In the Summer of 1963, Flint, Michigan is home to the Watsons, a close knit family made up of Daniel and Wilona Watson, (Wood Harris and Anika Noni Rose) and their three kids, 15-year-old juvenile delinquent Byron (Harrison Knight), nerdy 11-year-old Kenny (Bryce Clyde Jenkins) and eight-year-old adorable sister Joetta (Skai Jackson). When Byron’s antics go over the top, his parents realize enough is enough and they decide the family needs a dose of Grandma Sands' (LaTanya Richardson Jackson) no nonsense approach in Birmingham, Alabama.
So the Watsons load up their 1948 Plymouth Brown Bomber outfitted with a true tone Ultra-Glide turntable and head South with plenty of comedy en route. When they finally make it to Birmingham, they meet Grandma Sands and her friend, Mr. Robert (David Alan Grier), who show them around town and the Watsons discover that life is very different there than in Flint – and not necessarily for the better. During that historic summer, the Watsons find themselves caught up in something far bigger than Byron’s antics; something that will change their lives and country forever.
My Thoughts:
“If this is your home, you’ve got to make it work.” (Byron to Kenny)
These words reflect a profound change in the life of both Byron and Kenny Watson! The journey that allows this sentiment to be truly reflected in their lives comes amidst the racial turmoil within the Southern states in the early 1960’s. The Watson’s are a family residing in Michigan when circumstances developing with their oldest son bring them to the decision to visit relatives in Birmingham, Alabama. Despite the racial turmoil spilling from national news sources, they decide that Birmingham (and specifically their grandmother) holds the answer to their worsening problems.
The Watsons reflect the choice many made to turn a blind eye to the reality of the racial tension brewing between blacks and whites. Mrs. Watson goes to great lengths to protect her youngest children from watching or listening to any of the developing stories. The reality they are forced to face when they arrive during the height of turmoil in Birmingham brings reality crashing down upon them, and every member of the family is forever changed.
In the beginning of the film, Kenny is the golden child and Byron is the “juvenile delinquent”. By the time you reach the closing credits, Kenny is scared and uncertain and Byron has gained the purpose he lacked and the love and respect for his family that was missing from his heart and mind. Each member of the Watson family learns a great lesson during the course of the film, and their lives are forever changed.
The Watson’s go to Birmingham is a thought-provoking film adaptation of Christopher Paul Curtis’ award-winning novel bearing the same title.
The film airs on the Hallmark Channel Friday, September 20th! Go here to find out more!
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