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It's obvious that a lot of people giving PRIDE a "1" are reacting to the trailers and radio ads that make this movie come off as a "black vs. white" thang. In reality, the movie it self is much more nuanced and filled with universal themes. It's been said that the achievement in sport by people of color is responsible more than anything to bring a semblance of equality in America. In sports, it's mathematical. A strike is a strike, a touchdown's a touchdown no matter who throws it. PRIDE is worth supporting because it shines light on a real-life person who used sports to teach young kids there's a bigger world past the playground, and if you develop your talents you won't have to fall back on the race card to catch breaks. Pride is a solid sports flick with strong performances by all that will suffer because of some unimaginative and lazy marketing. If you like Terrence Howard or Bernie Mac or even Kimberly Elise, make this one worth your time. Otherwise, wait for the Mark Gastineau story.

It's unfortunate the choices Terrence Howard had to make while still a struggling actor in Black Hollywood. This is a movie that is well cast with very capable and talented actors--and puts them to shame.

The direction, camera-work and editing are terrible and are not helped by the full-screen DVD transfer, which kills the composition. Basically the plot is this--Howard, Robin Givens and Paula Jai Parker are radio hosts of a relationship call-in show. They get calls which become the basis of several vignettes a-la "Love American Style." Every great actor has at least one of these on their resume. Tom Hanks has "He Knows You're Alone." Tom Cruise has "Losin' It." Michael Caine does one a year. With a budget and better writing, this might have been a decent time waster. Unfortunately, it's not, so don't waste your time.

Phat Girlz is in many ways similar to Queen Latifah's film LAST HOLIDAY, which hit theaters earlier this year. Both star plus size women as department store clerks with an ambition to be more. In Last Holiday, Latifah wishes to be a master chef. In Phat Girlz, Monique wishes to create high fashion for big girls so that the'll feel more attractive. While Last Holiday had a big enough budget to film in Prague, Monique has to settle for Palm Springs. And in doing so, comes out with the better film. Both films are comic fantasies that provide vicarious thrills for their (assumed) big female audiences. But while Latifah's stunts like skiing and skydiving are visceral adventure, Monique goes through the motions of falling in love--with a man, then herself, then ourselves. Yes, some of the comedy is broad, the video cinematography is unsettling and the character development for the supporting players nonexistent. But Monique delivers a film that speaks directly to her fans. Filmmaker Nnegest Likké provides counterpoint to the proceedings. The Nigerian doctor is seriously interested in a big girl like Monique because in his culture size is a reflection of wealth. He's intelligent, handsome and even challenges Mo's liberal use of the "B" word. In the end, Phat Girlz is more rewarding and life-affirming than Latifah's flick or even How Stella Got It's Groove Back, it's obvious muse. Let's hope Monique uses her success to continue to portray equally well rounded, truthful characters. Let's hope Hollywood notices her in this film, as well as in Lee Daniels' Shadowboxer and will offer her roles (and budgets) that match the size of her appeal and talent.