The Last Brickmaker in America

To the posters looking for this on video, "Feature Films for Families" has released it on DVD. To anyone who knows that company's work, it should clue you in on what to expect immediately. It's not Hollywood, but it's quite good for a watch on the couch with the kids.

Sidney Poitier does fine with the role. True 'nuff, it doesn't have, perhaps, the depth of many of his other roles, but for what it is, he does a fine job and it's very enjoyable because of him.

As for the other actors, no stellar performances, but this thing isn't *supposed* to be a blockbuster. This is a "family movie" from a company that specializes in this market, not a big Hollywood production. It's the sort of thing you watch with the entire family and then talk about afterward ... what did you learn about {something}? Does our family have any problems similar to the one in the film? Have you ever felt like running away? etc., etc.

Yes, it's predictable and *of course* it has a "sappy" ending (although, IMHO, it could be a lot worse on that). "Everyone lives happily (ever) after". So what? Are we supposed to wish for a divorce and Poitier to die in the brick kiln? Lol, I'm amazed at the cynicism around here....

Egbert O'Foo

Maybe its corny,maybe its too family values but maybe because the world is going to hell in a hand basket it might just be time to reflect and rediscover values that made this country great at one time and perhaps once again hopefully and that is the value of this film.The story is simples,even dull but if you don't see part of what YOUR life was,or wished it could be or even tries to be today,than,with respect,your lying to yourself. Perhaps your moving to fast and have lost sight of"the forest for the trees"THAT my friends is the simple yet so often missed or just forgotten message of a truly rare family film as relevant today as in the year it was released 2001,and running only 85 minutes.The cast is headed by legendary Sidney Poitier as a 76 year old brickmaker whose wife of 60 years has recently died,and a few other fine character actors along with a relative unknown Cody Newton,as a 13 year old troubled teen, weave a story that won't work for everyone but just might let you see that damned forest that those trees keep getting in the way of if your willing to give it a chance and open those big baby blues of yours.

Everything about this was movie was top-notch. The storyline; The acting; The scenery. I loved everything about it!!

...a thoughtfully written, performed, and photographed Movie of the Week, which took full advantage of rustic rural and suburban locations in and near Charlotte, NC.

Compared to the usual "grind 'em out" television long-form projects, there is a lot of texture and attention to detail: cast performances, production design, cinematography, and even if the casting and direction of the background players.

• a film very enjoyable to view!

Poitier managed to get involved in two predictable piles of TV-movie mush within two years (1999's The Simple Life... and this). I remember watching this over a year ago on TV. The movie continues Poitier's career doldrums. He contributes a good performance, but writing and the overall horrible movie overshadow whatever attempts he makes.

Poitier plays Henry Cobb, a man who makes bricks the old fashioned way to make a living. He has a recently lost his wife and is depressed about how his career is becoming obsolete. Then he meets a young boy who works for him over the summer to meet a deadline for bricks. And the usual "bonding... wise old guy teaches kid stuff" plot continues on and on.

The rest of the cast isn't memorable, and don't contribute anything to rise the movie above below average / marginal. The writing was hurried and the dialogue is unrealistic for the most part. Poitier is a great actor, but, his talents are wasted.

I watched it once a while back, and will never watch it again. I wish Hollywood would give Poitier a roll in a movie that gets released to theatres where he can actually shine and show his full ability.

Unless you like sappy family oriented TV-movie of the week's like this ... or, you are a fan of Sidney; avoid this like the plague.

Rating: 3/10