Atlanta’s Tale of Ambition and Risk

Read Time:3 Minute, 38 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Waterboyz
–

Genre: Crime, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 29m
Director(s): Coke Daniels
Writer(s): Coke Daniels
Cast: Quavo, La La Anthony, Omar Dorsey, and Rockmund Dunbar
Where To Watch: Available on Prime here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Writer/director Coke Daniels takes us into the heart of Atlanta in THE WATERBOYZ. This film plunges us into the lives of Drew (Akili McDowell) and Dolo (Antwar Walker) as they stand at the crossroads of life-altering decisions. Drew is perched between his pursuit of academia and the tempting immediacy of “innocent” street hustle earnings, whereas Dolo finds satisfaction in the fleeting rewards that this life offers. This contrast sets the stage for a film investigating the socio-economic dynamics shaping their decisions.

In Atlanta—a city as much a protagonist in this narrative as Drew and Dolo—Daniels crafts a backdrop that is both a home and a battleground, reflecting the pulse of the urban lifestyle and its impact on the duo's choices. THE WATERBOYZ explores these personal and collective conflicts with a deft touch, presenting a microcosm of broader societal struggles through the lens of personal drama and friendship.

Daniels is no stranger to blending hard-hitting social commentary with gripping storytelling, and THE WATERBOYZ is no exception. The ensemble cast, including standout performances from Quavo as Lil Zoo (the antagonist of the film,) Omar Dorsey as Charles (the man who may have the answers for all the struggles,) La La Anthony as Rose (Drew’s mom), Armani Greer as Tameka (Drew’s love interest,) and many other brings authenticity to the screenplay. Their performances lend a realism to the film, capturing the essence of Atlanta's street life and the harsh realities that come with it. While many of the actors are new to filmmaking, their delivery adds an almost documentary-like feel to the film.

The film’s most significant hurdle for some will be that it feels like an ABC Afterschool Special. I felt nostalgic while watching this, so it worked perfectly for me; while the threats were real and the prices the characters paid were life-altering, it felt like a moral compass guided the film from the first voice-over. Moreover, the only real issue I have is that the development of supporting characters sometimes feels abbreviated, as if they are mere shadows within the larger story of Drew and Dolo.

While not groundbreaking, the cinematography effectively captures the vibrancy and undercurrents of tension within Atlanta, complementing the narrative without overshadowing it. This visual approach supports the storytelling, providing a realistic backdrop that enhances the film's thematic depth. This allows the film's impact to come from the story itself.

THE WATERBOYZ thoughtfully examines young individuals' difficult choices at the fringe of adulthood, set against the backdrop of urban hardships. It shows us the moments that can change a life forever—successfully balancing drama with poignant social commentary, making it a commendable addition to the landscape of films that reflect real-world issues through personal stories. It remains an engaging and reflective piece of cinema, well worth watching for its candid portrayal of life’s complexities as seen through the eyes of its protagonists.

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[photo courtesy of QUIVER DISTRIBUTION]

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