75
Metascore
29 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 83The Film StageJordan RaupThe Film StageJordan RaupA culturally specific story is being told, but the film’s familiar structure helps to add a commonality for any viewer.
- 80New York Magazine (Vulture)Bilge EbiriNew York Magazine (Vulture)Bilge EbiriThis understated, generous film quietly sneaks up on you.
- 80VarietyJustin ChangVarietyJustin ChangThis coming-of-age dramedy explores how the challenges of being young, black and misunderstood can be compounded in a foreign environment, but goes about it in a grounded, character-driven way that never smacks of manipulation or special pleading.
- 75Slant MagazineJesse CataldoSlant MagazineJesse CataldoChad Hartigan's film is especially perceptive about the effect of external influence on personal development.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterBoyd van HoeijThe Hollywood ReporterBoyd van HoeijMostly lighthearted and, especially in its closing reels, rather clichéd, the character-driven film nonetheless manages to gently resist the temptation to turn into a full-throttle and heart-warming crowdpleaser.
- 70Screen DailyFionnuala HalliganScreen DailyFionnuala HalliganMarkees Christmas is an appealing, sensitive find as Morris, with Robinson striking all the rights notes as his struggling father.
- 67ConsequenceDominick Suzanne-MayerConsequenceDominick Suzanne-MayerAt points the film simply observes the smaller, more innocuous moments of a coming-of-age story; much of it is framed in intimate medium shots and close-ups, and there’s a distinct kinship between the numerous wayward souls in its world that carries it along.
- Ultimately, it’s a sweet movie with some good laughs and a phenomenal rap soundtrack, but it fails to rise above the pack.
- Focused on fetishizing rather than intimately depicting, director Chad Hartigan has produced a warm-hearted yarn that treats its two African-American leading men like props in his white-washed game of chess.