Written & Directed By: Adam Leon
Cinematography By: Jonathan Miller
Editor: Morgan Faust
Cast: Ty Hickson, Tashiana Washington, Sam Soghor, Zoe Lescaze
When a rival gang buffs Malcolm and Sofia's latest graffiti masterpiece with a replica of the NY Mets home-run apple, they're determined to get spectacular revenge - by tagging the real Mets' apple. Over the course of a whirlwind two-day heat wave, these tough teens from the Bronx must hustle, scramble, and steal to execute the scheme that will make them the most famous writers in New York.
This film tries to have an urgency at times yet settles for a laid back feel showing the different tones and colors of characters.
It feels more like you are hanging out with the leads. Not voyeuristic as it's not that stylized more like a fly on the wall.
The power of the film-making is that it doesn't feel like there really is any. Everything in the film feels natural. The acting might be stilted in some scenes, but it feels organic.
Everyone has their charm and let's it lead the way for them. I like the sudden examination of the mixing of cultures as suspense with a white girl hanging out with one of the leads a black male alone and flirtatious, but as soon as she is with her friends all of a sudden he becomes more of a joke, mocking him paying him and treating him more like a servant.
It feels like freestyle only a mellow one as the leads are on a path and at times episodic, but goes In different directions than originally thought. Going on for a bit while you wouldn't expect as it doesn't move plot, but as human moments.
This film isn't heavy. It's a nice slice of life that of anything is more comedic and lightweight. A true valentine to New York City seen through the eyes of the Young and urban. Definitely removed from the nihilistic masterpiece KIDS. The film is charming more than anything else.
You can tell the film is shot in public with long shots and no permits as the background is more natural and some bystanders actually looking into the camera as the actors make their way through scenes and talk.
Though all the performances are excellent. I have to spotlight two that went above and beyond to totally win me over Tashiana Washington as Sophia and the middle man who is scary, truthful and hilarious at times. As he often is the opposite of the easygoing flow, yet fits perfectly into the characters world. The performances are natural.
This is a film that's not immediate, bit deserves to be seen as It is a slight coming of age story over 24 hours that is more about experiences then lessons. With 2 good realistic kids not totally innocent but not bad apples either. Street smart more then anything else. An urban set film that is about more then it's setting or fulfilling negative stereotypes.
The film kind of reminds me of the independent spirit of films of the 90's before it became more Hollywood. A simple slice of life tale that is never boring and works it's charm over you.
I really find this film to be a undiscovered gem.
Grade: A
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