Author: A. Haqq Islam

  Despite the disappointing box office receipts for opening weekend, grossing only $6.5 million, Beyond The Lights did manage to win over critics earning the prestigious “A” grade from box office aggregator CinemaScore, which is well deserved. Rarely does Hollywood place it’s money on a romantic drama with Black actors as it’s stars. For that reason alone, “Beyond the Lights” is special. Go see it!  However, what takes this movie to the level of extraordinary is the way the story is written and told by writer/director Gina Price-Bythewood.  The story centers around Noni Jean, magnificently played by Hollywood new...