A Loving Brotherhood is at the core of

Last Black Man in San Francisco

by Kathia Woods

Family, Legacy, a House, friendship and the city by the bay are some of the underlying themes of "The Last Black Man in San Francisco." Based on the true story of Jimmie Fails. It's a resonating story of how a house becomes the centerpiece of survival while highlighting a unique friendship.

The movie opens with Jimmie and Montgomery waiting on the bus. Every free moment they have evolves around "The House."

The House is a home that was allegedly built by Jimmie's Grandfather and was the last home Jimmie had before having to endure homelessness and group homes.

Director Joe Talbot is a fifth-generation San Franciscan. It shows in every frame of this movie — the tight shots of Jimmie and Montgomery Skateboarding through San Francisco are visually pleasing while intersecting comedic characters. It's San Francisco from a local's point of view.

Jimmie Fails makes a stunning debut as himself. Although he's reliving his life, there's a full-fledged character on the screen. We are rooting for Jimmie as he works through every obstacle to regain ownership of his family legacy.

My favorite character in this movie was Montgomery. Montgomery is eccentric. Jonathan Majors turns in a fantastic performance. He attacks this role with every fiber of his being, and it shows. Montgomery is comfortable with who he is unlike Jimmie.

The onscreen chemistry between the two characters is also another reason why this movie works. It's evident in the opening scene when they are waiting for the bus. The observations they share are fluid and natural.

Tichina Arnold portrays Jimmie's aunt, Wanda. Arnold brings her famous wit to this role.

Veteran Actor Danny Glover, in my opinion, has the best twenty minutes of screen time as Grandpa that we've seen him deliver in ages. He's Montgomery's cheerleader and never makes his grandson feel odd for his eccentricity.

Another notable mention goes to Mike Epps as Bobby, the homeless OG. Epps continues his streak of playing smaller but strong parts in good movies.

Everything works in the movie. The dialogue written by Jimmie Fails, Rob Richert, and Joe Talbot is robust. The writers tackle many tough topics.

Topics such as gentrification, effects of drug abuse, inner city violence but at heart, and the focus always remain with Jimmie and Montgomery. Their unwavering love and support towards one another are what drives this fantastic movie.

Another positive is that their relationship is genuine. We don't often get to see two black men loving, and fighting for each other.

Kudos to A24 for continuing to support movies that touch the soul.

I highly recommend this movie and pray that it receives the proper marketing and rollout. The performances deserve to touch a bigger audience.

Diversity - it gets a ten for the depiction of the friendship between Montgomery and Jimmie.

Scale- it receives an eight and a half. Dialogue matters and the performances are fantastic.