Category: Television
Posted by Mekeisha Madden Toby (The Detroit News) on Sun, May 17, 2009 at 7:49 PM'Stand' filled with humor and catharticalness
Some of the best moments in Tavis Smiley's new film "Stand" are filled with humor.
Yes, there are touching moments -- witnessing one of singer Isaac Hayes' last appearances and Dick Gregory recalling his last conversation with the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., are among the most moving -- but there are unexpected glimmers of lightness.
Gregory provides a number of zingers but so does social commentator, rhetorician and Detroit native Michael Eric Dyson.
Speaking of Dyson, don't be surprised if he becomes too vocal in the film at times. While no one can dispute this man's brilliance, it would have been nice if he talked less in "Stand."
Thankfully, there is more going on in "Stand" than Dyson and the emotional scenes where he, actor Wren T. Brown ("Curb Your Enthusiasm"), and Cornel West are moved to tears are breathtaking.
Equally profound scenes are captured at Fisk University, Mason Temple and Lorraine Motel where King was slain.
Don't miss the whole story when "Stand" airs 9 p.m. May 24 on TV One.
