Jones Plantation

I wouldn't normally want to watch any modern movies about slavery. Roots is/was the gold standard for that subject much like Exorcist or Jaws are in their genres. Any attempts to match the success of those iconic masterpieces usually end up in the dustbin of film history.

Most slavery movies use the depiction of physical punishment on the slaves to evoke emotions. The monotonous desperate life of a slave is rarely the subject. What does it take for a human to wake up everyday and go about his day knowing his life is no better than a beast of burden? This movie offers an angle that I've not seen before. A full on perspective from the slave owners' side as well as the hired consultant Mr. Smith, a former slave himself.

I was "sold" on this movie once it was clear that Mr. Smith's agenda was beginning to take shape. I hung on every piece of dialogue between Smith and Jones. Instead of just feeling sorry for the slaves I had this nagging idea that we are all trapped much like the slaves. We are all in the Matrix!

Obviously, this film has a message in which both left and right leaning viewers would cast the other side as the evil slave owners. Both would be correct since we are in fact willfully trapped in the mental slavery system. We rather blame each other instead of the ones holding the reins. We are grateful for the leftovers when we haven't eaten in days. We follow their mandates without question. Well done!!

I would have given this a 10 if the overall acting was better. Some scenes were flat and not convincing. Maurice Johnson as Mr. Smith deserves an Oscar nomination if I had any say about it. This is a movie that I may watch again which is rare.

There is trouble on the plantation. The slaves are becoming restless. The jig is up and the owners are fearing they will lose the farm, or worse. So, with the help of Mr. Smith, the owners forge stronger, more diabolical, chains.

It is hard to tell people about things they cant see. This movie makes it crystal clear. If those without eyes still cant see what is enslaving them after this film, then they are blind by choice. At the very least, THE VERY LEAST, this film is a conversation starter. Not many movies are even that nowadays. I recommend watching this film at least once. Its awesome to see what can be done with a $50,000 budget.

Get ready to be hit by some uncomfortable home truths. You think you are in control, but are you really?

The good: love it or hate it, will not leave you indifferent. The film asks a hard question and will push and push for answers from an audience that starts by simply rejecting the question.

The bad: perhaps the script tries to squeeze in too much, there's enough material for a series. Low budget, but It is amazing what they managed to do with it, I forgot about it ten minutes in.

And the pretty: Maurice Johnson absolutely shines here, he delivers in spades, with relish and panache. Loved it.

Welcome, dear reader, to another exciting episode of "How to Hide Slavery in Plain Sight!" Today, we'll be journeying through the hallowed grounds of the infamous Jones Plantation, where our ancestors got a sneak peek of what the 21st century had in store. Spoiler alert: it's pretty much the same thing, but with better Wi-Fi.

Oh, The Joneses!

Ah, the Jones family, the unsung pioneers of modern-day exploitation. While most were busy with their primitive chains and shackles, the Joneses were already thinking outside the box, tapping into the future. They realized that the best kind of slavery is where you convince the slaves they're free. Genius, right?

Introducing: Illusion of Choice!

You see, instead of physical chains, the Joneses employed the ever-potent chains of the mind. They understood something we're only starting to grasp today - that real power is making people believe they have a choice. So, instead of telling workers what to do, they gave them options. Do you want to toil in the fields today or the barn? Oh, the sweet illusion of choice! Just like when you're choosing between two equally corrupt politicians every election season.

Credit Where Credit's Due (Literally)

We owe a lot to the Joneses. Today's system of indebtedness and the never-ending cycle of consumerism? All inspired by the Jones Plantation's blueprint. Remember when Mr. Jones introduced tokens, which could only be spent at the Jones-owned store? It's almost like when we use credit cards and get tied down to ever-increasing interest rates. But hey, at least we have cool holographic cards now!

Social Mobility: Just Another Word for "Good Luck Climbing That"

The Joneses propagated the myth of social mobility. Work hard, and one day you too can be a mini overseer. Nowadays, we call that a "managerial position". The carrot-and-stick approach at its finest. Dream big, they say. And sure, some made it, just like some win the lottery today. But the majority? Well, let's just say they're still buying lottery tickets.

21st Century Upgrades

We have to give credit to the modern world. We've innovated on the Jones blueprint. Instead of overseers, we have surveillance cameras. Instead of the loud bell signaling the start of a workday, we have alarm clocks (which we bought on credit, of course). And best of all, we've globalized the Jones model. Outsourcing, anyone?

Freedom: Some Assembly (and a Lot of Denial) Required

The biggest trick the Joneses taught the world was that freedom is subjective. As long as people feel they're in control, they won't question the larger structure. Today, you're free to choose which massive conglomerate gets your hard-earned cash, which influencer tells you how to live your life, and which streaming service gets to numb your brain after a long day at the (virtual) fields.

Conclusion: Hats Off to the Joneses!

So, as we look around and see a world where many are shackled by invisible chains, let's take a moment to appreciate the forward-thinking genius of the Jones Plantation. They didn't just exploit; they innovated. They laid the foundation for a world where the masses are convinced of their freedom, while a select few pull the strings behind the curtain.

To the Joneses of yesteryears and the puppet masters of today, we salute you! Here's to another millennium of blissful ignorance. Because, as the saying goes, ignorance isn't just bliss-it's downright profitable.

Bias disclaimer: around 11 years ago that came across a YouTube video called The Jones Plantation. It is what this movie is based upon. Given the fact that I was so infatuated with the YouTube video (which I recommend) I will say I am biased in my review. And I tried my best to remain as objective as possible.

Acting: 5/10

Some of the acting is amazing. Maurice does a great job. Sometimes Mr. Jones does good, but other times he just really falls flat. The same goes with most the other supporting actors and actresses. Then there is just some line delivery or acting that just does not do it. It does not convey the emotional element or the dialogue/ writing. Just seems forced. Very few times it seems. Unnatural. All in all, I've seen worse acting on the films. I've enjoyed more, and I've seen better acting in indie films I have not cared for.

Plot: 10/10

And so very refreshing to have something that is not supposed to be taken at face value. That's not a movie about a plantation or slavery in the 1800s. It's an allegory. The actual setting of the movie is just that of a metaphor for the idea of the movie is trying to convey. If you watch anything of just slavery in the time period, it's going to feel and seem very off, but if you consider the government/states/culture instead of a plantation then you will quickly realize the meaning and message behind the film. To avoid spoilers, if you change the lens from what you expect to a wider aspect of what the writers trying to tell you , then you will see the film in a different light. I find this really refreshing compared to most blockbuster and indie film development. Something that seems fresh, different, and you unique as well as introducing fresh faces and a fresh idea to cinema.

Production: 6/10

The production called was really well, it wasn't expecting a lot of locations or beautiful country sides. I think they did well with their budget for settings, though it would be nice to see a few different places. The scenes kind of get redundant as far as the background goes. Even utilizing different angles and different shots, not a lot. Really changes as far as the setting goes. I don't want to call it. A lack of effort more than it's just a lack of budgeting and using what you've got. I gave him a little leeway but it still wouldn't. Nice to see some different scenery.

Now as far as shots and camera angles go, they weren't flat. No point that I feel like I was watching someone's first attempt at shooting in the movie. At the same time some of the shots did feel formulaic as well as redundant. While they were small. Little things I could pick out that made me say, "oh yeah this is a different shot," I did find myself double guessing whether or not I was seen the same shot for a different scene or not.

Overall, I'd say 8 out of 10. I loved it. Identify myself switching too much to my phone. They were times I would get distracted and I'd feel like I need to rewind and double check something. But overall it was a fresh and interesting movie. I really loved it.