WARNING: This Article May Contain Spoilers
Like a few of the singers that will appear in these style of articles, I was never a fan of Queen Latifah’s music growing up. I don’t know if this is a hint towards only certain types of singers decide to go into acting or just because I was into a certain style of music (if you look at my Spotify playlists now – you would be surprised by that comment). However, just because I didn’t relate or enjoy her music doesn’t mean that I haven’t enjoyed her acting in some shape or form.
Girls Trip
I never thought I would find this film as funny as I did. Honestly if I needed any more incentive to go to New Orleans, this was it. Queen Latifah actually plays quite a sensible character for what is a funny film but you always need a straight character I guess. However, the real key to the humour in this film really makes the important message that it is trying to convey well and truly hit home. Come what may, friendship is key!
Taxi
OK, I don’t want to burst anyone’s bubble over this film but Queen Latifah actually has a stunt double for the driving and bicycle stunts. When you have two comedic actors playing lead characters, it feels a little like a battle for the limelight. A little like Girls Trip, I think Latifah is supposed to be the ‘straight guy’ to Jimmy Fallon’s idiot cop. However, I feel like her character, Isabelle ‘Belle’ Williams, is the funnier of the two. I actually find it refreshing to see a female character written in this way. Outside of Gone in Sixty Seconds and the Fast and the Furious films, it is rare to find female characters with an interest in, let alone a knowledge of, cars.
The Secret Life of Bees
Alright, so you have to wait 30 minutes before her character is introduced but you need that time to know why Lily decides to run away and make her way to Miss August’s home. It’s called setting the scene, people! This is possibly my favourite role that Latifah has played. I love the fact that within all her comedy roles, there is a diamond like this in the rough. In the grand scheme of things, Miss August has only a small part but I feel this is only because there are so many different stories weaved into one. However, this isn’t to say that her role is unimportant because she helps Lily learn more about her mother and allows her to open up about happened to her.
Side note: You honestly don’t expect when you start watching this film that it will tackle such issues as suicide and racism that went (and still does to some degree) on in America, even after the Civil Rights movement. It reminds me a little of The Colour Purple just not quite as hard hitting but maybe just as emotional.
Honorary Mentions
Maybe I’ve been a little harsh on Latifah because The Secret Life of Bees isn’t the only serious film she has made but the comedy takes up most of her acting credits. I’m considering giving Sphere and Set it Off a watch to just to make sure that how good she was in The Secret Life of Bees isn’t a one off. The thing I didn’t remember however, is that she is in The Bone Collector with Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie (worth a watch if you haven’t seen it already).
