Who Is Amos Otis?

Superbly written and directed by Greg Newberry, this is a a very powerful film. Beautifully produced on a miniscule budget, the action takes place almost exclusively in the courtroom. What happens in that courtroom is dynamite. A debate as to whether it is morally right to assassinate a ruthless tyrant who threatens to destroy our republic is quite relevant indeed given what has occured during the 45th president's administration. The danger was and is real and this film confronts it fearlessly and powerfully. It doesn't flinch from presenting the details of the Trump nightmare and does so with breathtaking accuracy. The performances from a cast of virtually unknown actors are excellent with Josh Katawick and Rico Reid standouts. But it's the words that will hit home and which seem so real to anyone aware of what took place the in Trump era. A deus ex machina as presented in this film might have been the solution needed if the American people hadn't arisen politically and taken dramatic steps at the 2020 ballot box. Still, our republic came close to being a victim of an anti American fascist's coup.

This is one of those rare films that absolutely everyone should see. Gripping interesting and concise it paints a vivid picture of where we could be in the future. Just watch it.

As most baseball fans will know, Amos Otis is a long ago famous Kansas City Royal, however, the Amos Otis here is not that one. This Otis is some dead guy who had his identity somewhat swiped. This is a low budget film that is fascinating from beginning to end. While no name is ever mentioned, it is very clear that this is warning about the perils of a Trump presidency in this sci-fi (sorta) tale of a man who assassinates a President because of the damage he and his offspring are doing to the world and he knows all the future repercussions of their actions as he has, so he claims, come from 40 years in the future to prevent the horrific world that has been created by this family, and yes, this assassin fully admits to what he did and is prepared to die for the cause. He claims to be on a time traveling suicide mission. This is based on a play written in 2019 that I'd never heard of, but it sure is timely. Some of this is poor mostly for economic reasons. Much of this is a trial and the proceedings inside and out of the courthouse are ridiculously simplified for something as monumental as a presidential assassination. However, that is minor compared to this very intriguing plot helped a lot by a somewhat riveting performance from. Josh Katawick, an actor who has no credits before or after this. There are others in this who are not bad either, but it is his show. If you're into our current politics, you will want to see this.

I'm not here to judge a film based on the politics of the story it purports to tell. I'm here to give a rating and opinion based on the work... the story, the acting, the direction, the impact it has on me. I doubt the people who gave this film a "1" can say the same.

Politics aside, this is a cleverly concocted and well done tale. No matter how you vote, you have to give credit to Greg Newberry for pulling off this shocking low-budget, buzz-creating feature, and give kudos to Josh Katawick and Rico Reid who do excellent work portraying Defendant and Attorney in a Presidential assassination trial. Yes, the empty-courtroom "trial" feels far too small, and far too quick to even remotely seem realistic. They could have infused the story with stock footage of world media coverage outside, but they didn't. Points off for that. Realism suffers, but not much of what happens in this Courtroom is expected or "normal" anyway.

You don't have to like the subject matter to applaud the efforts of those who worked it. Whether you admire or appreciate this film is up to you. I felt it was thought-provoking and gripping, and I applaud the effort.

This is not a movie but a filmed play. The courtroom scenes are ridiculous. There are literally 13 people at the trial of a man accused of killing the President. Not even any guards in the room.

Also, it should be noted that in the advertising of this film it has been stated "based on the Pulitzer Nominated play." That is where the truth gets fuzzy. According to Columbia University and the Pulitzer granting board only finalist are 'nominated', which this play was not. Look it up. All finalist since 1980 are listed. Thousands of dramas are entered every year. Just because your community theatre enters your work does not mean you were 'nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.'

So let's talk about truth!