Toe to Toe

Tosh and Jessie are friends who both play lacrosse at a rich prep school in DC. Tosh is black and poor; Jessie is white and rich. Can their friendship overcome the social differences that are constantly working against them?

Though the set-up for "Toe to Toe" sounds like teeny-bopper cliché, this is not your standard teeny-bopper movie. It's instead a thoughtful exploration of the importance choice and free will play in setting a straight course in life. One of the things I liked best about it is that it doesn't devolve into a diatribe about the disadvantages blacks face in a white world. Tosh does face inherent challenges that Jessie doesn't, but the movie suggests that the privileges of being white and affluent don't necessarily guarantee one a free ride. In the end, it's Tosh's story that offers the happy conclusion.

The young actresses who play Tosh and Jessie give mature, excellent performances. Both do a great job of capturing the quality of girls who don't have the luxury of being kids, no matter how much they might like to be.

"Toe to Toe" was a nice surprise.

Grade: A-

I really resonated with how the family relationships or lack of support, neglect affected the behaviors. I found this a wonderful example of the power of upbringing to move you forward or leave you empty. I guess it's what I also struggle with and so that's why I really felt this movie. I'm supposed to include ten lines here to get my review posted...hmmm. So much for a little succinct clarity. I also enjoyed the way the story was told. I think the writer and directory, who of course are the same, created a heart felt story without going over the top. She developed the characters and I really empathized with them. I'm almost to ten, there.

Not sure how in the H double hockey sticks I found this chick flick on netflix but overall it wasn't bad. For the most part the film is what you would expect. However the subject matter is a bit stronger than your typical after school special. Sonequa Martin is a talented actress. I probably would have stopped the film at the beginning but way she kept me involved. A funny thing happened towards the end, I felt really bad for the Jesse character. I guess I started reflecting back on my school years when I knew girls back in high school and jr high who were the "loose women". I've always took pride in myself for not being that person who would take advantage (or made fun) of others. Every know I still wonder what happened to those people.

I caught this movie on cable. I was pleasantly surprised how good it was given the relatively unknown actors. The teens' dialogue seemed realistic and the depiction of the home life felt authentic. It came close to being "cliche ridden" but never quite got there. I presume the director had real life experience with the subject matter. I found myself caring about the characters. However, I wish there would have been at least one positive male role model. It was great to see Gaius Charles - who was terrific in Friday Night Lights - in a different role. In addition, Leslie Uggams did a nice job. For "The Wire" fans, there was a cameo by an actor who had a meaty role in that excellent series.

I truly enjoyed this movie. I am disappointed to see it has been rated so low. However, I am not surprised as this film has two lead female characters who grapple with issues of identity, sexuality, and companionship just to name a few. This film went much deeper than I expected and it was quite refreshing to see an authentic portrayal of teen women that did not involve some form of objectification and/or oppression.

I work with teens and would consider showing this film to the young women that I work with as a teaching and discussion tool. The two actors were excellent in this movie. I was drawn in and found myself invested with both of the lead females. At the end I definitely had some empathy for Jesse. I have worked with many girls who are like her and now have a better understanding of their motivations.

All in all, an excellent movie.