Michael B. Jordan and Chante Adams Deliver in A Journal or Jordan

More than 20 years ago, Halle Berry and Denzel Washington took home the Academy Award the same night Sidney Poitier was honored.  It was a golden moment in Hollywood history not soon to be forgotten.  so, it suffices to say that is immensely exciting that in 2021, both actors have the monicker – Directed by in front of their names.  Berry made her directorial debut with “Bruised” on Neflix earlier this year and Washington (although not his first film at the helm) is having a stupendous year acting in Joel Coen’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and directing

Based on Canedy’s 2009 memoir, we revisit the story of her life-altering relationship with King and his unwavering devotion to her and their son.   When I tell you, I literally had to retreat to my car where I proceeded to sob for quite some time, I do NOT exaggerate.  This story will sucker punch you in the best way possible and is a touching, searing tribute to what true, real, can’t get him out of your blood love looks like.  The translation of this story to the screen works  for two reasons – the commitment and chemistry of Michael B. Jordan and Chanté Adams.  I can’t imagine reliving the joy and pain of these years was an easy task for Canedy, but in doing so, she has undoubtedly helped anyone who has experienced this type of loss with an invaluable gift.

Being the daughter of an former Marine, I totally related with the multitude of times my Dad tried to hook me up with his younger comrades from the Corp, the challenges of being in a relationship with someone who is away fighting for our country, wondering what your parent’s story was before you hit the scene and those unexpected moments where you get a sign from a loved one letting you know they are watching over you.

It goes without saying, any film where Michael B. Jordan (Charles Monroe King) is flashing that mega-watt smile and Chanté Adams (is simply being her charismatic self is a great day at the box office.  They are perfection and Dana should be overjoyed at their recreations.  I applaud Denzel Washington, who seems to gravitate toward directing projects telling human stories wrapped in the African-American experience as seen previously with Antwone Fisher, The Great Debaters and August Wilson’s Fences.  A Journal for Jordan is important for two reasons.  It shows what love looks like between two intelligent, warm loving people of color and reminds us that it’s not how you leave the world – but what you did while you had a chance to navigate in it.

On a separate note, Jordan fans will get a welcomed surprise that will sear brains for eternity when it hits exclusively in theaters on Christmas Day.