bwoy

Yesterday I sat hoping to enjoy this movie; it has a 6.1 rating so I thought it would be at least decent. Well, maybe it is to most of those 76 viewers but I found it a bit too insipid to watch. It is one thing to cast an actor to play a role of a distinctive character IF that role is incidental to the plot, BUT if that role is pivotal and is being played by one of the major cast then it is of absolute imporance that you cast someone who has the chops to pull it off. Jamaicans are more than their accent. To bring a Jamaican character to life you either have to get a real Jamaican to play the part or get an actor who can capture that authenticity. The actor playing the Jamaican did not only fail to exude that authenticity, he also failed to speak the accent. Therefore, despite his genuine attmpt to play the part, it makes the scene more comedic than dramatic and that leaves a bitter feeling in my stomach. I was so turned off to the point I had to research the actor's backround. I found out that he is from Liberia, which explains the Africanesque accent that kept bursting through when he tried to speak Jamaican. The facial features he expressed when speaking to his "daddy" were also not reflective of a Jamaican. These are things necessary if you want to pass the authenticity test and the actor failed to do this and so I could not go further than 28 minutes.

Aside from being plagued by choppy editing, and a slow moving plot punctuated by an annoying fake Jamaican accent used by one of the actors, the plot is quite improbable. The "scamming" behavior while it fits in with current events in that country, the ending made no sense in the actual Jamaican setting.

"bwoy" is one of those movies that at first seems so simple and yet pulls you you in like quicksand. Moving and subtle performances create an awkward tension between the two leads as they flirt and seemingly fall in love... or do they? Gay or straight viewers are sure to enjoy this roller coaster of an indie.

Interesting to read the reviews on here from folks who seem to have a chip on their shoulder (not even finishing the film). One suspects the material and characters might have been too challenging for them. Understandable in this fine little movie as both main characters and the plot require a thoughtful, open mind.

As much second hand embarrassment I was getting watching this movie, I couldn't look away. I watched it and then rewatched immediately after. Anthony Rapp is an absolutely phenomenal actor and this one is one of my favorite works he has done for sure.

After reading amazing reviews in the LA Weekly, the Los Angeles Times and The Hollywood Reporter I thought I'd take a chance with this ultra low budget thriller.

OMG, from the very first scene I was hooked. Sexy, nail biting, even surprisingly romantic, I found "bwoy" to be that rare Indie which made me feel like I was watching something with a much, much higher budget. It's also the kind of film that sticks with you; my friends and I were talking about it for days. It's the best thing I've seen Anthony Rapp do, and Jimmy Brooks was truly beguiling. It's funny that these two had more chemistry on screen through Skype than most "hollywood" stars do across from each other.

Run, don't walk to see this little movie.