A Simple Promise

OK, so this could be a good film. We have a nice plot, a romantic couple with a beautiful girl... Yes, we all know this story already, but still it could be enjoyable.

Poor girl dreams of being a famous singer, works as a waitress as a side job. Poor guy, dreaming of being a famous painter, meets waitress and fall in love. And the story goes on as we all expected, but that is definitely not the problem!

The problem is that the acting is so poor that we get the impression along the entire film that we are watching the result of a high-school film project. The audio is also so bad, it made me remember films from the 70's.

I've seen a lot of low-budget films, but this is no excuse for this film to turn out so lame.

This was an atypical African American story that was brought to the screen beautifully and really shows how talented actors, a great story, and a talented director with a vision can transcend the "low budget" stigma. I am proud that this film, an African American film, showed how this can be accomplished. The lead actress, Layla Kayleigh, gives a surprising performance and warms the screen with her beautiful smile. Wallace Demarria', the lead actor, gives the film it's heart and displays a vulnerability on screen without coming off as weak. A few notable performances by the some of the supporting cast and an underused Ella Joyce help to bring the whole package together. Overall, a truly entertaining and enjoyable film.

Even though this is an indie film, and at times, looks like it was made with little money, there is a solid story being told here.

The film follows the arc of its two protagonists as they navigate life's challenges of love, career and family choices. "A Simple Promise" tells the tale of Madison (Layla Kayleigh), a promising songstress and Marcus (Wallace Demarria), an aspiring artist. After they get together as a couple, they decide that whomever "makes" it first, the other will support their mate in their career and their family unit. The interesting conflict happens when one of them does "make it" and then watching what unfolds.

The cast, comprised of mostly unknown actors, delivers solid performances. There are only two actors that you may recognize: Ella Joyce (from TV's 90s sitcom, "Roc") and Layla Kayleigh (backstage correspondent from MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew).

The chemistry between the two main characters, Marcus (a very able Wallace Demmaria) and Madison (the lovely Layla Kayleigh), is evident and carries the film's narrative.

The supporting cast of varied characters is strong: Madison's die-hard home girl Shawn(Aikisha Holly); Madison's sleazy music manager Max(Bobby Reed); Madison's alcoholic & abusive ex-boyfriend Chuck(Glen Mac); Marcus' true-blue buddy Terrence(Selwyn Ward); The couple's sweet-as-pie daughter Alexis (Alana Ethridge); and lovable diner owner and surrogate mother to Madison & Shawn (Ella Joyce).

The actors in this film have chosen to take the norms (caricatured "black" characters) seen in most urban films and infused them with some heart and mind. Thank god. I'm tired of watching unintelligent, uninspired and unbelievable depictions of African American characters allegedly being "real," written by people (both black and white) who think that African American culture is only one thing. These characters are flawed, yet genuine and intelligently fleshed-out by the cast. I enjoyed watching their characters' various up-and-down journeys.

This indie film is far from perfect. The first two acts flow well. The third act tends to drag a bit. Even though I enjoyed the story resolutions, I do wonder what this film would have looked like with a substantially larger budget.

Whatever the case, the questions "A Simple Promise" aims to provoke of its audience, serve as life's "be careful what you ask for" illustration.

Not a masterpiece, but definitely well worth the rental.

I love this movie. It is beautifully shot, with great acting. It is a really moving story. You don't often see urban (or black-oriented) movies done without the characters being stereotypes. Thank God for this one showing we are not stereotypes and for having real characters. And real good looking ones to boot.

All the characters are real to me. I have to say I particularly like the supporting character Shawn. She stole the show in her scenes. But I found myself getting into all the characters.

This movie may not reach certain people who won't get it. But I have a feeling fans of the urban genre will love it. I will be recommending it to all my friends.

I loved this movie.

It is very inspiring and touching even though I don't typically get moved by "chick" movies. What I liked most about it was that it was not typical. It's not about things you expect in big budget, studio, movies. So I'm not surprised some people won't get it. Well done. And I thought there were some real nice performances from a young up and coming cast.

I admit I am a fan of Layla Kayleigh anyway, but I was still surprised at her talent. But the male lead, Marcus, was also very good. Worth a watch.