Cru

The Cru storyline is easy to follow and identify with. The acting is excellent, and the emotional intensity of each scene was palpable. I gave the film a solid A-. It touches on the issue of teenage driving under the influence without being cliché or preachy. There's bound to be a situation or character in this film that each viewer can identify with. The film is really about the effect that one decision or a single moment can have on the rest of your life. Definitely going to pull at a few heartstrings. Several of the film's themes will resonate with the audience. The score for the film is excellent as well. I was impressed with the music and appropriateness of some of the selections. The photography and editing of Cru adds to the intensity of certain scenes and enhance the viewing experience. Overall I enjoyed watching a film featuring Black actors that was about everyday issues of the human experience. It's not just a story of perpetuating stereotypes. I look forward to this film becoming a classic among multiple film enthusiasts worldwide.

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!

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.

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.

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.