Something Better

A Raisin in the Sun (2008) is just as palpable as it was in 1959 or 1961. There was a 1989 TV movie with Danny Glover, but that was technically part of the American Playhouse TV series. Though A Raisin in the Sun (2008) is also a TV movie, it was originally shown at Sundance before airing on ABC. This time it was me that saw part of this version in school. We learned about the original play, but I don’t recall finishing the movie. A Raisin in the Sun (2008) has the same cast as the 2004 Broadway revival. Similar to the 1961 film, except this version feels more like a movie than a play put to film.

The script is mostly the same, but there’s more white people, racial tension, and a bit more from the Younger family outside of their cramped apartment. We see Walter Lee interact with his chauffeur employer, we see Lena leaving her job as a maid, we see Ruth seriously contemplate losing her baby, we see Beneatha attend college classes, and we even see young Travis talk to the mailman delivering their check. I was familiar with everyone in the predominantly black cast. They even got Morgan Freeman to do brief narration.

Sean Combs has proven himself as a dramatic actor, but it’s still weird seeing him in a period setting. Sanaa Lathan and Audra McDonald are just as committed as Walter Lee’s sister and wife respectively. I’m not used to seeing Phylicia Rashad as a grandmother, but she gives her all to the part. There’s also Bill Nunn as Bobo, Ron Cephas Jones as Willy, and Sean Patrick Thomas as George. I was especially impressed with David Oyelowo as Beneatha’s African suitor Asagai. John Stamos is an interesting choice to play Lindner, but he manages to be unlikable. The message in A Raisin in the Sun (2008) is the same, just with a little added intensity and realism.

The Younger’s meet with Mr. Lindner

Remake of: A Raisin in the Sun (1961)