Straight Outta Oakland

This movie rating is 8.7. Don't believe the hype. My guess is the people associated with making this film gave it all 10s. I gave it 2 stars. The film has no plot or story line at all. None of the characters were worth rooting for or caring about. I guess one of the characters trying to be a rapper is what the writer "thought" is a plot, but no. A stereotypical over used stable in a lot urban films. I've seen low budget films that turn out to be gems, this isn't one of them. The acting was atrocious.

I think that this film is brilliant because, behind the irony and comedy of character's adventures, it reveals an important consideration about the necessity of being free and fulfilled. There are four men living in the same neighborhood, a real hood, where life can't be quiet so they must fight every day to survive in this place. I think is important for us to stop for a moment and think about the difficulty of living in a hood, with racism and prejudices. I also liked the way the characters face difficulties and obstacles, making certain situations really funny (personally, I've laughed out loud in some moments). So I highly recommend this film for a lot of reasons, but especially because it makes think.

Set Me Free is the story of freeing oneself from the bonds of social, verbal and physical oppression. Four young African American men have aspirations to "get out of the hood" and elevate themselves into a "better place". Each of these men all endure hardships, but they are not all of the same flavor. They all represent different types of people that the audience can relate to. All of them do have one thing: determination. If you like movies like Menace To Society and New Jack City, you will be able to relate to this type of hardship drama. The environment in which the story is set hits an inner city crowd but the struggle of the underdog is real in this movie.

Most of the credit has to be given to the director/writer who really captured the dialog of the streets. Each of the characters' voices are distinct and the actors have translated the script well. Keith is a rapper who uses his music to escape his current situation. Kevin sells drugs to help him get out of his situation. Both Keith and Kevin are complete opposites; one wants to get out in an honest way and the other doesn't care how he does it. Marcus Spencer plays Kenny; the young man who seeks education and knowledge to help him get out ot the ghetto. Korey is the last character who seems to be the person everyone takes their frustrations out on.

This movie is worth the watch and a modern look at an age old problem. It will be released on DVD in July so don't miss it.