Josiah Cross – Cut To The Chase

Written & Directed By: Aleshea Harris

Cinematography: Alexander Dynan

Editor: Jay Rabinowitz

Cast: Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Vivica A. Fox, Erika Alexander, Sterling K. Brown, Mykelti Williamson, Janelle Monae, Josiah Cross

Two sisters embark on an epic quest for revenge; confronting a charged family history that will push them to extraordinary lengths.

This is a revenge tale that we rarely ever see. Where it’s two African American women seeking revenge against all their oppressors all those who have wronged them on their path to their ultimate enemy.

This is truly an African American film as there are no Caucasian or other race characters. So the film stays within the community and culture.

The film exposes monsters even those who are victims can be. As they were made that way eventually.

The film has stylistic flourishes once in awhile that enchant and remind you of what the film could have been. As most of the time before the film gets lost or ahead of itself. It reminds you of the reality the characters are in. One of them expert fighters or killers. Just determined to do whatever it takes.

Which is why the actions scenes might not be awesome inspiring like one of it’s obvious influences KILL BILL, but it manages to work by it’s own rules in it’s own worlds

As mixed in within is a kind of road trip film where in their journey they meet quite a few supporting characters to help them find their father. Each one is so full of life and played by a scene stealing actor. (Erika Alexander, Vivica A. Fox, Mykelti Williamson) That you wish there was more of them in the film. Though you realize they are just big pieces in this puzzle.

Kara Young steals the film as one of the most strong willed characters of the film. She practically walks away with it as one of the leads. You want to see more of her or for there to be sequels just to see her character. She is the more vicious and angry compared to her sister played by Mallori Johnson who is more scarred, practical and forgiving.

The film isn’t quite like the trailers made it look like an updated blaxplotiation film full of action with some spiritualism and southern charm. Though appreciate it for being it’s own creation that has more depth then expected. As the film isn’t paced like an action film or thriller and takes it’s time letting us get to know our protagonists. Not to surprised this started out as a play. Whose writer makes their directorial debut here Aleshea Harris

It’s an original and securely worth seeing and being exposed to this cinematic worlds

The final act of the film is the most cruel, yet also the most exciting. That feels a little biblical. Even once we meet the ultimate villain played by Sterling K. Brown. He nor the film disappoints.

Though it’s definitely worth seeing

Grade: B

Written & Directed By: A.V. Rockwell

Cinematography: Eric K. Yue

Editor: Sabine Hoffman And Kristan Sprague

Cast: Teyana Taylor, William Catlett, Aaron Kingsley Adetola, Aven Courtney, Josiah Cross, Alicia Pilgrim, Terri Abney, Delissa Reynolds, Amelia Workman, Adriane Lenox

After unapologetic and fiercely loyal Inez kidnaps her son Terry from the foster care system, mother and son set out to reclaim their sense of home, identity, and stability, in a rapidly changing New York City.

It’s truly a coming-of-age film for most of the characters, especially the mother and the son as we see various points of their life growing up and the hardships and sacrifices. They both must make, but the undeniable thing in everything is how much they love and care for each other.

Choreographer, rapper singer, and now actress Teyana Taylor gives a dynamite lead performance. This is one of the many strengths of the film it is mostly put up on her shoulders, and she knocks it out of the park with nuance and strength.

Even though what her character does is wrong legally she’s doing it for the right reasons and you can’t hate on her for that. No, you know sooner or later as even another character Towers, it’s going to catch up with her.

What is truly appreciated and remarkable about this film is that every detail matters because it has an effect on the rest of the film and the future of the characters.

The film for some might seem like another tale of poverty porn, but it also shows the strength of family and the resilience of spirit and character. When what you do is out of love, and the many hardships you might face, especially when mistakes might define you where you are never given a chance, or at least much of one.

It also doesn’t fall into certain clichés like it shows him the sun trying to have a relationship, but kind of is over before I can even truly start it shows the oncoming gentrification of Harlem in the microaggressions in which the owners try to seem like they’re decent or trying to help you out, but really just trying to drive you out in so that they can get tenants they prefer will overpay

It’s like watching a fight movie I wouldn’t say hard, because of all the horrors and challenges that other films with well in, and only be about this film faces, and sees its way through it, and dealing with it as just a factor of life. You can’t stay stuck on one thing.

I also admire that the film doesn’t present the characters as perfect, but they are good-hearted and decent for the most part. It doesn’t feed into the cliché of a black man not being a father. It shows him actually taking care of this child even though biologically, it’s not truly his, and while we can admire that aspect of him, even he admits he’s not perfect.

The film might be rough around the edges, but it never quite feels like it’s going off on a false note.

Grade: B

Tag: Josiah Cross

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