Imperial Dreams

Didn't know what to expect with this. Just saw Boyega doing a drama and thought of giving this a watch. I don't live in the same world as Bambi, so I wouldn't know what it is really like to be in his shoes. But I assume the writers knew what its like, and wow, my mind was shook. What a sad reality it can be for someone like Bambi. The system was created to fail people and it takes a lot for someone to rise above it all to find some peace and ultimately life away from crime.

This is a slow burn, but a wonderfully crafted film, probably a hint of reality and Bambi is a reflection of this life.

The only thing that irks me with this film is the supporting casts. While Boyega was amazing as Bambi, the rest was just floating by.

John Boyega stars as Bambi. He's fresh out of prison and, for the sake of his child, determined not to get sucked back into the old life of crime but you know how it is; when you're around the same people and places you were before, how are you going to change?

There's a reason this films poster image is Boyega. He is this film's biggest asset. He shows once again that he has charisma to burn, and he turns in a well-played portrayal of a young man who could easily be a leader, the man the other criminals would turn to, but a man who knows where that life leads.

The problem with the movie is that it is trying to do way too much. And the film does not have the time or the insight to deliver on all of those parts.

There's a strand straight out of a Ken Loach movie about how hard it is for a person to get a job and go legit when they're an ex-con.

There's a part right out of a John Singleton movie about the lure of violence in a community which is offered few other ways to make money.

There's a sub-plot right out of movies like "Good Will Hunting" about a man from the wrong side of the tracks with a talent that could get him out. (Bambi is an aspiring writer, recording life in the 'hood.) There's another strand that is all about the impact of environment on a child, and the efforts of a father to get the child away from all of that.

Any one (okay, maybe two) of these parts could have made a great movie but there's a feeling that writer/director Malik Vithal poured everything he wanted to say into this, his debut feature, and ended up saying too much, but not enough.

It's a shame because the direction is top notch. We get a real sense of the neighbourhood, and the walls that have been built around its citizens, not just the ones in prison.

I was introduced to this movie by a professor of mine and judging by the lineup of talent I was surprised I hadn't heard about it sooner. I immediately fell in love with the father-son relationship between Bambi and Day. Bambi's constant struggles to get him and Day out of the hood had me in near tears. John Boyega's performance is phenomenal, and the plot is grounded and raw. This movie, while fictional to us, is real life to others and it is important to shine a light on it. I would recommend that everyone watch this movie at least once. It's a real hidden gem on Netflix.

To see the struggles African-American men go thru when they are trying to do better for themselves and their children in a film is very inspiring.To see what he went thru in the streets of California is similar to what I have seen in Chicago. It is nice to see a movie portraying someone wanting a way out. There should be examples of minorities seeking a new life. Also, his vision to be a writer is inspiring to not give your dreams away. I enjoyed watching this film on Netflix. The actor from the Star Wars movie did this role justice. This is a film that can reach the spirit of anyone. I would not mind recommending this movie. Continue making films that are true stories and that many can relate to.

The 2015 Oscars was a controversial affair. For the first time in over a decade, a cast of all- white performers competed for acting awards.

Next year, expect a slew of honors to recognize diversity.

Meet John Boyega, a future superstar in the making and protagonist of 'Imperial Dreams' – a likely candidate for award season attention.

Actor Michael B. Jordan was previously snubbed a nomination as Oscar Grant in his celebrated performance in Fruitvale Station, a similar film depicting former convicts struggling to reform in an unforgiving American system.

Both films won the Audience Award at the Sundance film festival.

However, Boyega is better, and so too is 'Imperial Dreams'.

Director Malik Vitthal portrays Los Angeles as a city devoid of any hope and opportunities, the bright promising rays of a California sun blotted out by ghettos dilapidated with poverty.

Bambi (Boyega) is a recently released gangster, devoted to living an ethical lifestyle for his young son Day (Ethan and Justin Coach). As he struggles to find work, he attempts to make a living as a writer, finding solace in his words to distract him from illegal persuasions of his past.

Badgered by his Uncle Shrimp (Glenn Plummer, excellent and reserved like a coiled snake, ready to strike with a venomous bite), Bambi is kicked out of the house unless he makes a drug run to Portland.

With nowhere to live, he is forced to live with his son in his car in a vacant parking lot.

He's stalked by detectives Gill (Sufe Bradshaw) and Hernandez (Maximiliano Hernandez), who are eager to pounce and arrest him after any misstep.

The trials and tribulations are predictable, and are similar to Will Smith vehicle 'The Pursuit of Happiness', but the low-budget production gives the film gritty realism and heart.

The movie belongs to Boyega. We feel his frustration with each failure, the struggle etching his face with pain and frustration. You root for his character, and his shortcomings break your heart.

Director Vitthal based the movie a true story. He screened the movie for the films inspiration and he hated the movie, but loved it after watching the audiences positive reaction at Sundance.

The film is scheduled for a December release weeks before Star Wars Episode 7, which also stars John Boyega.

Anticipate the actors name headlining movie posters in the future..

He's that good.