lem and Uncle Pete to become homeless?

[@sisi4710]

@@StayTunedReviewslmaooo

[@Franklyn619]

Becoming an adult is realizing that Teri was a victim and her whole family was gaslighting her. How could Terri feel loved by her family? She was nothing but an ATM machine to them. I felt sorry that Terri allowed them to treat her that way. In the end, Big Mama was the real villain. If she had been encouraging the family to show Teri some respect all along, their lives would've been much more harmonious. Instead she conditioned Teri to swallow disrespect, and she literally sat on a small fortune, while allowing Terri to be financially and emotionally abused by her, her sisters, AND their husbands.

[@Pinkladyisv]

They treated her so terribly and still expected her to pay for everything.

[@darrellhenry9152]

100% agree with this. Unfortunately there’s always one person in a Black family who makes it and the rest of the family treats them like an atm while also resenting them for making it.

[@JetAlmightyXCVI]

Lord this comment is on every reaction of this movie.

[@StayTunedReviews]

The same Teri that had her cousin nearly murder Lem all over a misunderstanding with Bird? That situation could've resulted in Lem or the cousin getting killed, and because Teri put the hit out on Lem, she could've been held responsible for the situation.

[@isaiahweaver8556]

@@StayTunedReviewsseeing this movie as a kid caused me to over look this fact even after repeated rewatches but you are 100% correct. That could’ve gone horribly and she would’ve been held liable also kinda like how lil durk is being prosecuted. Her intentions wasn’t murder but assault and intimidation is what a mob boss would do.

[@JazzyBelle611]

Justice for Terri. She was hard on Miles but she was under pressure constantly taking care of the family and her being the breadwinner. She's stressed because her mom is dying and he wants her to make googly eyes at him.

[@joywatson7147]

Talk about it!!

[@aintnobodywatchingthis]

Literally! like I get you want your wife to be happy and dance her pain away but in reality her problems and pain never went away, they just kept piling on so it was weird for him to expect anything other than stress and distance from her at that hard time.

[@joywatson7147]

@@aintnobodywatchingthis exactly!! And let me know if I'm off in my way of thinking but with miles imo he didn't even try to meet her with any practicality. Ok you do your music WHILE you still have your solid job so the burden doesn't fall solely on her. Backing it up further, maybe don't take money out the account without letting her know and how he couldn't see that as an issue to begin with is insane. so yea Terri definitely had her flaws, but you could never make me look at her like a villain

[@cinnamongirl7519]

Yes

[@Dijone_1]

@@joywatson7147 Do you realize that in your comments you took away all accountability from Teri, and just made her seem like a victim of circumstances? She is an adult, and adults have to do their best with what they are given (men AND women). If she wasn't healed, maybe she should have done that before getting married... but you ladies defending a woman denying her husband a simple dance says a lot about the state of the world. Something tells me, if the roles were reversed, you same women would call Miles unsupportive and the "wrong man" for her if he didn't support her wanting to pursue her music.

[@bmartin6493]

Soul Food one of my favorite movies cause it’s real. Black families have a bad habit of sweeping things under the rug for the sake of keeping the peace, not trusting modern medicine etc etc. The family crumbling when the matriarch passes away. It all hits close to home in a real way and it’s nice to see us portrayed in realistic ways that’s not overly trauma filled like a lot of other black movies tend to be. The mid-late 90’s/Early 2000’s was truly a special time in regards to African American Cinema.

[@blackjag121]

I think Terry was unfairly given the villain arc. As one of the youngest siblings, I give props to the eldest. They care for everything and don't get enough credit from the lazy, younger, and ungrateful ones. Terry paid for everything as they asked her for the money and worked hard to set an example for the younger siblings. Her boyfriend was stolen, and her husband's cheek clappin' session by so-called family members. Terry deserved respect and needed therapy.

[@popeye697]

No, it was fair. There was a way to handle things, and she always made the wrong choices with her family. Her husband's affair was her fault, too. She neglected and belittled him so much that she made it easier to cheat even though he didn't even set out to do it

[@Micki1218]

@@popeye697 a person's cheating is never someone else fault, regardless of the circumstances. You can decide to leave and be honest.

[@maloneaqua]

@@popeye697that's so weak

[@blackjag121]

@ It wasn’t fair. Mama Jo had money and didn’t want to help the family but wanted Terry to. The female family members didn’t respect or have boundaries when it came to her relationships. They always asked her to help out. She became conditioned to accept their horrible behaviors of using her and not having respect for her.

[@gxselle-po1fc]

@@maloneaquavery much

[@ginahouston9352]

Vanessa L. Williams is one of THE most BEAUTIFUL people on this planet! 🤩😍🥰🤎 she will ALWAYS be my Miss America ✨

[@Numb2Fear]

top 3 in her prime no doubt still fine too

[@NannaP27]

Before I even start the video- #JUSTICEFORTERRI!!!

[@Xfactor444-x4n]

😂😂😂

[@n.emm1908]

Dude unilaterally made the decision that he would work on music full time, took money out of a savings he barely contributed to without talking to her about it, then ego cheated with a homeless scrub w/o two nickels to rub together, b/c rather than be communicative, he just expected his wife to be wholly unbothered by his weaponized incompetence 😭 These movies kill me.

[@NannaP27]

@n.emm1908 it's not just Miles, either- her sister Maxine pissed me off too! What do you mean you started dating my boyfriend behind my back????? What do you mean, " Well, we all can't afford Mama's house so Terri can pay for it"???? Mind you, Max didn't have no job at ALL but was trying to dictate who would pay for what! 😑

[@n.emm1908]

@@NannaP27The way I would’ve picked up my purse like Viola Davis and walked tf out 😂 How do you offer up someone else’s money???

[@lucheechala]

😂😂😂💯

[@darkknightshaun]

Everyone would say Teri was crazy for the way she reacted about faith. But fail to forget, she got Kenny took from her by her own sister, most of the financial responsibility she took the burden for, funded miles career. All for it to be thrown back in her face! So I definitely understand her frustration 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@StayTunedReviews]

Teri had every right to be angry with Faith, but Teri belittled Miles and she was a terrible wife to him. If Miles didn't cheat with Faith, he and Teri would've eventually divorced or he would've cheated with the first woman who saw his value and supported him. Furthermore, Teri always had issues with getting and keeping a man. It wasn't until the dinner scene that Teri did some self reflection and admitted that she was part of the problem. There are a lot of Teri's out here who blame everyone except themselves for why they have issues with relationships. Allergic to accountability is what they call it.

[@tinadrollinger3487]

I agree with everything EXCEPT her supporting Miles, that man was a lawyer and had his own money.

[@nascreates3392]

Terri's reaction was PERFECT!!!!

[@deed2157]

Whose everyone?😂

[@StayTunedReviews]

@@tinadrollinger3487 Miles requires emotional support, but Terri lacked emotional intelligence and emotional availability.

[@misstexas651]

Why Do Fools fall In Luv (Frankie lymon Bio-pic) is a great Vivica Fox classic as well.

[@abdielbenisrael8906]

That's a good one. Halle Berry was great in that one as well as "Sunshine" from Harlem Nights

[@10hooper]

Another classic!

[@DeeVee7162]

Yes

[@TheKhaliente]

That’s a deep cut!

[@TwistedLyfofTV]

Vivica acted her butt off in that movie

[@RayeOfSunshine001]

Teri’s family was too comfortable with screwing her over at all times then asking for money. Even the ending with the big dinner they still invited faith and her cheating ass husband there like nothing happened.

[@merrytunes8697]

Ahmed invited them.

[@roselynholloway7863]

@@merrytunes8697they still could’ve said something

[@SolidSnake240]

I mean that's how it goes in real life. Coming from someone with a very dysfunctional family lol. Break the spades and patron out and everybody forgets the drama for a minute,

[@RayeOfSunshine001]

I know, but they still backed him up. saying “she needs to stop running” or whatever in regards to faith being there. Like they all knew the situation kids too. they were there when she pulled that knife out. they were there to see Terri crying at that party. But no one cares about her feelings…all they care about is how deep her pockets run.

[@brandyanderson3522]

There's a lot of comments in this reaction, and in a lot of reactions to this movie, about how Terri doesn't support Miles and his dream. But what I never see is anyone acknowledge is that there's a really valid reason for why she has trouble supporting this. She married someone that she thought had a similar career, passion, and outlook to her, and he changes. And now she's in the same situation with her husband that she is with the rest of her family, she feels like the ATM to their dreams. While no one's acknowledging her dreams, the work she puts in to support them, or even the hurt that she feels. For Miles is finally getting into live his dream and do something he's passionate about. But for Terri, him getting to live his dream means that she's losing hers. And I'm sure she feels baited and switched, and taken advantage of...once again.

[@polivepea]

Well said

[@itsmissvsworld]

True, because when Myles quit his job (without even bothering to tell her), she'd then became solely responsible for 2 households: hers and her mother's. And a third one if you count Bird and Lem living in Big Mama's house RENT FREE. Plus on top of all of that, Faith was living with herself and Myles. Oh, and the part about Terri thinking that she and Myles were on the same page was on point. I've seen that movie many times and had never thought of that.

[@maloneaqua]

None of that should even need to be said. Everything cost money - it's unacceptable to have a million complaints about your life with someone and not a dollar to help cover the cost of it.

[@person8859]

Good observation! This definitely explains why she didn’t support it. Miles changing careers means more of her money spent on others. If anything, Miles could’ve saved up with his job and quit once he had enough. I definitely feel like Teri would’ve supported him if her family wasn’t constantly treating her like an ATM machine 24/7.

[@SolidSnake240]

Terri and Miles just really needed to sit down and have a real conversation about that stuff. They both could've handled things alot better.

[@RomansAlterEgo]

I never clicked so fast this movie gives so many emotions

[@ReasonableRu]

Facts 😂

[@candicem8931]

Mannnn! It’s a stormy weekend here and I just finished making dinner! This came at the right time cause I had nothing to watch!😂

[@RomansAlterEgo]

@ here too

[@jayphresh1]

Same!!!

[@RomansAlterEgo]

@ booo 🍅🍅🍅🍅

[@tuhrail]

This is a staple in black cinema! Y’all gotta watch Eve’s Bayou. That’s another film that deals with complicated family dynamics.

[@Lapreghiera]

Plus some voodoo...

[@dianedavid3052]

That movie silenced me for a while. It was a little too relatable…🫣🤣

[@ladyhotep5189]

​@@dianedavid3052😂

[@award3321]

Eve's Bayou and Fresh are two other child driven movies that are awesome.

[@dmmrad54]

Michael Beach is also in "Waiting to Exhale". Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochen. A great movie. I hope you watch it soon.

[@pontiacGXPfan]

I like how the opening credits have a photo album of everyone's childhood pics

[@deljean]

Me too

[@reneedennis2011]

So do I!

[@pontiacGXPfan]

@@reneedennis2011 he looked so much like michael from good times

[@reneedennis2011]

@pontiacGXPfan Yup

[@Kidapollo92]

Man, I hate it. I hate that everyone says that Terri is the one coming after everyone. She’s a victim. They use her like ATM. It’s not something. I’m not familiar with my own family.

[@TheKawaiikari]

I just remember the sentiment at the time too. Everyone seemed to be in agreement back then that she wasn't a good person just because she was successful and they used that against her. She was "bougie" and in black families, that's a no-no. I'm so glad that we've come around now and we see the lack of love for Teri and how she was just used and beat up on the entire film. The fact that she had to have Sunday Dinners with her younger sister who stole her boyfriend and ended up married with kids with him is wild.

[@tianarobin]

There is a Soul Food TV show based on this movie, which was made a few years later, with different actors but the same characters. It was great and ran for a few seasons. There is excellent character development that answers some of these questions.

[@nascreates3392]

Facts. I actually LOVE the series.

[@BABYDOLL87LOVELY]

I HAVE BOTH THE MOVIE & SERIES IN MY 📀 COLLECTION. IT WAS SOOOOO GOOD!

[@cbtube1677]

They would love to review that series

[@theitgirl24]

Big mama is actually a member of my church... A couple of years ago I sat next to her on mother's Day. I cried of course and smiled all day.

[@CeliniacForLife]

Please talk to her about this movie and what it meant to her.

[@roselynholloway7863]

Did you speak to her

[@cinemeleon2808]

Awww, your reaction is precious

[@MSTOYA]

​@@CeliniacForLife That's her personal time, bet she gets people approaching her all the time. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@OGCmillz]

Eve’s bayou is told through the kids perspective. Another star studded cast and I love how people question what really happened because the main character is an unreliable narrator because she’s a kid.

[@Hinokami777]

Damn u fine !

[@Trublu319]

Great movie

[@KHAOE1]

56:34 you DON'T throw water on a fire involving grease. You use either a grease fire rated extinguisher or pour flour or baking soda on it.

[@polivepea]

Exactly

[@shania991]

Exactly you always smother a grease fire.

[@abdielbenisrael8906]

Man Nia Long, Vivica A. Fox and Vanessa Williams (former beauty queen btw) all in the same movie, what more could you have asked for 😍😍😍. Enjoy the movie guys !!!

[@Justinblvdd]

What’s Love Got To Do With It is a great watch! Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne ate those roles up!!!

[@Trublu319]

Such an amazing movie

[@lifeofsherneka]

Yesssss!!!!!

[@believeume122]

Yes this and waiting to exhale

[@Radiance0044]

Now that im older i realized Terry was the most sensible person in the family. They made her out to be the villian when she was just realistic. As the oldest she got stuck with the short end of the stick. I feel like Max was underhanded, and Bird was irresponsible. Her family took her for granted and used her because she made all the money when nobody else didn't. First her sister slept took her first boyfriend and then her cousin messed around with her husband. They gas lit the heck outta Terry, everybody was pulling on her but NOBODY was there for her.... and they always tried to make her look selfish and crazy when she tried to set boundaries. Yeah she had a chip on her shoulder, but for good reasons. No one made any effort to understand or be there for her. The burdens of being the oldest sibling. Smh

[@Antoine360]

Nice surprise this evening. Good choice.

[@smw11581]

Poetic justice Waiting to exhale Why do fools fall in love Crooklyn All great options to watch

[@CapricornKidd90]

And The Inkwell

[@Trublu319]

Absolutely

[@ashleyharris1123]

Yes to all of these! And Eve's Bayou

[@thetruej7872]

Wow! I haven't seen Soul Food in years! So much nostalgia with this movie.

[@lwills8609]

Okay!!! So, the singers are from two classic R&B groups: Jodeci and After 7.

[@iamdynez]

Achara: I’m really disappointed in Faith Jaby: are u surprised? Achara: No. 😂😂😂😂

[@Havonna8251]

LMFAOOOOO 🤣 😭 😂 😂 😭 🤣

[@cinemeleon2808]

The 'she came in like a hippie' took me out!!! 😭😭😭😭

[@frederickseltzerjr2170]

Cute story - I went with my friend Walter to see this on opening night and when Terry grabs the butcher knife and runs after Miles, I don't know what possess me to say this out loud, but I go ... "Oh, DAYUM, Miss America has finally snapped and she wants her title back!" The entire movie theater erupted in laughter!

[@reneedennis2011]

😂😂😂😂

[@prettyunlimited]

Terri married a lawyer who wanted to change his entire career without a proper discussion but also expected her to find their life. What if he didn’t make it as a musician, most people don’t.

[@Afroriqan]

Well hes allowed to attempt to follow his dreams though. Terri loves what she does, she was fulfilled in life. And he did contribute to the savings. When you’re married everything is shared. I personally feel like given the success they both had in life there was nothing wrong with him trying to chase his dreams before it was too late to try.

[@MathematicalBeing]

So he’s not supposed to even try because Teri is pessimist about everything?

[@rw3031]

The point is communication. No you don't take large sums out of the bank to fund things. In their tax bracket $100 cool. $5000?! Without talking about it? My husband and I would have a huge argument. Quitting your job to pursue something as a musical career is definitely a discussion. Can we afford to keep our lifestyle? What changes will need to be made? And the list goes on but no you don't make drastic changes like that without talking. As far as her crapping on his dreams that's a whole different discussion.

[@Afroriqan]

@@rw3031 yea he took out $5000 and terri herself said he contributed like 30k to said savings. Meaning that $5000 could very much have technically been his but whats his is hers and vice versa. Like the creators said its very clear their problems were more than this moment. It was a long time coming, in a real loving relationship where both people care about the other and their dreams I dont believe this would have been a problem. I would have been happy for my husband personally

[@rw3031]

@Afroriqan I'm genuinely curious. Would you not have been upset at this complete career change (without discussion like this situation) while you now carry your entire household, plus your low income mother and uncle? I suppose like you said in a loving relationship there probably would have been a talk. I have been in that situation. Hubby had a dream, I didn't agree with pursing it, but I did my best to help him while he tried it.

[@lauraneely6270]

First of all, Jaby, you look so handsome with that sweater and shirt combo! Secondly, I love this movie! I haven't seen it in years! Finally, the song "A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men makes me cry every time! Great movie choice!

[@nopenottuhday2691]

He don't want you

[@LucidKay9114]

@@nopenottuhday2691People can’t give each other compliments anymore? 😂

[@alwaysbam]

Oh hell yes!!!! Achara's little " why are you saying that mama" was just so adorable. 😊

[@2theOmega]

Jaby’s ability to spot awkward white people has to be studied 😂

[@stephaniecurrie7390]

Terri wouldn't have called that hit out on Lem if Bird never asked her EX to hire her HUSBAND.

[@polivepea]

Exactly

[@itsmissvsworld]

FINALLY! Somebody said it! Besides she never should've married a convict anyway.

[@dahliaherrod4301]

Hold on now. Let's not rewrite history. Yes Bird made a bad decision but Semuel chose to provoke Lem and Lem chose to assault Semuel. Lem also chose to interrupt his wife's business and scare the crap out of everyone. We can't blame Teri or Bird for every single event in this timeline.

[@tomasinamichele]

Recommendations: Antwone Fisher, John Q, Brown Sugar, What’s Love Got To Do With It, Waiting To Exhale

[@polivepea]

Yes....all of these recs

[@amazarudolph]

Yessssss these are great suggestions!

[@breezymc3]

Perfect recs!!!

[@taneshah.1260]

Great list, especially Antwone Fisher. That movie doesn't get enough love for me.

[@ennewalker6921]

Antwone Fisher introduced me to Viola Davis

[@amiyahsanders9756]

The Preachers Wife to cap off the holiday season!!!

[@nopenottuhday2691]

Who was the little kid in that movie? His acting was horrible 😂

[@amiyahsanders9756]

@ did you expect a five year old kid to act on the level on Denzel Washington???

[@Trublu319]

Yes yes yes

[@nopenottuhday2691]

@amiyahsanders9756 that kids acting was trash

[@kaya7396]

Looking at this movie as an adult, this should've been considered Oscar-worthy. There are quite a few others that should've been as well. Black American cinema and television definitely has not been properly recognized in "Hollywood."

[@jgflowers88]

Glad you all finally got to this one. "F*ck the Family!" indeed. They did Terry SO wrong. One family member steals her boyfriend (and marries him), another sleeps with her current husband, everyone is coming to her for money and their problems but treating her like a bully when she reminds them that she never got her money back which they owe her, etc. And Miles needs to stay out of grown folks business 🤣 Hope you all add "What's Love Got To Do With It," "Poetic Justice," and "Waiting To Exhale" to the list!

[@dshweeks]

This! I hate when people talk badly about Terry. That family didn't give a shit about Terry, except for her wallet. Of course her character was hardened. She was always expected to just take it. Her sister and boyfriend betrayed her. Family always asking for handouts. Then her husband and cousin betray her.

[@cinnamongirl7519]

TRUTH!!

[@sonesha30blossoms]

I felt bad for Terry throughout. She's the oldest, paying for everything, and having to work long hours to keep the cash flowing. It's sad bc it took time away from her husband, who I feel was selfish (first glance you feel sorry for him) he cried for her attention knowing what was happening, and slept with her cousin. Terry's mom died and everyone threw her under the bus. She defends her sister, but her husband ends up in jail, Terry gets him out and everyone is mad at her. Terry was the victim and nobody comforted her or defended, not even big mama 💔

[@bludbought]

Amen!

[@derickspencejr.6998]

Now that I’m an adult, I now realize how toxic this family was. There’s absolutely no loyalty in this family. They were trash towards Teri. She was never the villain, her family was for stealing both of her men. She deserved better and same thing with Ahmad. He was my boy. This movie is produced by Kenneth Babyface Edmonds and his now ex wife Tracey Edmonds who also did Light it up. React to that amazing movie.

[@poet82n]

I remember bringing the DVD to school on a free day in 10th grade and we were watching it in class after we tricked the teacher into thinking it was a clean movie lol. When it got to the love scene with Miles and Faith, the teacher's face turned red and stark white lol. We kept saying "it's fine Mr. Lara" lol. I don't think he ever let us watch a movie again in class.

[@TheBrookeJ]

LOL did she not see the rating on the back of the DVD?😂😂😂

[@poet82n]

​@@TheBrookeJ lol...we were being sneaky and didn't show it. This was in the late 90's lol. We had a VCR in the classroom, so we popped it in.

[@roselynholloway7863]

Oh wow

[@nopenottuhday2691]

Thank you jaby for noticing the Tyler Perry themes. You can tell he was inspired by this and The Best Man as well. A lot of old skool classics tyler perry took from

[@Listenthenspk]

Well it's amazing that when you look at this nearly 20 years later you see that Terri was not the villain at all... I must say the Vanessa Williams did a phenomenal job playing a character that was so cold that had no love for the arts... When she's an amazing actress and singer and dancer herself... Talk about good acting 😌💯🔥

[@Tonibp28]

Dang Jaby! The shirt looks good and you guys are matching.

[@kleft06]

eve’s bayou is another great movie told from the perspective of a child! you guys are matching, idk if it was intentional but its cute lol

[@reneedennis2011]

I agree.

[@RyanBScott]

I love the work cinepals does. And, also, does anyone notice how hot Jaby looks in what he's wearing?

[@Xfactor444-x4n]

I noticed how hot jaby is in whatever he's wearing. 😂

[@RyanBScott]

Lmaoooo i can't​ with you!! @Xfactor444-x4n

[@ladyhotep5189]

Jaby is always foine. 😍❤

[@kiras.5404]

So true 😂

[@iwasbornunderwater]

So it's okay to openly say Jaby's a cutie? 😂 Whew. Relieved it's a safe space 😅

[@shaid843]

Aww yall look so cute in your matching purple!

[@cocoochwada9371]

Someone give Acharra a hug. She really went through it with this one. Powerful reaction. Thank you for continuing to follow the black movie classics.

[@lisaaaaa777]

Achara and Jaby , the OGS. i also love when it’s the trio of you guys and Michael ❤️❤️

[@candor8981]

Also, pushing for Boomerang and Eve's Bayou again!

[@shanicemiles3184]

Congrats on 600k subbies cinepals! 🎉 now you just need to see the wood, the players club , waiting to exhale , and baby boy !

[@ItsMyRealName]

Omg I love this whole list. It’s about to be movie night at my house

[@desmawalker556]

Waiting To Exhale BOOMERANG Something New How Stella Got Her Groove Back Ray DREAMGIRLS

[@gegebeltran253]

I love that you guys have been doing stapled movies in the black community. ❤️

[@dr.kimberlyc.sumpter7674]

I just loved the kid in this movie! With the new year approaching, I cast my vote for "Something New" (Sanaa Lathan), "What's Love Got To Do With It?", "Drumline" and if you would consider a "period" piece - "Belle"... Thank you, CinePals! - You are greatly appreciated!

[@jjoh158]

Ooh I second Belle and Drumline

[@shania991]

We need "Bringing Down The House" "A Thin Line Between Love And Hate" "Boomerang" "Love Jones" "A Low Down Dirty Shame"

[@TheIntrovert83]

10-4!

[@donnac.3273]

Yes, Bringing Down The House. Jaby stated he wanted to see uplifting movies. He thought this one was going to be happy. I suggested The Preacher's Wife.

[@dancingwheels8494]

Soul food is the best food! born out of our struggle as slaves, our heart and soul were poured in into our cuisine, hence the name. That’s why you can taste the love in it!

[@ShonDaDon21]

Michael Beach (Aunt Terry's husband) great actor but we all hate him for his character in this movie and from his character in waiting to exhale lmao. He just does very well in all his roles! Love-Hate him. BUT Waiting to Exhale next!

[@shania991]

Omg yesss I couldn't stand him in waiting to Exhale but him being a bad guy got us some great scenes I don't wanna spoil in case they watch it.

[@nopenottuhday2691]

That luh boy played baby michael jordan in the original Space Jam (the only space jam i acknowledge)

[@shaid843]

Lol! I thought the second one was ok, but yes definitely doesn't compare to the first

[@busisiwembewu5351]

Side note but Terri is so beautiful

[@cinemeleon2808]

I love how gently, yet confidently Achara pushes her rebuttals to some of Jaby's opinions. And usually, she is correct in her assessments when she does.

[@shania991]

That's one thing I appreciate about him he never shuts down others opinions even though he states he has big opinions of his own when it comes to movies but he's done a great job at making sure everybody feels heard.

[@lisasreactions7150]

Hi Cinepals, Jaby and Achara, This was My Mom's Favorite Movie. I can see why she loved this movie so much. 😊😍🥰❤

[@Kidapollo92]

34:44 Jaby : well once you hit rock bottom Me: oh bruh… we got a bit further to go lol

[@polivepea]

😂😂😂

[@MyGlowUpTransformationJourney]

'YOU DON'T THROW WATER ON AN OIL FIRE," said the explosion to an oil rig standing in the middle of the sea. Water just feeds an oil fire.

[@tinadrollinger3487]

Or an electrical fire!

[@taylo7]

Michael Beach is an AMAZING actor. I've never seen him in leading roles, but his supporting performances SUPPORT, okay. He can say so much with just his face. He's so good.

[@suthernbella]

IMITATION OF LIFE next please!!!

[@merrytunes8697]

Ooohhh, this one is deep!

[@TwistedLyfofTV]

The Five Heartbeats is my next request. Love Y'all

[@donnac.3273]

Yes, the 5 Heartbeats

[@believeume122]

Dreamgirls and Cadillac records

[@amazingg259]

What’s Love Got To Do With It and Waiting To Exhale next please! Also for sports watch Remember the Titans. Love all these reactions !

[@Trublu319]

Yessss

[@junzsi]

I remember at this time soundtracks were HOT HOT I was getting all of them. Miss those music years

[@niamurrah7444]

Aww. So glad u guys watched this. Such a classic in the black community. FYI: Terri was NOT the villain. Lol

[@mzzthang3912]

I hated how people made Terri out to be the villain when she was just sick and tired of being used and abused by everyone. She was expected to stand by and accept the responsibility of everyone else's emotional and financial burdens. Of course, she would have a 'stick up her ass' when everyone constantly gaslighted her. What Maxine and Kenny did to her was trifling. I don't care if it's been years and they're married now - that type of betrayal is damaging. Also, for her husband and cousin to betray her as well was unacceptable. It doesn't matter if Miles is an artist now and relates to Faith; he's a married man. He changed the dynamic of his relationship with Terri, and if he no longer felt the marriage was right for him, he should have communicated his frustrations. Maybe he could have sought a couples therapist, and after exhausting all opportunities, then gotten a divorce. There's no excuse for hooking up with your spouse's cousin just because your wife doesn't 'get' you. I always felt for Terri she was hardened cause of them, and nobody gave her grace to be hurt or mad. The soundtrack is 🔥🔥🔥 its one of the best BabyFace did that. Miles group at the club performing was Babyface his 2 brothers Kevon and Melvin Edmonds from the group After 7 and Kci & JoJo who were also brothers and part of the group Jodeci

[@janel1386]

OMG I was hoping for this reaction 😁😁 And with Achara!!! ❤❤

[@BruceJohnson-om5kl]

Thick for black people means Curvaceous and pronounced in the right areas for a man.

[@SolidSnake240]

I was gonna say this but you beat me to it lol

[@LaydyDivine]

You guys do NOT MISS!! Omg! 🥰I just finished watching the Gladiator II reaction and now I see this posted as of 20 minutes ago!! I also sent my mom your channel to watch! It's her birthday today haha. Even though I'm Black American, a lot of these movies I have only seen once that's a staple in our community lol, so I am going to enjoy watching this like it's the first time. Edit: Ok community, we have SO many more black films that's not about heartbreak and rough times. Lets recommend other movies like The Union with Halle Berry and Mark Walhberg Kidnap The Intruder with Megan Good and Micheal Ealy The Perfect Guy Gothika I Think I love my Wife Lakeview Terrace Out of Time?

[@evelynwashere13]

Teri should have told her family to kick tocks. They were terrible to her

[@Jelani917]

Yall gotta review the movie Eve's Bayou starring Samuel L. Jackson, Lynn Whitfield, and Jurnee Smollett

[@CarMiNe6361]

aww it was such a sweet moment when Jaby reached for the tissues to give her, that made me cry even more during the funeral scene.

[@akaHilton]

The way this family used and gaslit Terri drives me crazy. No wonder she’s so angry y’all see her as a wallet!

[@keojiabrown6807]

@ 1:05:40 The thing is why would terri put the family before herself when the family does not care/do for her in that same capacity? Thats the problem with this movie. Terri isnt just mean to be mean. The family dynamic set terri up for failure when it came to emotions and relationships. I mean her sister literally got a smack on the wrist for taking her man, marrying him, and having kids by him. Imagine having to see that every sunday and have your family basically be like "sucks to be you"🤷🏾‍♀️ but want your money for everything. Then your mama is literally cracking jokes on you about your "failed marriages" and has favoritism towards the sister that should lowkey be "shunned". Her kids or not big mama obviously did not handle that situation with the sisters right. Also terri had her hand in everything with that family, her bills, her moms house, her sister's shop, her sisters wedding etc. And this is not me saying miles is wrong for wanting to be seen by his wife but dude somebody has to pay the bills. Thats why terri was so fixated on working as much as she did. She has like 3 different sets of bills to keep up with and miles has no job. So honestly they both failed that marriage and the family failed terri. Edit: i suspect terris "chip on her shoulder" is some form of coping mechanism to say "im here and im important. Dont forget me" because remember shes mostly called on for her money and not her as a person. I think her upping herself is also a soothing thing for her because nobody else did it. Maybe miles but idk.

[@Radiance0044]

Well said!

[@TwistedLyfofTV]

The skating scene, what that showed is Terri seemed the less fun one. Maxine was bubbly energetic relatable down to earth and it was basically the same in her current marriage and again she loss her man to a family member and the implication was she was stoic or goody to shoes.

[@denisemarcus5633]

"The FIVE HEARTBEATS "💓❤, 💓❤, 💓 Is a roller-coaster 🎢, but GREAT MOVIE ...Or "CROOKLYN" by Spike Lee.

[@nikejoy12]

The Boondocks ruined my perception of this movie forever. They didn't learn a damn thing about improving their eating habits at all🤣

[@tizzle-heroicstars7591]

Facts! Damn you Huey 😂😂

[@naomifrancois5630]

yessssss FINALLY!!! THANK YOU FOR TAKING OUR RECOMMENDATIONS SERIOUSLY!!!!!