Movie Title : A Luv Tale*
Year : 1998
Running Time: 45 minutes
Written, Directed and Produced by Sidra Smith*
Executive Producer Tisha Campbell-Martin

CAST
Taylor James - Gina Ravera Candice Montgomery - Michele Lamar-Richards Tammy - Angela Means Aklia - MC Lyte	Wendi - Tichina Arnold Jake - Alex Thomas Ruth - Ajai Saunders George Winston - Michael Colyar

A Luv Tale introduces us to Taylor, a photographer who falls in love with Candace, a magazine editor. Candace has been in a passionless romance for 12 years, and can't understand why she isn't getting the affection she deserves. Taylor seeks the true being of the women she loves. They meet after Taylor shoots the cover for the latest issue of Candace's magazine.

Butch alert! MC Lyte cameos as Aklia, Taylor's best friend. She provides the laughs in this film. Sorry ladies, she doesn't play a lesbian in this movie. But she does become one of my lesbian icons (okay she was already, but this seals it for me.) She has dyke appeal, even when she is being turned off by the idea of two women together. Her brief scenes throughout the movie made it worth watching for me.

This movie is sure to satisfy those who are romantics at heart. There is poetry read by candlelight, snuggling in front of the fireplace, and neck massages. But if you are looking for more than a kiss, this doesn't even whet the appetite. Actually it managed to frustrate me, not just physically, but mentally as well, because I could just imagine what Sidra Smith (writer/director/producer) could have done with more time. This movie is only 45 minutes long, so it doesn't have a chance to explore all the questions you may want answered. Do they or don't they? You'll just have to watch the video, and even then you may not know for sure.

This movie is on the must-see list, because it is a film about beautiful black women made by a beautiful black woman. But I was left wanting so much more. It was only 45 minutes, and so much could have been explored if this was given the same amount of time as a full-featured film. Which is all the more reason, we should support films like this.

Reviewed by KMI

For a more detailed review of the movie, read the Spoiler Version