The Hate U Give Movie Review, It Misses the Mark

[@akualikewater]

I'm liking the asthetic fits with the smart brown girl message and the warm tones are calming

[@lancewestin7885]

i guess Im kinda randomly asking but does anybody know of a good website to watch newly released series online?

[@cairojoel8943]

@Lance Westin ehh I watch on flixportal. Just google for it :D -cairo

[@lancewestin7885]

@Cairo Joel Thank you, I signed up and it seems like a nice service :) I really appreciate it!!

[@cairojoel8943]

@Lance Westin You are welcome :)

[@notforvideos]

Your hair looks great, so does the background 👍🏾

[@sporo2000]

I sat through all 7 minutes of it. Jouelzy is so deliciously evil!!

[@ComfortablyPlump]

Anyone else feel like they gave Amandla braids to "blacken" her up for the role?

[@hiitsmeeeeeeeeeee]

Idk because she wears braids in her regular life

[@Dina8485]

Nah they definitely did that

[@Alyssaluv22]

I thought Starr had braids in the book

[@happypandas2069]

@@Alyssaluv22 No she doesn't she talks about how she wishes she had her friends braids but she doesn't have any herself

[@Markunator]

Comfortably Plump - You can’t “blacken up” someone who’s already black.

[@CurlyChemist]

My daughter who is 13 and dark skinned, is absolutely livid about the casting of the main character. She wanted to see The Darkest Minds this summer. And was also disappointed. The same actress was the lead, but they started out with a little girl that was dark skinned, and switched to the other actress as she aged. They don't look remotely alike. It was a terrible movie. Representation matters. Our young girls are definitely paying attention. Remember what they did to the Nina Simone movie?

[@Summerbeeuty]

CurlyChemist Yes the school took the middle schoolers to see and the first thing out of their mouths was Why wasn’t Starr dark skin. They complained about that and a lot of other things that was not a part of the movie. They said they liked the book better and actually felt they wasted their time watching the movie😕.

[@sN00p_]

@Gilbert M you Wouldn't understand

[@zyramus4386]

@Gilbert M. She is not black enough because she is half white. And the whole point/message of the movie is about race!

[@anthonygraham8122]

Lol, funny thing is. Nina simone married a white man. So her kids probably resemble the actress that played her more than her herself.

[@imanmarie8764]

That alone turned me off in wanting to watch the movie. I first read the book when i was in 8th grade and i loved the fact that the main character looked like me. When i saw the trailer for the film i was not surprised that they would show blatant colorism by not casting a darker skinned girl to play star.

[@TheBunnyBeatdown]

"The black girls like me je ne sais quoi" I'm dead off that. Its true tho. He dont.

[@kadijahposton]

I couldn’t wait to see that movie when it came out and I was highly disappointed when I did. Amandla is a good actress.. this just wasn’t the movie for her. The scene where he’s shot didn’t bring anyyyy emotion out of me and I’m a cry baby lol I think Keke Palmer would have been a better fit. It’s almost like Amandla was trying too hard to play the role and it didn’t feel real. I haven’t read the book but now I want to.

[@SincerelyTahiry]

Yes. Keke would've really took the role to the next level

[@mrh2821]

I had the same issue with Amalda but that maybe because I don't think she's that good of an actress. I don't know how she became Hollywood's go to black girl.

[@Nooooooooooooooooooooo7913]

MIMI Sea 2226 she’s light skinned and available 🤷🏾‍♀️ no hate but darker skin toned girls don’t get breaks in this industry

[@therealkenj98]

noooooooooooooooooo and that’s a problem there are so many wonderful young dark skinned actresses too.

[@theshunnedBandersnatch]

I agree that it felt like Amandla's performance was forced. I was only mildly interested in seeing the movie to begin with, but then I happened to see a clip where Star is "yelling' at her white best friend in a schoolyard after the shooting. The dialogue felt very stilted and the acting just wasn't believable. I was cringing the entire time & actually felt second-hand embarrassment for everyone involved. I'm not wasting my money on 1.5+ hours of that.

[@Ph4ntomR3q]

I liked the film a lot, but I'm glad I read the book first. The film felt like a simplified, sanitised version of the book. For me, the biggest issue was Chris' "I don't see colour" moment. I liked Starr's rebuttal - "If you don't see my blackness, you don't see me" - but this was not in the book; Chris was actually a lot more likeable there, in my opinion. Sekani's moment at the end, when Starr reiterated THUG LIFE in voice-over, felt over-the-top to me, and I much preferred the 'Spartacus' moment in the book, with all the business owners and neighbours claiming they saw King set the fire. In terms of the actress' race, I defer to you.

[@siljea8926]

Agree about Chris and Starr conversation in the limo. I understand the point about him liking her for who she is as person and that he see her beyond her skin color. But it was so bad written and delivered dialog that I did fall out a moment... Frankly I would have loved to have more time on their relationship to actually feel what made them fall for each other, I know they did try In the start of the movie, but would love to see more of that to care for them as a couple, because the movie did want to tell something about them.

[@sterben4958]

Interesting because Martin Luther king lived under the philosophy that Chris did

[@mallee90]

Amandla is a decent actress she says some questionable thing when comes to race. She seems like teen queen of white savior movies. Look at her filmography.

[@deshoncole5420]

Always falls in love with a white boy.

[@mallee90]

Deshon Cole irl she's in love with the white non binary person

[@Bajannubian095]

Deshon Cole yh I find that weird

[@erickiam25]

Deshon Cole the same as GuGu mabatha-raw. Every thing she’s in she’s in an interracial film . But i disagree she was great in this !

[@mduhyx2120]

Hollywood

[@SincerelyTahiry]

Loveeeeeee the background. And i had issues with the cast as well. But through research I found out that Amandla actually reached out to the Directors asking to audition for the role which makes alot of sense because she's been in multiple YA book to movie adaptations and has a social platform in regards to activism and she's more palatable for white consumption. Angie tried it by claiming she wrote Starr with Amandla in mind. It's hella frustrating because even the book cover portrays a very visibly black girl and those struggle are unique to that demographic. It was a missed opportunity SMH.

[@tunzlunz]

When you said “palatable to a white audience” that hurt me to the core. It’s not right that people of a darker complexion make some people uncomfortable like are you kidding me? That’s just wrong on so many levels. Melanin levels have nothing to do with personality, talent or anything else really other than how well you manage in the sun. Hollywood needs to do better.

[@SincerelyTahiry]

@@tunzlunz I completely agree. It's sad. Although I appreciate Amandla as an actress I think it's sad that we can't tell our own stories as dark skin black women.

[@Jbelovedson]

What other YA book adapted to movie outside of Hunger games has Amandla been in? (genuine question)

[@adeladeen7514]

Jbelovedson Everything Everything, The Darkest Minds I'm sure there's more I can't think of

[@SincerelyTahiry]

@@Jbelovedson yea everything everything and the darkest minds along with hunger games and now THUG

[@ToriUptown]

i had no desire to watch it due to the casting of Star. lol

[@Blaquebarbgamer]

Same here

[@BlessedbyNella]

Facts and I did see it and she didn’t do to terrible job but there were so many other people that could have played Starr

[@XXXjalisamarieXXX]

Tori Uptown same p

[@therealkenj98]

Tori Uptown I went to see it, and honestly she did well but China Ann McClain would have been a better fit if they were trying to give a more put together family look. She can act her little tail off too.

[@ToriUptown]

OPgamer 8989 why you mad tho

[@brookesmith6998]

The idea of Anthony Mackie playing a drug kingpin was truly laughable 😂 I didn't read the book, but I was still dissatisfied with a lot of the dialogue in the movie. Like that conversation in the limo between Starr and Chris was so disappointing. He basically said I don't see color and she failed to mention that this willful dismissal of her color glosses over all of the institutional and systematic issues that black people face. Even the climatic scene at the end with her little brother misses the mark. The whole movie had so much potential and it ended up being mediocre at best 😒

[@ctalley9667]

Right... Clarence knows he need to go back home to his parents

[@shirvinnabest5364]

Not only did I read the book. I studied it and was not pleased with this black hurt entertainment media.

[@Jbelovedson]

Geez, why does it sound like a lifetime movie? Sounds like reading the book is the better option.

[@booboobunny5655]

Well if he doesn't see color, that's a good thing. Unlike most Americans who constantly bring up race all the time.

[@misanthropicblackchick6092]

@@booboobunny5655 K

[@eVaniwithaV]

I didn't see it, I didn't want to, but based off your review I didn't miss out! lol Something about the casting rubbed me the wrong way just based off the commercial...after Black Panther, the bar is just set on A WHOLE NOTHER LEVEL now, thanks for sharing! I think I'll just read the book instead...

[@Mommabear30]

Yes to A WHOLE NOTHER LEVEL!!!

[@lollyland2523]

I'd definitely suggest reading the book instead it's much better

[@itzmemyrdell270]

eVaniwithaV the movie is actually really good, I can’t wait to read the book, if it’s a lot better that the movie.

[@azzarobertson95]

how about you just watch it before you judge. this movie is FARRRRRRR better than overhyped BP

[@anti1training]

It's actually really good

[@kikij_7995]

I haven't read the book and didn't want to see the movie from the moment I saw the trailer. It looked so corny and the casting was atrocious. Amandla's acting looked bad. Issa Rae was an obvious miscast. The way the shooting was depicted was just bad alround. And I'm just really tired of trauma porn and race related storylines when it comes to black film. Entertainment is supposed to be a temporary escape from daily life. If I wanted to see another black person being wrongfully killed I can just turn on the news. Give me a black horror film or sci-fi and fantasy movie or something.

[@zackitachi1]

I would love a black fantasy movie!!

[@therealkenj98]

Kisha J. I couldn’t take Issa Rae at all, I laughed a little each time she was on screen. While some may not agree...she just didn’t do it for me.

[@kikij_7995]

@@zackitachi1 I like that Ava Duvernay tried with "A wrinkle in Time" but it was TERRIBLE like I couldn't finish it after the first 20 mins. And the main the character was yet again another biracial actress that couldn't act her way out of a paper bag

[@dee130]

Kisha J. Jordan peele is making a movie much like get out but more on the thriller side. Or so I’ve heard. With Lupita Nyong’o and I think Winston duke. In 2019 or 2020

[@lovinthisnewchick]

The background looks great!

[@nalayeplikethelion]

Soooooooooo I didn’t miss out on anything by skipping this movie THANKS ! ☺️ after I read the book and seen the trailer for the movie I knew I was skipping out on this movie ESPECIALLY because a dark skinned black girl was not casted among other things all they had to do was follow the blueprint laid out by the book and they didn’t I seen that just from the trailer lol thanks for the confirmation! So happy I didn’t waste the money or time

[@nalayeplikethelion]

I remember reading about that and thinking why did you audition in the first place then? Everything that came after she “spoke out” about that just had me rolling my eyes all the way to the back of my head. I can’t take her seriously, I’ve never been able to. She doesn’t even try to hide the fact that she plays both sides and is privileged at this point. She’s gonna keep it up and everything she does if just gonna start to flop because people will eventually wake up and see that she’s a fake ally.

[@ERose15]

I am surprised she accepted this role also

[@nalayeplikethelion]

@tivon3 wow ! I didn’t even know that once she made her little comment I was so annoyed that I just stopped following the story because when I saw was just like you’re not looking out for anyone you just want to seem like you did something nice for DSBW smh she’s gonna flop

[@tezdun9911]

the movie was pure GARBAGE!!!

[@bailey7792]

I LOVED the book. I read it in 1 day I loved it so much. The movie.. im like ummm??? Where THE HELL is DeVante? Like wtf happened? They had an entire book they couldve and SHOULDVE followed, but decided to water it down and leave out all the most important and relevant parts. Which made the movie characters actions seem forced and unrealistic. In the movie, they just left out SO MUCH. In the book all their actions and decisions made perfect sense.. and they had purpose and power behind every decision they made, and conversation they had. In the movie, it felt like they just did and said what they were supposed to.. to move the story along. It really just felt like a watered down version of a very powerful and moving book. They definitely missed the mark and should've had more sense and respect when making it into a movie.

[@squirrelsinmykoolaid]

This is what happens when mainstream media attempts to handle Black political anything. This film, This is America, I'm not Racist, Black Panther etc. Everything just misses the mark.

[@birdiewolf3497]

Yup. All this. Mainstream media cannot be trusted.

[@Belihoney]

Why do you think Black Panther misses the mark? Super curious

[@yazbee]

@@Belihoney They lowkey had a white man save the day and the wakanda ended up helping the white man (UN) instead of remaining self sufficient independent of the white mans influence.

[@BrittneyChristina]

BelizeHunni What Yazbee said... The white savior killed it for me, and basically still opening the door to the colonizers to take our inventions etc

[@MelaninBae90]

@@BrittneyChristina And that right there is im betting, A big reason why they even okayed it to go through an be officially filmed, Fck Hollywood.

[@kaiumeda6341]

Honestly, this movie was horrible; I wish it was more faithful to the novel: -It should’ve included Devante -The evils of King - the casting of a different lead - the family actually moving out of Garden Heights -Maya exposing Hailey bullying her -King at Khalil’s funeral -Iesha crashing Seven’s birthday party - Iesha not being at Seven’s graduation

[@starzzzy22]

The casting of Star is also disappointing because now Amandla is being used on the book cover, effectively erasing the young dark skinned Black girl that was originally drawn for the cover. Also, I need Jouelzy to review "Children of Blood and Bone"

[@nedrammonet3056]

I haven't seen the film because I wasn't a fan of how it was casted. My idea of what the film would be like is exactly how you've described it. Thanks for your review.

[@cynthialashawnchannel]

Not gonna lie, the film made me tear up a bit and thought it was good. Yet, I def agree with some of the main points and casting.

[@HotCocoBangbang]

I read the book and enjoyed it. I hesitate to watch the movie after seeing the trailer and the cast. The casting was horrible. I agree, that Star should have been unquestionably black. I think the movie had the potential to reach, speak to, and move black teenagers in a way the mainstream media doesn't, but it doesn't seem like it delivered.

[@notwwwansik]

Why are you so obsessed with blackness? You like to victimize yourself

[@toogood2btrubk]

Gurl isaa Rae has ONE, tone like she seems like she can only play comedic roles, even when shes trying to be serious on her show i dont take her acting seriously.

[@AliciaKayla]

I felt the same way. I wrote my media analysis on this film because I felt that it displayed colorblindness in a movie that wasn't meant to be color blind. Amandla being casted as Starr while the book cover shows a dark skin girl was very eh to me, simply because I understand Amandla wants to be a part of change, which she has the right to and can, but I agree with you when you said that there should have been different casting. The casting for Starr's friend/sister/??? seems kind of like the casting the NWA movie. Type A, B, and C girls. She played her role well, but her character was very stereotypical and made it seem like she couldn't be smart and "ratchet" too (since she kinda demonized Starr for her education). I feel like at the end, they kinda just ended on a happy note, even doe the baby just almost got shot by the cops and almost killed a man. That was a little annoying to me. They should've found a better way to end the movie.

[@Oone2023]

Hair is popping. Background popping. This review. Just... *Chef kiss*

[@theonewiththekey3482]

I had many grievances with the movie including very poor choice in the actors; script was felt written for and from the mixed people trying to correlate their blackness; and it was unthought provoking, meaning it was clearly a YA novel. The media just doesn't stimulate me anymore. Everything feels half-assed or notably biased.

[@ashlee2011marie]

The casting is what stoped me first. When I say I’m tired of seeing Amandla Stenberg, and those like her, saturate the Black women charters on tv, I don’t mean to be rude ( or judgmental like my mother says). She has made a name for herself which is great. I’m just looking and craving to see something more expressive of the wide variation in our community. I would definitely read the book if I was in the emotional state to due so.

[@dopeskinned]

Lmaooo Issa was not doing it for me, it was cringy 😩

[@Jbelovedson]

the creative conversationalist This is why I can’t watch her show on HBO. She’s not an actress. Being a believable actor is hard.

[@1991Meka]

I dont think Amandla is a great actress. She's very basic, she has never moved me. Like Dakota Fanning was an excellent child, young woman, turned adult actress. Every Age Dakota has been A+

[@camofojo]

The background, the shirt, the hair, the review. all on point.

[@ERose15]

As an adult, I have felt this way about almost every movie I have seen recently where I have read the book first. When I read the book after watching the movie, I can find appreciation in places I wouldn't have for the movie.

[@jouelzy]

King Emmaculate while it’s mostly true that the book is always better than the movie, I can name a few movies/shows where I was happy with the adaptation. I guess it starts some convo for kids who were like 9 when Mike Brown died 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@ERose15]

@@jouelzy Understood. On topic but off, when I saw a Wrinkle in Time. I had no idea what was happening on screen and hated the movie. Then, I read the book and felt like I understood the intent but what was convened on screen did not fully represent the purpose of the book. In the end, the movie was "aight" but the book is much better.

[@halioj]

I love the background! Once I saw they casted Amandla, I decided I was not watching it. I don't like Amandla but especially because they should've casted a dark skin black girl.

[@soulsista934]

I love your earrings! I never wanted to see the movie but after I saw Amandla was the main girl I really didn't want to see it, I thought she was supposed to be dark skinned?

[@tiastepneysodyssey4784]

If this movie was supposed to be about the book yes! It should have been hand and hand also when it's a celebrity and a movie is made of their life they find a person who is as close as possible or the exact same face alsmost to play the rule or if not any of that they at least get the color right so why not for this

[@lauren82140]

I whole heartedly agree with you. I went to see it with my mom and sisters and ill just say they don't think as critical as me when it comes to racial issues and they live for a good Tyler Perry movie lol so they loved it. I was disappointed. Star should have been dark skin, and all the talk about tennis shoes was cringey. I felt like they made this movie to maybe help white people understand our relationship with the police a little better but i honestly didn't take anything from it. Maybe ill just have to read the book.

[@TheGhettoSnobSeries]

JOUELZY GIRL! I love this hair, the color, the cut, the style, your eyes, the background, this review, your nails, your cute little gap- could you be anymore perfect here?! 😩😍

[@Jbelovedson]

It’s so important that a scriptwriter understands the story they are adapting from a book because based on what people have said about the movie clearly the screenwriter missed the mark. You know what else bothers me when bad casting happens to good actors. It will make or break a story. smdh. As always I enjoy your concise point of view.

[@annaclay7513]

Your points were valid! With that said I enjoyed the movie, but didnt read the book. I think the way the movie played out was true to life. I think some of the casting was questionable, but overall id recommend the movie.

[@CorettaJG]

I agree. I enjoyed the movie but think this is fair criticism. I tried to read the book, but it didn't work for me as a person in my late 30s. There were a number of teens in my theater who seemed to like it.

[@gilda5101]

The Coldest Winter Ever - throwback!!

[@nonye04]

I 100% agree with your review of the movie versus the book. Funny enough I searched high and low on youtube for reviews of the movie AND the book...and nothing...that is until now. After the book I had high expectations for the movie which unfortunately fell flat for me. Thank you for you your perspective

[@v.velarde3694]

Love the new setup!!!! May we have the earring details please?

[@Angel_urfav1]

In the book its mentioned how she's lighter skinned and how her mum said she a privilege or smth

[@Shesyourstrulyy]

Thannkkk Yoouuu❣️ 🗣 The end just got me when she ended up being with the white dude 😭

[@Mommabear30]

Noooooooooo say it ain't so! I refuse to watch that mess.

[@kimberlyhillard6311]

Again, spot on!! For me personally, the bool was a little corny and "pick me" ish. I mean it's worth the conversation to have but for me id give it a solid 7/10. Trauma porn in films and novels used to be my thing back in the day when I was becoming more socially conscious but I really wasnt feeling the book or the film. The trailer was unsurprisingly underwhelmimg. I was even more unsuprised when I found out Amandla had some light skint responses on twitter when it came to the criticism of Starr. I've been side eyeing her for some time but sis needs to figure out when to choose her battles. The movie was SOOOO cringy. There's more I might add later but I agree with you 100%

[@JaBabyDoll]

Your makeup and hair.., is giving me life!! Love!

[@naturalQueeP]

I went to the screening of The Hate You Give. My daughter is a mentee at The Common Ground Foundation here in Chicago (Common’s organization) and we were invited to attended. The movie is good for teens.

[@rebeccaguerra7138]

The hate u give book was waaaaay better than the movie. If you read the book you know that they ( producers, director, etc) missed so much. The movie felt so rushed, they didn’t choose the right actors, and some of the things they have in the movie don’t match up with the book (who says what, what happens in a scene, etc). The movie could’ve been AMAZING but like I always say, good intentions, bad execution. 😐

[@leahnydiego203]

I don’t like films that talk about black pain.

[@sarahmathieu6122]

I love how unbiased you are.

[@queen7123]

sis tell me why I haven't even seen it just because I knew it would be exactly what you're talking about and it's so sad that I people are so lost and not conscious towards this passing black influence it's so annoying. I had a young girl 14 years old and she's not even dark skin say to me she did not like the movie and why the girl could not be a black girl that you can tell is a black girl save a 14 year old is on my same page I definitely was not about to watch it LOL

[@missnadial5174]

Joulezy, I have to thank you for this video. I thought for a second that I was over exaggerating why the casting of Star was not ideal for a role like this. Thank you for articulating exactly how I felt!

[@nancana10]

I haven’t read the book and still disliked the movie. It had a great cast, but for some reason it felt forced like the actors were overacting. Star’s “hood” community was exaggerated. It really did give me nostalgia of reading teenage hood classics back when I was in middle school. Especially the scene where Seven’s step-father’s boys set the store on fire. It was so unnecessary lol. I feel wrong agreeing with you on Issa’s acting in this. She sounded like the mumbling Issa in Insecure 😳 but I love Issa in real life!

[@Fairyym]

The aesthetic is SOOO GOOD. The background, your hair, those earrings is so very cute.

[@marymitchell5053]

Yeah.... You hit EVERY one of my points. I just watched the film yesterday and was seriously disappointed. The casting was so tone deaf it only makes sense when you see who's behind the camera. I just don't get how STILL in 2018 our stories are being co-opted and produced without authentic black people in the writing room and in the crew. How are you going to make a movie about the black experience and disrespect the integrity of almost every character??? ESPECIALLY all of the black women?? And how can Amandla "deny" a role in Black Panther, but accept a role here??? I love her, but Sis.....

[@sarahebert2510]

I'm SO upset that Hailey wasn't developed as much as she was in the book. Hailey was definitely an inconvenience to Starr in the movie, but she was HATEFUL to both Maya and Starr in the book - which was never portrayed in the movie, and makes Starr seem "dramatic," even though she isn't.

[@farrahjacobs7747]

So I went to this screening and someone asked about her (Amandla) about picking this role and her response was that she didn’t feel like she was doing a disservice to the character and that she drew certain parallels. And the director stood up for her saying that he thought she was perfect for the role.

[@onij2157]

I read the book last year and was excited when I heard that it would be made into a movie. I hated the casting ESPECIALLY Amandla, she just did not match the Starr that was portrayed in the book (and Starr in the book was not light skinned). I couldn't make it to the theater so I watched it on firestick and I must say they missed the mark on most of the movie.

[@BeautyWithinKakra]

We all love the background 💜

[@7388JA]

I wasn't interested in the movie. After watching the the trailer I could tell with the casting it was going to miss the mark.I did see it at my mother's recommendation. I was right. I agree with you 100% and WHOO Im soooooo glad Im not alone.

[@luvsponge]

Background looks really nice. All of the adults I know that saw it had issues. I took my 13 year old and his friends, they liked it. Had all read the book had great commentary afterwards, discussing casting, etc. Paid for kids to go, same thing. It's definitely far from perfect, but I'm glad YA books for Black people are having that kind of impact. I had to remind myself "it ain't for you. You also thought Brown Sugar and Love Jones were great at one point. Sit back and watch."

[@DecemberJay_]

I love this aesthetic!

[@janaya247]

I’ve not read the book or seen the movie but I very much appreciate your commentary on the portrayal of black Women in society, the media, and film. Very powerful and on point!

[@lolamarie441]

I absolutely agree with your take on the book and comparison to Coldest Winter Ever! You took the words out of my mouth

[@Foodication]

Love the new background! Visually, it feels a little cramped on the sides. Try moving the trees further out left/right. Some negative space (the white on the walls) will open it up a bit ;)

[@veliciahiley7652]

Jouelzy, I will read the Hate You Give Book. I do think that Hollywood should start inviting individuals like yourself to read some black & brown scripts before green lighting movies.

[@AlyseHamilton]

Amandla mentioned that she would have dropped out of the running for Starr but the author of the book had her in mind for the role. So I did have an issue at first but that's who the author wanted and I can't argue with that.

[@henoktesfom996]

Alyse - Acting Out do you ever think about why the author wanted her??

[@sunintaurus6526]

@@henoktesfom996 my thoughts exactly👀

[@tomisubulade8592]

I really like this background set up! I also didn’t watch this film because the casting kind of made me uncomfortable. 😅

[@ajaimani]

I love this hair on you! The casting seemed like it was all wrong from the previews but I still want to try reading the book.

[@IndiaMonee]

First off this background is EVERYTHING! I love it! Secondly, I didn't read the book and I thought the movie was still very lack luster. It was good but could've been way more moving.

[@Niatate]

I enjoyed the book and was excited that it was being made into a movie. Once I saw the casting that excitement decreased. The reviews were bad and Black Twitter was not impressed. I’ll catch it on Netflix:) I must say girl you look fabulous!!! I’ve followed your channel for awhile and it is awesome to see you glowing from happiness. Looking forward to more material from you👏👌

[@thegagabouche]

We thought so too-missed opportunity and mediocre execution😥 Love the aesthetic here-earthy tropics! Bookshelves are tough to style when u actually have tons of books you keep and read📚📚

[@soufbayshawty]

The background is awesome as hell, I love it! You also look great, the wig is on point, the whole look is just poppin’.

[@nylahkelly28]

When I first clicked on the video I was livid because of the title, but I’m happy I decided to listen to what you had to say. 😅 I’m 18 y.o. and a dark skinned black girl. I loved the book and I loved the movie, but I definitely found myself kinda like ehh the book was better. I think Amandla wasn’t the right person to play Starr. I only truly liked the casting of Regina, Russel, Sekani, and the guy who played Khalil. I was upset to find out they got rid of the Devante story line as well. I feel like they cut so much out because of screen time, but I’d rather it be a long movie that delved into the complexities of this situation. I do appreciate the ending with Sekani though but maybe that’s because it shocked me since it wasn’t in the book. I still think people should watch it though. I think they were afraid of being too real 😕

[@creamfilled08]

I agree with you except for one point. I feel people are tired of seeing this type of movie and/or real life scenario because nothing has changed.

[@J0ELLEx]

Thank you for this commentary!! To hear the book was watered down in the movie makes me look forward to reading it.

[@HatersLuvBey]

Yes! I’ve been waiting on you to give me a thorough critique on this movie every since I saw your post while you were at the movies couple of months ago on IG. I haven’t seen the movie BUT it’s kinda like when movies like this and Get Out and Black Panther( which I noticed you spared lol) and even Django (chile that movie just didn’t do it for me) oh and not to mention that Nate Parker’s Nat Turner movie get so much mainstream attention and also do well, it’s like I have a love/hate connect with it. I’m happy for the exposure and positive reviews BUT they just somehow always fall short to me whether it be stereotypical representation or just a downright cringe fest between the acting and mediocre script lol.

[@MakedaNieare]

Soooooo.... I had no intention to see this movie.. If you want to roll your eyes out of your head attempt the Audible listen.... Also, my mama called me the other day to specifically tell me that Common cant act and he makes her cringe LOL

[@asiamaya1527]

Honestly, I’m so happy I didn’t put my entertainment dollar towards this movie. I’d much rather see If Beagle Street Could Talk. It looks beautiful.

[@___.209]

Love the aesthetic, even down to the non colour co-ordinated bookshelf. LOVE this hair on you too

[@c.m.2973]

You hit the nail on the head with the casting!!!!!!! I felt the same way and thought it was just me

[@JoiDior]

This hair color is very flattering on you Sis!

[@appealingtodasenses]

I agree and I felt bad for thinking that way about Issa Rae lol. I hated the movie and felt bad for not liking it.

[@taginefc3189]

I wouldn’t even watch with a teenager... although it would be a good conversation starter... I don’t expect honesty with our storylines from Hollywood. The only type of films that remotely come close to portraying the truth are documentaries.

[@scottymcmillan]

I read the book and it was so good I knew they couldn’t fit everything into the movie but I feel like they left so much out and if you didn’t read the book there’s a lot of things you would miss out on that the movie just barley touches on. I also feel like the script could have been more true to the book and not changed so much seems it didn’t seem to flow as well. I had the characters pictured differently then the cast but the message in this movie is still very powerful and strong. I hope movies like this can change the environment we currently live in and give power and a spotlight on such issues.

[@BryActive]

The book was def better! I feel like they washed down the movie to make it more palatable? Or acceptable to the general public

[@FeliciaMesadieu]

I love the new background. It is very aesthetically pleasing to the eye and showcases your personality, as you are a voracious reader. I love the hair and makeup as well. I loved the movie. However, I did think some parts were a little cheesy. I haven't read the book, but it is certainly disappointing to know that the characters did not represent the character images that were described in the book. I love and appreciate your commentary, Jouelzy! Thank you so much for doing a review on this movie.

[@mizzyeks]

Coldest Winter Ever Reference! Lol

[@_____byeliza]

I intentionally didn’t see the movie simply because the casting of Star based on the book cover alone. It was a missed opportunity. I haven’t read the book (yet) because I struggle with reading fiction books that are largely based on reality but have heard that it is a good read.

[@neesh_neesh5102]

I agree with you on the review, the book was a lot better. I had my 10 year old son read the book and then we went to see the movie together. It did help to open up the dreaded but very real conversation that we all have to have with our young black children.

[@mica0408]

That hair color brings out your eyes. It's way better than the black.

[@LuxuriousBlu]

That crossed my mind about Issa while I watched the movie. I wasn’t sure she was right for the role, but I enjoyed seeing her in the screen. You brought up quite a few things I didn’t think about while watching the after having read the book. The biggest thing I took from movie was that it felt a lot heavier than the book, since they condensed the story so much to fit the big plot points, while the book took time to breathe with some levity between those big plot points. And Common and Mackie were odd choices to be cast in those roles in the movie. I’m so glad you reviewed The Hate U Give.

[@jameswhite748]

Glad I saw Widows instead.

[@XyberFox213]

As someone who grew up closer to that of 'Starr 2.0', this movie served as a reminder that this ish is happening on a daily basis to people who look like me. It's very easy to get comfortable when you're not actively dealing with the BS, so I appreciate the film and it reminds me that I need to be active and aware. Now with that said, the casting definitely could have been better but I don't know if the writers fully understand the importance of representation. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@chablisedavis5340]

I think a very important thing that needs to be considered, which I learned recently myself, is the fact that what happens in a book doesn't translate well on screen. That is part of the reason why most books are significantly better than their movie adaptation. They have to remove and change things so that the movie can be pushed along, whereas in a book you have endless pages to convey whatever it is you're trying to convey. A book can easily end with a character having a big internal revelation but that doesn't work on film. I can see the potential casting issues but the girl in the book is described as being of a lighter tone and authors usually don't have much say so in what the cover looks like (because that is a common argument of why she needed to be darker).

[@AuNaturaleFrench]

Digging this hair color!

[@lt7645]

You said everything I felt but couldn’t really explain!!!! Thank you!

[@MsBloo]

HOLY ISHHH! when I saw the thumbnail I was like, MAMA who dis golden haired woman!? Lovin the new hairstyle, it compliments your undertones so well! 😍 Now to watch the vid hehe

[@ello_nelo]

Loving the bookshelf in the background and those earrings!🤩

[@dimesnco304]

I Love that your aesthetic is different(not the usual grey/white aesthetic we see all the time.❤️

[@Lovebuggy1877]

I know I am extremely late, but that aids to my point. The book is mainly banned in southern states (and I mean hard press banned, like the same why learning about the slave trade is banned in Florida ). I am reading the Hate You Give for a Banned Book assignment, and my Predominantly White College is not ready for this discussion. I was trying to talk about police brutality in my class on Friday and the white professor said "My wife is black the police are nice to her..." I watched the movie before I read the book, but at this college I feel more impelled to write as well as present about this issue.

[@Lonelylaina]

Great review! I just finished the book and was considering whether or not to watch the movie. Thanks for the honesty

[@QueenZsWorld]

I coulda told y'all that. matter of fact I did a video about it in February lol the casting of Amandla as Star was explained by Angie Thomas. she said that Amandla's "don't cash crop my cornrows" video inspired the character so Amandla was the ideal Star. ... okay.