America (2009)

In "America," Dr. Maureen Brennan, a psychiatrist at a youth treatment center, encounters her newest patient, a bi-racial boy named America. Through their sessions, Dr. Brennan helps ... See full summary »

Director:

Yves Simoneau

Writers:

Joyce Eliason (teleplay), Rosie O'Donnell (teleplay),

Stars:

Philip Johnson, Rosie O'Donnell, Ruby Dee

1 win & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Philip Johnson	...	America
Rosie O'Donnell	...	Dr. Maureen Brennan
Ruby Dee	...	Mrs. Harper
Tim Rhoze	...	Reggie Harper
Jade Yorker	...	Brooklyn
Raquel Castro	...	Liza
Toya Turner	...	Susana
Michael Algieri	...	Young America
Dante Brown	...	Young Brooklyn
Logan Huffman	...	Marshall
Bubba Weiler	...	Fish
Kojo Asiedu	...	Don
David Aron Damane	...	Bobby Crisp
Courtney Benjamin	...	Sheriff Romero
Doug Hamilton	...	Judge

Storyline

In "America," Dr. Maureen Brennan, a psychiatrist at a youth treatment center, encounters her newest patient, a bi-racial boy named America. Through their sessions, Dr. Brennan helps America come to terms with his roller-coaster life, which began when he was taken by authorities from his crack-addicted mother, and placed into foster care as an infant. The short time of stability in his life occurred when America lived with Mrs. Harper, the elderly nanny to one of his foster families. Later reunited with his mother, she soon abandons America and he is again placed into foster care. Lagging behind in school and full of anger, America retreats further away from society after years of sexual abuse. After attempting suicide, America is placed in a treatment center where Dr. Brennan helps him open up about his painful past and discover the support and courage he needs to get his life back on track.

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Plot Keywords:

adoption | one word title | country name in title

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 February 2009 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sony Pictures Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min 89 min (DVD)

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in Rosie O'Donnell's Vision: The Making of 'America' (2009)

User Reviews

Near perfection

This aired on TV, and I merely found myself interested in the unusual title. I looked it up once I saw it in the listings a few hours before it came on, and I hoped it was good once I read up on it a little. It is. The opening and closing monologues are cheesy, and it can be corny here and there, but other than that, this is marvelous. I've never really had a problem with Rosie O'Donnell; well, not as big of one as everyone else seems to. She's not that much of an actor(she's fine here, though), no, but neither are many of the current big Hollywood stars. And fortunately, in this, she is not irritating. Every other performance is impressive, particularly the lead(how was this kid undiscovered?), who is *amazing*. The characters are all well-written and credible. I was very glad to find this immensely psychologically accurate and realistic. This is a genuinely sweet, very emotional and effective drama. It is intense whenever it goes for such. The music is great and fitting. There is some humor in this, a bit of it black comedy. This has surprisingly well-done editing and cinematography; it stops short of being flashy, and works well. There is a lot of disturbing content and occasional violence in this. I recommend this to anyone who wants a believable story of the often tragic lives of foster kids. 9/10