Licks

I gave it three stars only because of the actors, quality film used and the West Oakland light weight hood scenery. However, at this moment I'm almost done watching it. Now, the way the slang was worded threw up red flags left and right because we do not talk like that, so that prompted me to look up who was this square from Tha Town who wrote this, and as a screenplay writer myself I had to find out. When I saw it was two white boys I was like oh yeah I see why now. This movie could've been lit ONLY IF the writing wasn't insulting to those of us from it and walked it and talked it. White boys trying to tell a story lol about us from it, smh, man nothing is authentic about it when you can't keep it one thou wow through out. Giving these white boys money to put this out, when there are Black authentic writers such as myself who grew up in Oakland with stories. Stop trying to capitalize off of our struggle and write about what you know, lived and how you talk it. Culture Vultures.

I've seen this movie at least 7 times, and every time it was like seeing it for the first. Great movie, well put together, you forget that it's an indie film, the story develops in a timely fashion, and the plot twist keep you guessing. If you are a fan of the urban coming of age tales such as Boyz in da Hood or Menace II Society Licks is definitely worth a watch.

​​I've brought numerous friends to see this film and they've all loved. Anyone who has seen the trailer is instantly addicted and can't wait to see the film for themselves. Being an Oakland native the references to non-tourist bay area locations and use of local music also adds to the lure of the film, but is only a great additive. Licks is for sure a cult classic in the making.​

The quality is decent, nice job cinematographer/DP, the actors seem dedicated for the most part. The makeup is there. Editing is fine. From what I can see this is a legit movie. The story though? The story seems to do its best to be appealing to the viewer as much as possible while trying to still show the viewer how it is to live the hood/thug life. The thug life can easily be "boring" as plenty id the movie is just dialogue. Emotions being expressed, secrets being told, events being planned, etc. It's a decent movie to watch to get in the shoes of a someone out there in the hood life. Now I can't say how it is in Oakland. But, it is like that somewhere around the world.

In the shortest possible way Licks is what moonlight wanted to be. Now I saw moonlight before I saw Licks and the movie just ended and it leaves you wondering what were they trying to show you what was the movie about. when you watch Licks you know left fulfilled it brings you there and back and around again this is flick you that is worth its weight and some and I came across it by chance just saying you should give it a chance. I gave it 7/10 only because I critique thing a little to much that's just me the acting at times gets a little less than good that is the nicest way I can put it. yet I send mads love to all the actors and actresses well cause I cant do it. good movie great story