Made in America

Made in America is a heartwarming and comical film from 1993 that delivers a powerful social message wrapped in humor and relatable dynamics. The movie's central characters are brought to life by esteemed actors, including Whoopi Goldberg, Ted Danson, and a young but already talented Will Smith.

Made in America tips its hats off to diverse familial relationships and explores a coming-of-age narrative from a unique angle. The movie begins with the central character, Sarah Mathews, played ardently by Whoopi Goldberg. Sarah is a successful bookshop owner in Oakland, California, who is raising her high-spirited and intelligent daughter, Zora, alone. The hers and hers duo leads a content life until Zora, portrayed by Nia Long, gets a high school biology assignment involving genetics. This is where the plot starts to thickens. Zora takes a blood test and discovers her type is not entirely compatible with her late father. With the curiosity of a cat, she launches a Diana Ross-themed investigation to discover who her biological father is.

Their life takes an exciting and unexpected twist when Zora discovers her biological father is Hal Jackson, a brash and free-spirited car salesman famed for his on-air antics in tacky commercials. Ted Danson delivers a hilarious performance as Hal, endearing audiences even while they disparage his character's flamboyance and questionable business ethic. Danson's portrayal of Hal is impressively layered, highlighting the character's transformation from an unsuspecting sperm donor to a man faced with the reality of having a vibrant teenage daughter.

The racial dynamic is at the center stage in Made in America - Hal is a white male, whereas Sarah and Zora are of African American descent. The movie doesn't shy away from addressing nuances of racial prejudice, racial identity, and interracial relationships. It carefully navigates the terrain of these delicate subjects while maintaining a light-hearted and comedic tone.

The comedic genius of a young Will Smith cannot be ignored; he effectively provides comic relief throughout the movie. Smith, known as Tea Cake in the film, is Zora's best friend and, at times, unwitting sidekick. His charisma and humorous character do not go unnoticed and stand as firm testament to the star he would go on to become.

The film progressively blurs the boundaries between conventional family norms and sentimentality. The story aims to reshape the viewers' ideas about what makes a family, and presents an irregular bonding force between characters that turn into domestic tenderness by the end. Whoopi Goldberg's Sarah Mathews, a powerful feminist who embodies personal strength and integrity, successfully maintains a balance between maintaining control over her life and allowing unexpected changes to reshape her world, and in turn, grow herself.

In between the serious life lesson, though, are hilarious situations, witty dialogues, and vibrant 90's backdrop. Director Richard Benjamin creates this roller coaster ride with a story that will make you roar with laughter one moment and tug at your heartstrings the next. The contrasting elements of the plot seamlessly blend to create a harmonious and captivating viewership experience.

The screenplay is masterfully written by Marcia Brandwynne, Nadine Schiff, and Holly Goldberg, presenting an extraordinary narrative about ordinary lives. It is their proficient storytelling that allows the cast to give credence to their roles. Assisting them are Ralf D. Bode's cinematography and the well-chosen music's contributions, enhancing the overall charm and breeziness of the movie.

Ultimately, Made in America is an entertaining social comedy that brings the best out of its leads, Goldberg, Danson, and Smith, while delivering a universally relatable message about love, family, and acceptance. It's a lighthearted and engaging exploration of the unconventional that is thoroughly enjoyable even decades after its release. This film is a must-watch for those seeking to appreciate seasoned actors in their prime and a unique story.