Nia Long - Part I

This is Part I of a Five Part series highlighting actress Nia Long.  The series features opening remarks, a few words about some of her work and finally, closing remarks.

Opening Remarks

I wish there was a machine…

… a machine that would allow me to do with Nia Long what I’d like to do…

… which is shrink her to about 8 inches tall.  I would then pick up my NiaPet and place her on my bookshelf –- or on a table -– or on the wall –- or wherever pretty little things go; cuz she shole is a purty little thing.  Yup; I can see it now… my little toy hotness, my little Nia doll;  She’d be there on the shelf, sittin’ pretty… like she always does. 

Doesn’t she? 

After all, that’s what they show us.  That’s what they give us.  That’s what Nia Long is; a pretty little thing.  Who is “they”?  Who knows?  I suppose “they” is one or more of the following:  her agent, her manager, her PR/Marketing people, the studio execs, or Miss Nia Long, herself.

What can be said about the quality of the roles she selects?

Can she act?  HelifIknow.  Well, actually the theblackactor.com does have an opinion about that; one which will be discussed more in the closing remarks of this series.  However, in the films I’ve seen her in, I don’t question her ability to accurately portray the characters she portrays. 

Nia Long has an endearing quality about her.  There is just something likeable about her.  And reliable.  And predictable.  No surprises here.  I don’t think she ever really disappoints, though.  Does she command me to glue my eyes to her?  No.  Does she insist I never miss a single syllable of dialog she utters?  No.  Does she take me places and make me feel things?  Certainly not. 

Beginning tomorrow, we’ll take a look at some of her work.

If or when readers comment on any of the posts in the series, I’ll fall back and I won’t chime into the comments.  If I ever do chime in, I’ll do so after the entire series has been published.

Comments

[Kimi]

Altho I like Nia Long, can't say she's the reason I've gone to see any of the movies she was in.

Can't really comment on her acting because she basically plays the same role all of the time. I "think" Boyz In The Hood was her biggest drama offering yet, and wasn't that her first flick?

I don't know if its the material she chooses, or if she just takes what she can get. Not sure I'd miss her if she disappeared completely, and that's kinda sad.

[Mes Deux Cents]

Hi The Black Actor,

This is very interesting. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[dee jr]

A message Nia Long

I have to admit that you are beautiful African woman , Ever since I was sixteen years old I always wanted
to meet you but not to prove anything to no one, I just wanted a picture and a autograph with you but at
the same time I am not a stalker I just admire you : It is just the way you act and you have a beautiful smile.
It is sad in Hollywood that it has racial issue's and I know at times it maybe mind boggling but at the
same time !!KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!! .

Peace Beautiful.

[aulelia]

absolutely love this woman; she is one of my favourite actresses. she has a luminous quality to her that is unmatched.

[Orville]

I liked Nia Long is Boiler Room I actually think that was one of her strongest performances. Nia acted along side some heavweights such as Ben Affleck, Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel. I was shocked that they picked a black woman to be the FEMALE LEAD in the entire movie. Nia's character was complex. I kind of wish Nia would get more roles that were not so good girl like. Nia's character in the Boiler Room was no wallflower either.

[theblackactor.com]

I think Nia Long can handle meatier roles. I hope she gets opportunities.

[TanesiaN]

At first, I didnt know where you were going with this. But you're dead on with it. I'm a huge Nia Long fan, but I havent seen her step out of that "comfort zone",for whatever reason. She was really captivating in "Badasss". Her role wasnt huge, but it allowed us to see an "all grown up" Nia Long. I think alot of the more recent films she's done is to make some cash...and I aint mad at her :-). I'm going to keep supporting her!!!!

[theblakactor.co]

@ Tanesian

I am, too. Regardless of what she has done, I really believe there is more to her than we see. I just believe that. I do.