Mama's Boy

'Oh he won an Oscar so he must tell an amazing story!'

That's what I thought when I saw the promo come up on HBOMax- I was wrong. Maybe had a read it the story may have had more emphasis but I doubt it.

Dustin is a little too breathless, a little too dramatic to allow the viewer to fall into the story, and I didn't even make it halfway before finally turning it off altogether.

Aside from the obnoxious telling by Dustin, we're also treated to polio nonsense that compares the vaccine to the Covid vaccine (no really) and completely ignores the real truth behind polio, how it spread, why it spread so rapidly, why you didn't want to be one of the first to get the vaccine, how the filth contributes to spread, and some genuine falsehoods that as an healthcare frontline worker, makes me think this is more about creating drama than informing people of the truth.

I've seen many of his works and haven't been as enthralled as the Hollywood elites (to the point of throwing awards at him so they can feel like they did something valuable) but he's managed to tell the stories in an interesting way that held me until the end; this does nothing close.

Best movie I've seen all year. I've seen good productions, but a really great film is different. A great film has to tell you something that you didn't know before. Or, rather, to make you feel something, something deep, to reach inside you and touch something that resonates deep into your soul. I know that some people will not feel this way after seeing it, but I found that, in one way or another, my own journey has mirrored Dustin's. I wonder if many young people will understand and really feel the emotions that this films evokes. So much has changed since I made my journey. Things I never thought would happen... happened. And they happened because of people like Dustin. We owe him more that we can ever repay. And this film shows how & why. All I can say to him is: promise kept, promise fulfilled. Well done.

Ignore the moments in the film that lapse into mushy sentimentality. Black not only loves his family, but he loves the culture that spawned them, even when they don't themselves understand what loving him back means.

I am an Army Brat from a conservative Southern family, and I spent a long time working for Zions Bank. I truly understand his faith in his family and in the Mormon church. I know that the opposition to same sex marriage is homophobia. I believe that there will come a reconciliation with between gay children and their religious families, but I believe it more after seeing the film.

Don't give up.

Having read and loved Black's book, I had no idea it had been turned into a documentary when I stumbled upon it. Why isn't there more of a fuss about this terrific film? This is a remarkable story about a beautiful woman who overcame so many torturous obstacles and who faced each one with tremendous courage. While this is clearly about a son's unwavering love for his mother, it is also about Dustin Lance Black's crusade to overturn Proposition 8 and his fight for his mother's life. It is a heartfelt, beautiful story that speaks to the heart, compassion, and strength for which we should all strive in our lives.

When I read the book, I had to wipe away tears that made the words blurry. The documentary is no less affective. Highly recommended.

I loved every minute of this documentary. Dustin Lance Black's story about his mother was so beautiful. His mother would be so proud of him. It was not an easy road for Dustin, but to hear how his mom overcame so many obstacles and she never gave up. Neither did Dustin. Never a harsh word about his adversaries but words of encouragement and never giving up. I plan to continue watching quality work created by Dustin and hope he continues to create more documentaries on social issues and human rights.

I hope viewers feel encouraged after watching this documentary - humans can be resilient and do anything if determined.