Directed By: John Leguizamo
Written By: Dito Montiel
Cinematography: Zach Zamboni
Editor: Jamie Kirkpatrick
Cast: John Leguizamo, Michael Kenneth Williams, Rachel Bay Jones, Jorge Landeborg Jr., Corwin C. Tuggles, Angel Bismark Curiel, Jeffry Batista, Will Hochman, Zora Casebere, Ramses Jimenez
Miami – 1998. Poverty, broken families, and a prejudiced system push underprivileged youth to the fringes of society. But for a magnetic group of teens, there’s a reprieve. A game where it’s not about where you come from, but how you play. That equalizer is chess. Mr. “T” Martinez, a chess militant and passionate coach, leads them to a completely foreign battlefield.
Wish one could say this film Is different than the many a teacher makes a difference but unfortunately though similarly based on a true story. It hits many familiar beats of the genre.
Though I will say this one is a little rougher around the edges than most and a lot of the drama and plot points are left hanging to a certain degree. Letting us see some change or some who were at each other’s throats at peace with one another.
Which might be frustrating for a viewer but leaves the story and film with some realism. As it doesn’t exactly tell us what happened to some stories or characters but it does offer an endpoint. Even while some scenes and conversations feel missing.
The film isn’t cookie-cutter, but the audience knows what will happen for the most part as we just watch how the film Will get us there.
The film isn’t exploitative. This isn’t urban porn where there seems to be no hope and it is nice to see a movie and know a story where a person of color helps the diverse students towards a goal. Someone who knows what It’s Like in the neighborhoods and what it’s like to be discriminated against and undervalued.
The teacher helps them to learn lessons not exclusively teach it to them and gives them hope. He doesn’t necessarily save them, just guides them to their own salvation.
The cast keeps the film moving and sparkles. John Leguizamo in his directing debut. Co-stars as the teacher and shows a talent behind the camera.
Grade: C+
Cut To The Chase 