What happens when three out of work actors decide to take on the ultimate acting challenge by posing as gangster rap artists? Two hours of sidesplitting laughs leaving you wanting more. It's 'Malibu's Most Wanted' meets 'Hollywood Shuffle'. Tonight, the Urbanworld Film Festival in NYC premiered, "Fronterz", and I, for one, can't thank them enough for the gesture. Garth Belcon helps weave a story filled with wit, charisma, and vibrancy. Although the dialogue takes some time to get into, (due to the improvisational tone) once the action starts to move and the characters are defined, the audience can't help but follow along for the ride.
The actors are really what makes this movie so charming and a breath of fresh air. Reno Wilson is hilarious as the honest tough guy of the trio. His comic timing is noteworthy. Dennis Pressey is captivating as the 'sensitive one'. He is unlike any young black actor I have ever seen on screen. Even his smallest gestures radiate emotional responds from the audience. I pray this role will help place him in the mainstream. And of course, Garth Belcon is a comedic genius. Not only is he a fantastic actor in the movie, serving as the 'intellectual one', but also a gifted writer, co-writing "Whiteboyz" in 1999. I look forward to seeing more of his work in the near future. Ted Danson and Henry Winkler are a non-stop barrel of laughs and Blair Underwood makes a true Hollywood cameo as 'The Handsome Chick Magnet', reminding me of the days when Billy Dee Williams did Colt Forty-Five commercials.
Despite a sloppy sound and editing job, director Courtney Jones brings together a unique cast for a journey through the world of working black actors. Filled with great laughs and poignant realism, this movie is worth every buck they spent
and then some! A must see!
