Toe to Toe

Toe to Toe depicts the struggles of two girls who go to school, and occasionally play full matches of lacrosse together (when not in the midst of jealous fights). The film as a whole often covers the two teens separately, or hones in on one individual from separate sides of a room. In one particular moment where the girls are at the same 'Go Go Party' (basically a DJ on stage performing), and are jealously glaring at one another, the movie takes an eye-roll worthy turn, as the focus is placed on an impromptu dance-off in the middle of the crowd. Why are these a requirement for every filmed concert scene? Has anyone ever actually witnessed a dance battle that wasn't an elaborate, ironic joke? Also a source of frustration are the racial remarks from all parties involved. These remarks feel so manufactured and like a bad Nineties film crutch, which is completely opposite the strong family interactions that happen to feel both genuine, and realistic. The unflinching focus on reckless, underage sex (which is not played for laughs as you've come to expect from a teen film) is a main focus for the entire film... a quick way to take a serious turn. But while it comes dangerously close to being disgustingly depicted (keyword: underage), it becomes almost heart-wrenching to see the effects it has on choice characters. Sonequa Martin (as Tosha) contributes a great deal to this film. She never once looks like she's acting - a rare commodity for someone of her presumed age. You get so familiar with her as a person, while watching Toe to Toe, that you start to question where else you've seen her before this! Sonequa simply nails the role, and brings weight to the picture that it was desperately lacking. Toe to Toe ultimately improves in time for the end, in part due to the characters universal revelations that they are truly messed up (in more ways than one), as well as their subsequent responsibility taking, in atonement for their mistakes. The conclusion itself makes sense, and isn't forced... not something I've come to expect from an contemporary independent drama.

Unexpected surprise with this movie. The actors are very good, first time I've seen most of them in a performance. The story wrapped very plausibly around the two main characters and very nicely portrayed each one's life. The supporting characters also proved serious in their performance. I hope to see more from Emily Abt too, as this project may have been personal, but she may have much more talent hidden inside and yet to be developed Not into "teen" movies but this was for everyone. Great depictions of family, friend and casual relationships. Not much fluff; it was a very serious look at this generation's struggle in Metro America.

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.

I just returned home from seeing this movie at the E Street Landmark theater in DC. It was a coming of age movie the likes I've never seen and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the story unfold.

I loved the use of DC as the backdrop and I felt the story and the characters were very well developed. I wanted to know more and I felt for all the characters even when they were doing something that upset me.

Good job Ms. Abt and everyone involved!

Gosh...I really didn't have anything else to say but I guess I'll keep typing until IMDb tells me that my review contains enough lines to be submitted. I hope this is all I need.