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So here we are folks – a day before Middle Of Nowhere makes its commercial theatrical debut, 9 months after its Sundance Film Festival premiere, where I first saw it (and loved it), and where its director, Ava DuVernay, made history as the first African American woman to be crowned with Best Director honors.

Have you bought your ticket(s) yet – those of you who live in NYC, LA, ATL, Philly and DC, the 5 cities where the film will be opening this weekend?
 
Far be it from me to suggest that we (black people) are a monolith, with the same interests and tastes when it comes to cinema; but in talking about the film here on S&A, based on your responses to each entry about the film, since January, I'd say that I'm preaching to the proverbial choir, and that most of you reading this are likely already set on seeing the film, whenever it comes to your city.
 
Or, maybe I should instead say that, at this, the 11th hour, most of you have already made up your minds as to whether you're going to see it or not, and nothing that I, or anyone else says, or writes, will convince you to swing over in the opposite direction, whatever that is for you; not a glorious New York Times profile (although there was one HERE); not a Variety Womens Impact recognition (there was one of those too HERE); not a shout-out from Oprah Winfrey, acknowledging the film and filmmaker to her millions of followers on Twitter (yes, she did! Read it HERE); not Tavis Smiley dedicating an entire episode of his nationally syndicated show to the director of the film (Ava DuVernay) and the film itself (yup, he did that! Watch the entire episode HERE); not the director's conversation with CNN's Don Lemon (there was one; watch it HERE); not an appearance on T.J. Holmes' new BET series Don't Sleep (she was present; watch it HERE); not an Academy Awards push for the starring actress (Emayatzy Corinealdi) and the screenplay (check out Awards Daily's thoughtful piece HERE); not a strong 90% Fresh rating (thus far) on movie review aggregator site RottenTomatoes.com (it's THERE); not an army of mission- and passion-driven AFFRM soldiers working feverishly and diligently to ensure that you know that the film opens in 6 theaters in 5 cities across the USA tomorrow, Friday, October 12, 2012 (they most certainly are); not because it's a black woman's story told by a black woman filmmaker (but it is); not because the future of black cinema depends on its success (I don't think it does); not because it's a black film, you happen to be black, and feel an obligation (some embrace the obligation, others don't); I could go on…
 

But as I said, nothing that I, or anyone else says or does (short of putting a gun to your head and forcing you to make a decision) will make much of a difference at this point, 24 hours before the film opens. Think of it in much the same way as the current presidential election – specifically, the debates. They really aren't meant for the majority who've already made up their minds as to which of the 2 candidates they'll be voting for. They are more for the so-called *undecided voters;* although, really, every eligible voter should have enough information by now to have made that decision, just as I started out saying that most of you should already know if Middle Of Nowhere is a film you want to see.

However, if you're one of those on the fence, waiting for a wind of opinions to swing you over to one side or the other, I'll just say this – see it because it's… well, it's a good film! That's it! Not a good black film; or, good for a black film. It's a well-made, technically sound (acting, cinematography, directing, editing, etc) work of cinema, that'll invigorate you. It's a breath of fresh air. 

You were maybe expecting some dissertation, speech or sermon that comprised of every argument/motivation I mentioned earlier above, in this post, but I know you all are smarter than that. You're like me – ultimately, what it comes down to is whether or not it's a film worth leaving your home, going to the movie theater, coughing up your hard-earned dollars, and sitting through 100 minutes for. And I can say unequivocally, that it most certainly is.

I have yet to meet anyone who's seen it, some time over the last 9 months, who hasn't loved it. Is it perfect? Of course not! There's no such thing, in my humble opinion. But it's a rare occurrence when a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, and with varying tastes in art, reach a near consensus as is the case with this film. 

I'll leave you with the line from Spike Lee's Mo'Better Blues, spoken by Shadow (the character Wesley Snipes played in the film), during an impassioned conversation with Bleek (Denzel Washington's character), on the under-representation of black people in the audience of jazz music fans who come to see their band perform. As Bleek tries to emphasize that absence, by essentially placing the blame on *the people,* Shadow replies, dismissing Bleek's argument swiftly and forcefully: "The people don't come because you grandiose muthafuckas don't play shit that they like; if you play the shit that they like, the people will come; simple as that!" 

Middle Of Nowhere is the kind of *shit* that *the people* will definitely like, so *the people* should come… hopefully… simple as that!

Or for you older folks, let me take you back to 1975, when many of us were still in diapers, when The O'Jays sang, Give The People What They Want. That's exactly what Ava, AFFRM and Participant Media are doing, starting tomorrow: giving YOU, the people, what you want… what you've been asking for, of black cinema.

But seriously folks… really… see Middle Of Nowhere; your soul, your heart, and – for those of us who continuously lament the *dismal state of black cinema* – your sanity will all thank you for doing so.

Don't forget to enter the S&A "Guess Middle Of Nowhere's Box Office" contest; the deadline is tonight at midnight, EST. The winner gets a $100 gift certificate to Amazon.com. Click HERE to enter.

And finally, here are Middle Of Nowhere's opening weekend (and second weekend) playdates:

OCTOBER 12

NY – AMC Empire 25 Times Square
LA – Sundance Cinemas at Sunset

LA – RAVE 18 The Bridge

Philadelphia – UA Riverview

Atlanta – Landmark Midtown

Washington DC – Regal Gallery Place



OCTOBER 19



Chicago – AMC River East

Miami – AMC Aventura

Detroit – AMC Southfield

Oakland – Landmark Shattuck

Seattle – AMC Southcenter

Houston – AMC Studio 30

New Jersey – AMC Cherry Hill

 
And here's the trailer, as a refresher, if you need one:
 

Ava DuvernayBlavity EntertainmentMiddle Of NowhereShadow and Act