Morris from America
Film
Review
by Kam Williams
Awkward
African-American Teen Adjusts to Germany in Bittersweet Coming-of-Age
Dramedy
It's hard
being Morris Gentry (Markees Christmas) just now.
The lonely 13 year-old is not only mourning the loss of his late
mother, but is having a difficult time adjusting
to life in Germany. He had to leave his hometown of Richmond
and pals behind when his father (Craig Robinson)
landed a job in Heidelberg as a professional soccer coach.
Now,
the troubled youngster
finds
himself in the awkward position of being the only black kid in a
school where classmates have stereotypical expectations of him as an
African-American. For instance, they are surprised that he isn't any
good at basketball or dancing.
At least he
does consider himself an aspiring gangsta rapper, although the only
person he can impress is his father, since he only performs in
English. But even his translated words would probably sound out of
place so far removed from the ghetto, given how he writes lyrics
about, "[F-word]-ing all the bitches two at a time. all you can
take for $10.99."
Despite
getting daily German lessons from a tutor (Carla Juri), Morris fails
to make new friends, and stoically asserts that he doesn't need any
in the same macho manner that he spits out his rhymes. Yet, under
that tough facade, is a sensitive kid who wants to fit in and even
has a crush on a girl a couple years older.
Katrin
(Lina Keller) can't help but notice and, flattered by the attention,
she invites Morris to hang with her crowd, a rebellious lot that
dabbles in drugs and alcohol. He accepts the overture, though he
initially doesn't know that the object of his affection already
has a boyfriend. That means she's more likely to remain a frustrating
fantasy than a conquest he could boast about in his next song.
Written and
directed by Chad Hartigan (This Is Martin Bonner), Morris from
America is a bittersweet bildungsroman which never
hits a false note. The character-driven dramedy revolves mostly
around the very-convincing father-son relationship, featuring the
talented Markees Christmas' big screen debut opposite funnyman Craig
Robinson in his first serious lead role.
The
support cast also acquits itself quite admirably, the upshot
amounting to a poignant coming-of-age tale which resonates as
realistic from its heartbreaking beginning clear through to a
satisfying resolution.
Very Good (3
stars)
Rated R for
sexuality, brief nudity, teen drug use and partying, and pervasive
profanity
Studio: Beachside Films
Distributor: A24
To see a trailer for Morris from America, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKhFNgFdbDk
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