I don't remember how much I laughed during Morris From America, but I can tell you it was a whole lot. The film's comedic touch grabs you from the first five minutes and doesn't let go. They manage to make a joke out of everything from cultural and generational gaps to moments during adolescence that are cringeworthy to watch but funny nonetheless. There are a number of lines that I can't seem to stop myself from quoting without a huge smile on my face.
As much as it'll make you laugh, the film also leaves a strong message as well. If you're a father or a black man, you'll definitely relate. If you're both even moreso. If you're neither...well, you were a teen once so you'll undoubtedly be able to understand the many things that thirteen-year-old Morris Gentry (Markees Christmas) finds himself experiencing. The film delves into newness: Exploring new things culturally, trying new angles of parenting, standing out instead of fitting in. Morris From America gives you plenty to ponder.
These messages wouldn't have been nearly as powerful had it not been for strong performances by Christmas and Craig Robinson who plays Morris' father Curtis Gentry. Their chemistry is strong in their scenes together and there were times I thought they were actually related. The depiction of father-and-son in this film is a welcome change from the norm. Curtis is an extremely laid-back dad, the type of father that will let you touch the stove intstead of telling you it's hot. He allows Morris to make mistake after mistake with the occasional nudge in the right direction. Christmas and Robinson are both given the task of displaying a range of emotions and they answered the call.
In case you're wondering what the movie itself is actually about, Curtis and Morris move to Germany after Curtis is offered a job. Knowing only a slight amount of German, Morris has to hold his own in a city where he is already perceived as different. Morris From America gives you a glimpse into a strong father-son relationship as well as what it means to be black in society. Definitely one of my favorite movies this year so far. I give it a 94.
No comments:
Post a Comment