Not sure how in the H double hockey sticks I found this chick flick on netflix but overall it wasn't bad. For the most part the film is what you would expect. However the subject matter is a bit stronger than your typical after school special. Sonequa Martin is a talented actress. I probably would have stopped the film at the beginning but way she kept me involved. A funny thing happened towards the end, I felt really bad for the Jesse character. I guess I started reflecting back on my school years when I knew girls back in high school and jr high who were the "loose women". I've always took pride in myself for not being that person who would take advantage (or made fun) of others. Every know I still wonder what happened to those people.
9 Reviews
Under rated
sheriefryan18 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
*spoiler alert*, you have been warned. I think this movie is incredibly under rated. The acting is great and the story is well developed. It puts things on there for a reason and not for display. For instance It shows various scenes of Jessie being unclothed in some bits but only because it's her character, when I look at her nude scenes I don't think "Oh it's sexy" I think, what is wrong with her? that is convincing acting. The characters are well developed and the things like nudity, violence and drugs are not glamorized like other suburban movies. The characters don't feel like complete card board such as movies like 13 and/or step up 2. It has 3D ring to it and you feel the characters. Anyhow If I was to rate this movie I would give it a 6.5 to be fair.
Two girls, a net, and a pouty face.
mcwhammer23 February 2010
Toe to Toe depicts the struggles of two girls who go to school, and occasionally play full matches of lacrosse together (when not in the midst of jealous fights). The film as a whole often covers the two teens separately, or hones in on one individual from separate sides of a room. In one particular moment where the girls are at the same 'Go Go Party' (basically a DJ on stage performing), and are jealously glaring at one another, the movie takes an eye-roll worthy turn, as the focus is placed on an impromptu dance-off in the middle of the crowd. Why are these a requirement for every filmed concert scene? Has anyone ever actually witnessed a dance battle that wasn't an elaborate, ironic joke? Also a source of frustration are the racial remarks from all parties involved. These remarks feel so manufactured and like a bad Nineties film crutch, which is completely opposite the strong family interactions that happen to feel both genuine, and realistic. The unflinching focus on reckless, underage sex (which is not played for laughs as you've come to expect from a teen film) is a main focus for the entire film... a quick way to take a serious turn. But while it comes dangerously close to being disgustingly depicted (keyword: underage), it becomes almost heart-wrenching to see the effects it has on choice characters. Sonequa Martin (as Tosha) contributes a great deal to this film. She never once looks like she's acting - a rare commodity for someone of her presumed age. You get so familiar with her as a person, while watching Toe to Toe, that you start to question where else you've seen her before this! Sonequa simply nails the role, and brings weight to the picture that it was desperately lacking. Toe to Toe ultimately improves in time for the end, in part due to the characters universal revelations that they are truly messed up (in more ways than one), as well as their subsequent responsibility taking, in atonement for their mistakes. The conclusion itself makes sense, and isn't forced... not something I've come to expect from an contemporary independent drama.
Surprisingly Refreshing
ninaswan2 June 2011
I truly enjoyed this movie. I am disappointed to see it has been rated so low. However, I am not surprised as this film has two lead female characters who grapple with issues of identity, sexuality, and companionship just to name a few. This film went much deeper than I expected and it was quite refreshing to see an authentic portrayal of teen women that did not involve some form of objectification and/or oppression.
I work with teens and would consider showing this film to the young women that I work with as a teaching and discussion tool. The two actors were excellent in this movie. I was drawn in and found myself invested with both of the lead females. At the end I definitely had some empathy for Jesse. I have worked with many girls who are like her and now have a better understanding of their motivations.
All in all, an excellent movie.
I work with teens and would consider showing this film to the young women that I work with as a teaching and discussion tool. The two actors were excellent in this movie. I was drawn in and found myself invested with both of the lead females. At the end I definitely had some empathy for Jesse. I have worked with many girls who are like her and now have a better understanding of their motivations.
All in all, an excellent movie.
Wonderful Movie!
MonicaMingo15 April 2010
I just returned home from seeing this movie at the E Street Landmark theater in DC. It was a coming of age movie the likes I've never seen and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the story unfold.
I loved the use of DC as the backdrop and I felt the story and the characters were very well developed. I wanted to know more and I felt for all the characters even when they were doing something that upset me.
Good job Ms. Abt and everyone involved!
Gosh...I really didn't have anything else to say but I guess I'll keep typing until IMDb tells me that my review contains enough lines to be submitted. I hope this is all I need.
I loved the use of DC as the backdrop and I felt the story and the characters were very well developed. I wanted to know more and I felt for all the characters even when they were doing something that upset me.
Good job Ms. Abt and everyone involved!
Gosh...I really didn't have anything else to say but I guess I'll keep typing until IMDb tells me that my review contains enough lines to be submitted. I hope this is all I need.
Black and White and In Between
evanston_dad24 November 2010
Tosh and Jessie are friends who both play lacrosse at a rich prep school in DC. Tosh is black and poor; Jessie is white and rich. Can their friendship overcome the social differences that are constantly working against them?
Though the set-up for "Toe to Toe" sounds like teeny-bopper cliché, this is not your standard teeny-bopper movie. It's instead a thoughtful exploration of the importance choice and free will play in setting a straight course in life. One of the things I liked best about it is that it doesn't devolve into a diatribe about the disadvantages blacks face in a white world. Tosh does face inherent challenges that Jessie doesn't, but the movie suggests that the privileges of being white and affluent don't necessarily guarantee one a free ride. In the end, it's Tosh's story that offers the happy conclusion.
The young actresses who play Tosh and Jessie give mature, excellent performances. Both do a great job of capturing the quality of girls who don't have the luxury of being kids, no matter how much they might like to be.
"Toe to Toe" was a nice surprise.
Grade: A-
Though the set-up for "Toe to Toe" sounds like teeny-bopper cliché, this is not your standard teeny-bopper movie. It's instead a thoughtful exploration of the importance choice and free will play in setting a straight course in life. One of the things I liked best about it is that it doesn't devolve into a diatribe about the disadvantages blacks face in a white world. Tosh does face inherent challenges that Jessie doesn't, but the movie suggests that the privileges of being white and affluent don't necessarily guarantee one a free ride. In the end, it's Tosh's story that offers the happy conclusion.
The young actresses who play Tosh and Jessie give mature, excellent performances. Both do a great job of capturing the quality of girls who don't have the luxury of being kids, no matter how much they might like to be.
"Toe to Toe" was a nice surprise.
Grade: A-
Really Felt the Relationships or Lack of
richard_busman27 December 2010
I really resonated with how the family relationships or lack of support, neglect affected the behaviors. I found this a wonderful example of the power of upbringing to move you forward or leave you empty. I guess it's what I also struggle with and so that's why I really felt this movie. I'm supposed to include ten lines here to get my review posted...hmmm. So much for a little succinct clarity. I also enjoyed the way the story was told. I think the writer and directory, who of course are the same, created a heart felt story without going over the top. She developed the characters and I really empathized with them. I'm almost to ten, there.
Very good movie for a $21,000 box office
astro12920 February 2011
I caught this movie on cable. I was pleasantly surprised how good it was given the relatively unknown actors. The teens' dialogue seemed realistic and the depiction of the home life felt authentic. It came close to being "cliche ridden" but never quite got there. I presume the director had real life experience with the subject matter. I found myself caring about the characters. However, I wish there would have been at least one positive male role model. It was great to see Gaius Charles - who was terrific in Friday Night Lights - in a different role. In addition, Leslie Uggams did a nice job. For "The Wire" fans, there was a cameo by an actor who had a meaty role in that excellent series.
Atypical Teen Movie
mw9718 April 2011
Unexpected surprise with this movie. The actors are very good, first time I've seen most of them in a performance. The story wrapped very plausibly around the two main characters and very nicely portrayed each one's life. The supporting characters also proved serious in their performance. I hope to see more from Emily Abt too, as this project may have been personal, but she may have much more talent hidden inside and yet to be developed Not into "teen" movies but this was for everyone. Great depictions of family, friend and casual relationships. Not much fluff; it was a very serious look at this generation's struggle in Metro America.
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