Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that characters face real-life difficulties. One little boy's mother died and he's taken away to foster care because his grandmother is too old to care for him. A teen boy is accused of an armed robbery he didn't commit. A church and community face redevelopment. Dudley also flirts with two women during the film.

Sexual Content

Dudley sniffs Beverly and says he hasn't "smelled a woman in a while." Son Jeremiah witnesses the growing flirtation between his married mom, Julia, and Dudley, though no kissing ever happens.

Violence

A robber steals from a store and then shoots out a window. A neighborhood boy is accused of the robbery.

Language

Not applicable

Social Behavior

A mother dies and her son Hakim is taken away by social services. Henry sells out to a developer and agrees to leave the church. While Julia is a strong woman, there's a very strong vein throughout the movie that women shouldn't work and that their most important role is as mother and wife. Henry, as a father, doesn't take care of his son, leaving that work to the women in the house. This star-studded African-American cast shows the good work people do in their communities. Overall, the message is to have faith and do what you can to make things happen.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Grandma Margueritte smokes regularly, even inside the house where she's been told not to, but eventually says she's given it up. Dudley has a drink at a jazz club.