Unlikely Allies Finding Redemption Together

Read Time:3 Minute, 33 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Story Ave
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director(s): Aristotle Torres
Writer(s): Bonsu Thompson, Aristotle Torres
Cast: Asante Blackk, Luis Guzmán, Alex R. Hibbert, Melvin Gregg, Coral Peña, Cassandra Freeman, Hassan Johnson
Where To Watch: now available here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Diving headfirst into STORY AVE’s vivid yet shadowy world, the audience encounters an environment where silent thoughts narrate unseen stories, and unexpected friendships blossom amidst societal decay and personal grief. Director Aristotle Torres navigates us through the mesmerizing streets of the South Bronx, unveiling a heartening and subtly hopeful narrative. The artful intertwining of poignant storytelling, dynamic performance, and expressive visual landscapes instantly engages, making a notable imprint on viewers, presenting not just a movie but an emotional experience.

STORY AVE unfolds like a carefully penned letter from the South Bronx, where the written words are vivid graffiti that blanket the walls, providing the silent screams of the neglected and forgotten. Kadir, impressively portrayed by Asante Blackk, balances on a precipice between utilizing his artistic gifts and being swallowed by perilous gang culture in the aftermath of a tragic event. His creative light flickers amidst gang affiliations, embodying the struggle between creativity and survival amidst his environment’s turbulent waves.

Within this chaos enters Luis, a transit worker submerged in his sea of sorrow and despair, brought to life poignantly by Luis Guzmán. What begins as a charged encounter between him and Kadir miraculously blossoms, transforming a moment of intended violence into a beautiful friendship.

Aristotle Torres leads the audience on a walk through the Bronx’s streets, where every piece of street art serves as a visual anthem against inner turbulence and societal afflictions. Kadir’s interactions with the gang, especially with its leader and his friend Moe, played by Alex R. Hibbert, serve as reflective moments that spotlight his internal battles and bring to light the shared struggle of a community against the imminent specters of gentrification.

In the quiet dialogues and non-verbal exchanges, Torres and co-writer Bonsu Thompson beautifully capture the essence of the characters, keeping them rooted and relatable. The duo of Blackk and Guzmán delivers performances that become the vibrant heartbeat of the film, conveying complex emotional moments without cascading into a melodramatic abyss. Their on-screen chemistry morphs into a deep core of STORY AVE, skillfully narrating passionate tales without descending into overplayed theatrics.

Torres uses his directorial canvas to paint a universe that resonates with the muffled pleas of forgotten artists, who gamble everything for a whisper of acknowledgment, shrouding their unseen battles behind a curtain of vivid colors and pseudonyms. It tells the story of a young artist and his improbable mentor. It reflects upon the unseen battles waged on dimly lit streets, where every paint stroke resonates with unheard stories of rebellion, creativity, and an ongoing struggle for existence and acknowledgment.

STORY AVE seamlessly threads a narrative that, while deeply rooted in the specific dynamics of the South Bronx, communicates universally about the human experience, the transient nature of life, and the unexpected nooks from which redemption might quietly emerge. With a gentle focus on its central characters, the film unravels a meticulously curated tale brimming with authenticity, compelling performances, and a narrative subtly shepherds its audience through a passionate journey of despair, healing, and unanticipated kinship.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals’ extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I’m steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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