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LisaC295
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To Be King (2011)
Go get your ticket...
I've scrapped several drafts of this review. More than several! I've walked away, thought about what to write, wrote it down, pressed "delete (wash, rinse, repeat). It took a few days, but I have finally managed to admit to myself that there is really nothing I could write to match the level of dedication I sensed as I watched "To Be King" on July 7.
This is something, after all, that does not need to be over-thought. "To Be King" tells a familiar tale, to be sure, but told in a way in which you and I can relate. Tyrone King (played by Nigel Harvey) is not royalty, nor is he a celebrity or politician. He is not a particularly extraordinary guy, but he has an extraordinary desire to thrive, to make his own mark despite the shadows cast over him by the memories that precede him, or the obstacles that threaten to impede his journey; he has an extraordinary drive to seize and make the most of the opportunity before him, not just for his own benefit, but for those he cares for.
Much of how this tale plays out for Tyrone heavily depends upon the relationships he forges, both personal and professional. Women could either be an impediment or a source of meaningful support. People want to manipulation his skills, maybe for his benefit, maybe for their own. Family must be taken care of. Choices must be made, and sometimes choices cost dearly; sometimes, however, they pay the greatest rewards. We've all been there. Or will be someday. Tyrone takes us there, showing us the way with a performance that is at moments poignant, at times humorous, always demonstrating that optimism – even in the midst of gritty scenes of urban bleakness –, is not necessarily a path for fools.
Along for the ride are Sharon (Miriam Morales), Marcus (LoDeon) and Jimmy (Tom Clohessy) who test Tyrone's mettle, Clarissa (Rosie Moss) and Uncle Frank – whose name really should be Mr. Brooklyn! – (Frank Merlino) who help as best they can along the way, Wesley, the brother, who feels Tyrone's shadow hovering but wants to make his own choices anyway, and various sundry characters that keep Tyrone on his path. Each provide realistic and riveting performances, helping Tyrone unravel a story that effortlessly leaves its mark.
Every movie has at least one character that steals the show: that honor goes to Nya Harvey. (I am shamelessly biased, and was particularly pleased by performances from Pretty Boy Steve and the Referee). It is easy to see that "To Be King" is, indeed, a labor of love, with a cast and crew that put in more than a general effort to bring us a story that is thought-provoking and real. What is not so obvious is how easily a viewer can become engaged in the tale, but any one of us could be Tyrone, after all, and any one of us would want someone in our corner, cheering us on and encouraging us to win. Even less obvious is how Tyrone lingers past the credits, until you find yourself drinking a cup of coffee or reading a paper and you catch yourself thinking about him.
Go get your ticket.