Page 36

Page 36 (2010)

*** (out of 4)

Roman Wilson (Coley Speaks) is a two time felon who is having trouble finding work. The man needs a job desperately so that he can take care of his ill child and one finally comes along but it's an underground slave trading ring. PAGE 36 is a 17-minute short from director Nelsan Ellis and I hope he's able to find funding to perhaps turn it into a feature or at least get more projects off the ground because it certainly show he has talent as a filmmaker and writer. The story itself is a pretty challenging one but I thought the screenplay did a very good job at showing us the desperate situation that the lead character is in. I think this short is a perfect example of small touches that can be used to tell a bigger story and the sequence here comes from an interview process. The writing in this sequence is great but Speaks really nails everything with his remarkable performance. Sydney Tamiia Poitier is also very good in her supporting bit. PAGE 36 certainly has something to say but it's message is never preachy or in your face. The film is certainly recommended to those who like to watch films that have something to say and can get their point across in a great way.