The Inkwell

So many parts of this movie were truly moving and then you were blasted with utterly stupid scenes...the insane giggling of the adolescent boys, the interactions between the brothers-in-law. What could have been a really tremendous movie was absolutely sidelined by the unsuccessful attempts at over-the-top humor that had none of us laughing.

In fact, when seeing the critics "hilarious" and such comments on the DVD box, it simply reinforced my belief that most, if not all, male critics in our society today are simply 14-year-old adolescent boys in adult bodies. This was simply not funny and should instead have gone with mild humor and the wonderful story basis. Such a shame!

Often we see so many stereotypical movies about minorities in film. This time a black child, that could just as easily have been a white kid with a script rewrite, begins to experience adolescence as a young man. He has some issues he is dealing with and is counseled by several adults throughout the movie. What I liked most about this movie was the beautiful portrayal of blacks in love. The kids, and the parents. It was like watching an old home movie of my own family.

Too bad Matty Rich disappeared after this film. I was kinda hoping it would turn into a trend. Blacks in positive roles in films.

I enjoyed The Inkwell very much. It was well directed and the screenplay was solid. Good movie.

This is one of the great coming of age films that I have ever seen. The character of Drew is so well drawn out and complex you forget that he is just a teenager. You also view the complex relationship between not only cultures but within the family as well. You are pretty much leaving this film wanting more. If one film really cries out for a sequel it's this one.

MATTY, I'M BEGGING YOU, MAKE INKWELL 2 AND SHOW US WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL THE CHARACTERS YEARS LATER!!!

The Inkwell reminds me of two other films about the problems facing African American youths coming of age. They are Cooley High(1976) and Boyz 'N the Hood.

While not as violent ridden as Boyz nor as touching as Cooley High, this film none the less drives home the same point: growing up a teenager is hard enough, being a black teenager can be even more difficult.

I would like to see a film about the challenges facing African American youths growing up in the new century with the same focus and intensity of these three excellent films.