The Inkwell

So many parts of this movie were truly moving and then you were blasted with utterly stupid scenes...the insane giggling of the adolescent boys, the interactions between the brothers-in-law. What could have been a really tremendous movie was absolutely sidelined by the unsuccessful attempts at over-the-top humor that had none of us laughing.

In fact, when seeing the critics "hilarious" and such comments on the DVD box, it simply reinforced my belief that most, if not all, male critics in our society today are simply 14-year-old adolescent boys in adult bodies. This was simply not funny and should instead have gone with mild humor and the wonderful story basis. Such a shame!

Often we see so many stereotypical movies about minorities in film. This time a black child, that could just as easily have been a white kid with a script rewrite, begins to experience adolescence as a young man. He has some issues he is dealing with and is counseled by several adults throughout the movie. What I liked most about this movie was the beautiful portrayal of blacks in love. The kids, and the parents. It was like watching an old home movie of my own family.

Too bad Matty Rich disappeared after this film. I was kinda hoping it would turn into a trend. Blacks in positive roles in films.

The Inkwell reminds me of two other films about the problems facing African American youths coming of age. They are Cooley High(1976) and Boyz 'N the Hood.

While not as violent ridden as Boyz nor as touching as Cooley High, this film none the less drives home the same point: growing up a teenager is hard enough, being a black teenager can be even more difficult.

I would like to see a film about the challenges facing African American youths growing up in the new century with the same focus and intensity of these three excellent films.

A black teen (L. Tate) causes a house fire and retreats into himself -- that is, until his parents take him to visit relatives on an island where a section of the beach has been taken over by blacks. Set in the 1970s, the viewer has to get used to the silly hairdos and outfits of the time, and which the writer and director have some fun with, especially during a dance scene. Brothers-in-law Joe Morton and Glynn Turman do not get along at all; the former is an urban working man type and the latter is a pretentious windbag. Eventually, they come to blows in a comic way. Suffice it to say, the introverted kid eventually meets a girl who helps draw him out of his shell. The title refers to the part of the beach that is occupied by blacks, and it is a revelation to the shy kid who has never seen anything like it. Turman as the pompous, upwardly mobile brother-in-law steals the show, which constantly veers from drama to comedy. Worth a watch, although it is uneven.

Matty Rich is proabbly one of the most talented directors you've never heard of. This film about a black teen's summer in Martha's vineyard. Larnez Tate who plays Drew plays this role perfectly as a teen who experiences love,heartbreak and emotion all in one summer. Rich once again proves his talent with this heartfelt film.