XoWizIama Excellent adaptation.

HeadlinesExotic Boring

ThedevilChoose When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

daved-06551 If I was rating the show based on the cast, it would be 10 out of 10. However, Greenleaf is not about entertaining the viewers. Instead, it appears to be an attempt to lobby for total acceptance of a gay lifestyle in the church.The show seems to toss the Ewings' of "DALLAS" into the stew pot, add a couple of Megachurches, and stir in an LGBT Rally. The result is "Greenleaf" a modern soap opera with an all star cast and the controversial topic of Homosexuality at the forefront.The first season kept me mesmerized as I followed the life of the Greenleaf Family, amid the aftermath of a suicide that brought a prodigal daughter back to the family mansion. As the family sat at the dinner table, I recalled the dinners of the Ewing family and the rivalries between siblings. While there was no JR, Grace, the lead character, came through as a Bobby Ewing character, beloved by all, but unable to overcome the influence of her powerful mother.As the season progressed, we learned of a deeply buried secret of a perverted uncle who preyed on young girls. This appeared to be one of the main story lines through the first and into the early part of the second season. However, it would be only one story line, soon overwhelmed by possibly the primary agenda of the writing staff; homosexuality in the Christian Church.The number of characters who were gay seemed to grow from week to week. In the end, one of the son-in-laws, a family friend, a church choir director, his spouse, and a counselor all "came out of the closet." While the introduction of gay characters is nothing new, the idea of battling the traditional church stance of frowning or even opposing homosexuality, became center stage. Even a meeting of local churches turned into a lobbying effort to overcome any opposition to the full inclusion of homosexual individuals and relationships, into the church.Even if the story line stopped there, it would hardly be the first time that gay relationships entered our living rooms. However, the main plot now seemed to focus on a wide variety of caveats. There was the divorce of one of the Greenleaf family members because the husband was gay. A choir director was fired because they were in a same-sex marriage. But, alas it didn't stop there. Each episode brought the main story line deeper into the clash between Biblical Verses opposing a gay lifestyle and the New Testament concept of "Love" covers sin. I believe that this was not a creative accident by writers, but the main purpose behind the series. When Bible Verses are reinterpreted by characters portraying ministers, it is not just part of a larger plot, but the very theme itself.While I enjoy a strong performance by a highly-talented cast, it seems that homosexuality in the Christian Church, has become a rallying cry of the writing staff. When any subject overpowers the show, it turns from a medium of entertainment to a protest rally.I must step aside for a moment and add a personal dimension to this review. As a Christian, I do not believe that anyone is sinless. I also believe we should love one another. However, when any drama style show attempts to interpret scripture, it leaves the realm of entertainment and enters Theology. Overall, the show is interesting but it is overshadowed by an effort to mold the writers view of the Bible into a soap box for gay rights. Please return the show to a story of a family who struggles with a variety of social issues. Leave lobbying for interpreting the Bible to religious venues.

MK Greenleaf was on the right track Season 1, despite a few holes in the writing; they had a great leading and supporting cast and authentic stories and characters. Leaving the audience anticipating highly what's to come next. And then Season 2 came and concluded and it has become clear; the producers, casting, show-runner, some of the actors (especially Merle, side eye), and writers have decided to go "Hollywood" and engage in "politics as usual" by promoting to series regular a "wanna- be/celebrity/mediocre actor, Rick Fox, despite the audience mainly being indifferent to his character Darius. His addition is an example of writers recklessly putting pen to paper and writing inconsistent, nonsensical stories and characters and ultimately not following through with the stories of some of their most popular intriguing characters of Season 1.Season 2 left a lot of the audience confused and presented itself like a show trying to find its rhythm, when by now they should be doing the salsa all the way to ratings heaven. A huge contrast to their sister show, Queen Sugar, who is very clear on their purpose and very consistent with each cast member and not bent on celebrity. Characters who are added make sense and none of the core characters of Season 1, leading or supporting, are missing without explanation. Queen Sugar is leading the dance. Perhaps why they have won awards as a show and Greenleaf has not. Greenleaf may need a change in leadership (show- runner and head writer), with exception of Oprah of course. They are off beat. Season 2 felt like a sophomore jinx album, when an artist was so pure on their first album, no bells and whistles, so true to themselves and then because of that success and hype decides to invite unnecessary guest "popular" artists for their second album and ends up over producing themselves and losing the authenticity that their core audience fell in love with in the first place. Darius is an unnecessary/poorly written and acted character (Rick and his dopey expressions), and lacks so much depth that a lot of the audience barely remembers his name, some even asked whether Grace and Darius are dating after their love scene? (shows the disconnect), and many have even said that Grace lacks a story line despite all the bells and whistles of a Rick Fox addition. Some even want a new love interest or want the popular character Noah back. But how? Rick Fox is Rick Fox, right? He is, but Greenleaf viewers want a good story, not another celebrity cheapening a show. His addition is not good for the Grace character, and I believe this will ultimately hurt her relevance on the show, where was she on the finale? Oh Darius was in the picture mmmmk. The producers/casting did not want to "settle" on a love interest for Grace, but DID by focusing on height and aesthetics (although fading) instead of mainly performance.The character Noah had the potential to be a great one had the writers put in the effort and continued to write for Grace and Noah. Instead they sabotaged that authentic story in exchange for a mediocre/random one just so Greenleaf could have a "celebrity" as mentioned. Noah despite being in every episode Season 1 and a part of the foundation of this show was not even present or mentioned in Season 2. This shows the laziness and incompetence of the writers. What good show does that? Highly frustrating to a viewer.Although Noah and Grace was a controversial story, that translated to good TV (he was engaged when they got together); Grace's chemistry was much better with Noah. There was something highly intriguing about their connection. Darius and Grace seem quite forced, like the producers are like "hey guys, love them, because Darius is played by the tall Rick Fox and every woman wants to see Rick Fox in a love scene, right?" Nope. Even Rick wondered why no one was talking on his love scene. Why? Nobody cares! I personally have no interest nor do I care where that story goes. I, like others, still wonder where is Noah.Go back to the drawing board producers and STOP being star struck, along with the writers and actors and arbitrarily make a mediocre actor and story line a "series regular". Why would you promote even more something that is barely working? And the writers should be ashamed of how inconsistent they are with their writing. If Greenleaf continues down this path, I predict they won't be around much longer. Rick needs to focus on Echo Fox (his company), which seems to be doing well and exit stage left with Greenleaf. He has to know deep down and away from his ego, that this is not working and this is not his "tribe" or audience. He of all people should know, you don't always get a "slam dunk".Point blank, producers/writers need to re-see the light and get back to authenticity. Allow this show to return to what again made it great and special, Season 1. As stated, with Season 2, the producers and writers fell for the sophomore jinx syndrome. They became desperate for cheap ratings and then ultimately lost ratings. Season 1 was presented with much more care and intention and the audience loved it.The thrill is gone for Greenleaf unless they correct these issues for Season 3. Stop being lazy writers: drop Darius (out of place), bring Noah back and give him proper development (him not returning Season 2 was an epic fail), thoroughly conclude a story (Uncle Mac died too soon, should still be on causing issues), and write better for Grace (she has no story line now). Until then, 3 stars for Greenleaf to match the three championship rings of Rick Fox since they "love" him so much. Sidenote: Really it was Kobe and Shaq who got those rings.

classicalsteve If you regularly attend church, you can receive spiritual healing, confess sins, and be in communion with God or at least perceive that this is happening. The clergy of the church facilitate your spiritual and religious needs and also acts as instructors, telling you, the congregants, what is right and wrong, sometimes claiming their advice is from Heaven. The clergy of the church, almost regardless of the denomination, is there to support the church members and potential converts. However, what about those people who play the role of the clergy? Who offers pastors, bishops and the like the spiritual guidance they may need? And what if the people performing those duties are in some ways compromising what they're telling others? Are they practicing what they're preaching? "Greenleaf", a relatively new television/cable series, focuses on a predominantly African-American Protestant Church called The Calvary Fellowship. The grand Pooh-Bah is Bishop James Greenleaf (Keith David), the most inspirational figure of the church during services particularly with his resonant but kindly voice. However, behind the scenes, the bishop has many personal problems and even hints of flaws in character. His wife and "first lady" of the church is Lady Mae Greenleaf (Lynn Whitfield) who is the unofficial matriarch. Although her husband runs the church, she runs the Greenleaf family so-to-speak. Most of the family are involved with church duties, helping out at services, conducting teaching programs (i.e. Sunday School) and even planning events. Because their church and congregation are very large, the family lives very well. Servants are constantly in attendance at the Greenleaf household. In other words, if you're a member of the Greenleaf family, you'll live in the upper middle-class, but the price you pay is you're going to be integral to the operations of the church. Else, you may have to get out of Dodge as did their wayward daughter, Grace.The series begins when the Bishop's estranged daughter Grace Greenleaf decides to return to the family after 20 years of self-imposed exile. We learn that she had been a preacher for the church but decided to end her clerical life and live among secular culture. We also learn that James Greenleaf had designs for her daughter possibly to succeed him as the main voice of the church during services. She has returned to the family and to the church but at the beginning of the story she has no intention of standing at the pulpit and making grand religious-biblical pronouncements as she had 20 years earlier. Even before she's stepped back into their house, Lady Mae tells Grace "not to cause trouble for their family". Zing. We know this reunion of Grace with the Greenleaf family is going to cause trouble. Of course if there wasn't trouble, there wouldn't be a show!At first Grace just agrees to answer phones at the church offices as the first voice heard by either church members or potential converts. When a grandmother enters her office asking that her granddaughter be baptized (without it seems permission of the mother or father), Grace decides to take the role she vowed she wouldn't play. She dons a white robe and performs the ceremony. This story may be about how Grace begins to rediscover and play the role she left 20 years earlier.As the series unfolds, we learn there are many hypocrisies surrounding the Greenleaf family. Grace is not the only estranged family member. Mavis McCready (Oprah Winfrey) is an alcoholic lush and Lady Mae's estranged sister. She resides a ways away from the family, and they seem to disown her. Other skeletons lurk in the closet, some of whose bones begin to rattle. We learn about a child molestation case involving one of the parishoners which has been conveniently swept under the proverbial church carpets. Also, a senator is investigating churches and other faith-based entities who enjoy the privilege of not-for-profit status. The senator asks for their financial records, and after he has taken his leave, Bishop Greenleaf makes it clear he has no intention of revealing any church records. I am guessing this will have further implications in the future of the series.A wonderful beginning to a masterful series. I think the main point of the story is that trying to juggle the problems of everyday life while maintaining a facade of "purity" may be too much for any family to accomplish. Consider the Bakkers of "Praise the Lord" who seemed wholesome until it was revealed they were engaging in fraudulent business practices. In the present series, we believe in the Greenleaf characters and their plights and their need to project an unstained veneer. The acting is outstanding, particularly David as the Bishop, Whitfield as the "first lady" and Dandridge as Grace. Honorable mention to Winfrey, playing against type as an alcoholic, the kind of character who might end up on Dr. Phil! While some of the situations might be perceived as melodramatic, other issues are dealt with, such as homosexuality, interracial sex, and even infidelity. For a family which is supposed to be holier than the congregation they serve, they seem to be digging some fairly large holes!

Kenyae Kofi So I just finished watching this show known as green leaf and this show was based on black Christianity and hypocrisy and corruption. This show tackles religious issues like rape and money drama and so much more especially with the gay community. As a black atheist who used to be a Christian it was hilarious to watch. This show while promoting black Christianity funny enough the opening to the show shows that Christianity and slavery went hand-in- hand and even went as far as to show the slave ship that many slaves were on because of the Atlantic slave trade and the beginning of Christianity. And now when you mix both the opening to the show to the actual show together it kind of seems like it's showing the truth all- in-one with slavery and Christianity being hand-in-hand, but then also showing how black people are so strongly religious because of this slavery to begin with which I find is insanely deep. So if you are still and Christian and you're an African American I say wake up. But if I had to rate this show I would give it a 6/10.