Southside with You was released in theaters on August 26, 2016. It is a biographical romantic drama written and directed by Richard Tanne. This is his first project of this nature. The two stars, Parker Sawyers and Tika Sumpter, did a fantastic job portraying Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson. Sawyers looks and sounds just like the 44th President of the United States except he has smaller ears. Sumpter doesn't look and sound much like the First Lady, but since viewers know that's who she is supposed to be, her physical appearance and voice are overlooked. Moviegoers might be disappointed if they think the movie is about the entire biographical sketches of the Obamas.


The main emphasis of the film surrounds the couple's first date in 1989. 

What critics are saying

The critics really like the love story of how the Obamas began their romance. They commend Tanne for telling us what we already know. For instance, we know even though Michelle insisted she was not going on a date, she did. We know what happened from that first date until now. In fact, we know now what they didn't know at the time. Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter applauds Tanne for giving viewers a very convincing story surrounding the meeting and romance of the Obamas. Manohla Dargis of The New York Times describes the film as sweet and sincere.


Since it is a romance story, critics suggest that it would be a good date night movie. 

How the film did at the box office

A film like this does not happen overnight. Tanne started writing the script in 2007. The 84-minute film did not go into production until 2015. That's when the two stars were cast for their parts. Before the movie was released in theaters, it was shown at the Sundance Film Festival last January.

 Southside With You was projected to gross around $2 million from about 813 theaters during its opening weekend. The film ended up making $3.1 million. Its budget was just $1.5 million. Therefore, the movie is going to make a profit even though it came in at number 13 at the box office. Have you seen the movie yet? If so, what did you think about it? If you haven't seen it, do you plan to see it? 

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