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thebrownway
Reviews
Joy Road (2004)
Grittty and Thought Provoking
Before I go further let me say that I watched the 2010 re-make of this movie on Netflix. This version has Wood Harris (Avon Barksdale in the Wire) as the main character, whereas in the original shooting of the film Roger Smith was the main character.
That being said this was an amazing movie. As far as the theme, I'd sum it up like this...
By portraying the guy who escaped the hood through his law career only to forget who he was - Harry Davis (the director) was able to make the point that no matter how successful you become you never forget your family or your community.
I enjoyed about the film is that it was gritty without going overboard. Besides that the movie was thought provoking. Not sure if they won any awards for the film, but if they didn't the movie is certainly worthy of several rewards.
In fact the only reason I gave this movie a nine instead of a ten is that you can't watch it in a family setting - due to the language and adult situations.
Of course, if you take the strong language out the movie probably loses it's realness so it's almost a catch-22.
So if you haven't watched this movie yet, do yourself a favor and check it out!
Jacob's Cross (2007)
Masterful - Television at it's Best
Jacob's Cross is television at it's best. I've followed this series for going on three years and I've always been kept on the edge of my seat during each and every episode.
I love the South Africa - Nigeria connection because it makes sense and adds an interesting twist to plot. Even more intriguing is the never ending seesaw that is the power struggle between good and evil that the director wove into this story.
I'd say that this is probably one of the most original shows on right now and a pure pity that the series still operates under the radar. It's one of the things that justifies my digital preferred package on Comcast.