by Charles Kirkland, Jr.
The House on Coco Road is a documentary that ties Angela Davis to the Grenada Invasion. It tracks the story of Baker’s mother, Fannie Haughton, from her days in Oakland, California and UCLA, to her involvement in the life of Angela Davis and her escape with her children from the dangerous, drug-infested streets of Oakland to the idyllic utopia of the island of Grenada and back when the island is invaded by the U.S. government.
Every good documentary tells a story and makes you care about it. Every documentarian will tell you that their goal is to inform you and make your care about their subject matter. If the Damani Baker holds these same such convictions, then he has failed this movie.
The House on Coco Road is an emotionless and painstakingly long trip through the fall of the Grenadian government. The fault of the movie is not the story, however. The story is interesting and compelling but it is told without any passion except for when Alimenta Bishop talks about the arrest and execution of her son, Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. Everyone seems too happy for such a serious subject.
The movie is masterfully scored by Meshell Ndegeocello and Danny Glover serves as a producer of the film. Yet even their contributions does not rescue this film from the road not taken.
Grade: D