Cru

I met the writer "accidentally" at the ABFF in New York City and he invited me to preview Cru. Oliver Ottley is both a gracious individual and a talented writer.

His writing has some memorable lines that I still quote -- and the director beautifully visualizes the writer's intentions on film. Weaving appropriate music (watch for a lead actor with a gorgeous voice) and flashbacks allows the composing team to tell a beautiful, sometimes joyful, sometimes humorous, and sometimes bittersweet story of an unusual reunion of four basketball players years later.

I understand that Cru captured most awards at the ABFF -- and well-deserved from this writer's perspective. The post-conference (after the screening) allowed me the opportunity to hear the cast members answer questions and reflect on the craftsmanship.

Please do not miss this movie -- it is fabulous!

I have watched the film Cru twice already and I am thoroughly impressed with the depth of the writing and character interactions throughout. The actors were strong in their delivery, some better then others but all very successful attempts. Touching on serious issues and possible solutions definitely gave the film powerful substance and meaning. The twist and turns of each character made me feel various emotions while viewing Cru. There were times I was happy, angry, sad, surprised, and compassionate. I feel that anyone who a appreciates a strong story and vision on screen should not miss this movie. Salute to all parties involved in the piece of art. This film has the potential to touch lives around the world and teach lessons about Friendship, Love, Hate, Loyalty, parenting, secrets, and endurance. Great work.

I'm not sure how this movie is receiving such high praise. I thought the idea behind it was great, but the final product was quite poor. It ended up being slow, shallow, and a little hard to take seriously.

I think it was great idea to portray a group of African American friends in a positive light with no connection to violence, drugs or criminal activity, but beyond that this movie failed. The acting was atrocious and made it very hard for me to stay engaged in the slow moving plot. The dialogue was inconsistent and the characters lacked the depth required to take their reactions seriously to the situations that were presented.

It would be nice to see more movies along these lines so that the bar might be raised and we can take it more seriously.

It's refreshing to watch a film where the story touches a heavy subject in such a light manner. Friendship, brotherhood & redemption, and how much this actually shapes a man's life, usually is portrayed in a war or other kind of extreme situations in Hollywood movies. But in Cru, four ordinary guys leading ordinary lives (it could happen to any of us) pulls us into its ups and downs and its surprises, laughing and crying throughout the film. Cru gives us a window into African American society and its cultural problems while still being relevant to anyone.

We usually form a life-long friendships at school, a special kind of bond that we might never find again later in our adult life. And we grow apart because of success, wealth, love jealousy or grudge on a past mistakes all too often. But in the end, we are who we are because of whom we were with in a crucial moment of our life.

Very well written story plus great acting and wonderful chemistry among the four friends. A very enjoyable ride.

This has a very good storyline, and I like how the characters were able to come full circle from close friends to estrange relationship, and back to close friends again despite a tragedy. Good to see a black cast doing good work and putting a positive message out there using real life situations that happen within our community. Whenever you have a movie that can draw you in, and make you identify with one or more characters as yourself, it leaves a lasting impression on you, and that is exactly what happened to me while watching this great movie. You get to walk away with learning life lessons, and it makes you evaluate your own personal friendships, realizing that life is too short to not be surrounded by the people you love. I thought it was a very well written movie, glad I had a chance to view it.