Native Son

Read the book a long time ago. Still have it. Watched the movie and it started off following the novel by Robin Wright fairly well.

I don't believe a movie adaptation of a novel has to follow the story line and it can be more interesting to have some twists or re-telling of the story. In this case I would say it is a re-telling but the one let down for me is the buildup to the ending.

It felt like it was rushed and they did not have the time or the budget to provide the finer details of the story to explain the heart of the original story of why the title "Native Son" applied so well to Big and his part to society.

An incredible cast and I enjoyed everyone's acting. Most of the camerawork was great in my opinion. Felt like it did update the story for our present time. Wished there was more reference to slum lords and the legal system.

For folks that have not read the book, I hope it inspires them to read it. I know I will be re-reading the story again.

Quality acting, especially by our lead. The story alone garners it 5 stars...while the acting and directing does the rest. I enjoyed it and was hurt by it, while also being pulled on what character to route for...

Native Son had the makings of a great film - setting, cinematography, cast, story... the plot builds, the characters are developed, and then - a sudden tragedy after which it felt like someone pulled the plug on the film.

Was it a lack of innovation with the screenplay? Was the film's budget exceeded?

Such a shame to develop a main character to this degree, and then basically shut the movie down.

While I thought the characters were developed well in the first part of the film, the ending was extremely rushed. I read and loved the book but I felt these characters didn't stay true to the underlying themes within the novel that made it so great. This film doesn't really show the true effects of fear on Bigger and key elements were changed that once again took away from how wonderful this film could have been. I was disappointed.

I don't usually write reviews, but since I did not find any sound review here, here it is. The movie builds up great, great character development, good acting, intriguing plot; and then the third act begins, and it's all downhill from there. All buildup and character development stare into abyss upon an obvious climax. The realism that was there in the first two acts dies in the third act, and questionable choices are made in the plot, which makes you doubt whether there are different writing teams for Native Son. P.S I haven't read the book. I think this will suffice.