Promise in Imperfections

Read Time:3 Minute, 54 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Malcolm
–

Genre: Crime, Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 11m
Director(s): Johnny Ray Jr., Chadrick Whitmire
Writer(s): Alex Javo. Chadrick Whitmire
Cast: Alex Javo, Willie Davis IV, Joel Rogers, Daniel C. Myers, John Covert, Aiden Moua
Where To Watch: Stream for free here at www.reveel.net, or coming to Prime Video and select theaters on October 27, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Step into the cinematic sandbox of the film MALCOLM, a film that blends raw indie flair and unique energy. It's akin to when you stumble across a garage band brimming with potential, even if they miss a note or two. There is a good story hidden under all of this, but it’s hard to see, and while there’s passion from the cast and crew, the film is still without many redeeming qualities.

Alex Javo’s portrayal of Michael is a real scene-stealer. Imagine a world where Michael is wrestling with the shadows of his past, with every step diving deeper into this self-contained torment. And when you think you've got a grip on his psyche, out pops Malcolm, his more questionable alternate personality. While the essence of Javo’s performance offers a tantalizing taste of talent, there are moments when it feels like he's borrowed a page from the overdone clichés cookbook.

When you dig into the storyline of MALCOLM, it’s reminiscent of a dance where the choreography keeps you guessing. One moment, Michael is maneuvering through life's typical maze; the next, he's neck-deep in internal warfare. And just as you catch the rhythm, MALCOLM tosses in a flashback or two, like surprise dance breaks, leaving you scrambling to find your footing. Oh, and that unexpected twist of weaving in family issues as well? Think of it as that surprise salsa number in the middle of a waltz evening.

From a technical standpoint, it seems like MALCOLM’s crew was handed a camera and an ambitious dream. Sure, there are moments when the sound might go off-key or the visuals remind you of a trendy video blog rather than an epic movie saga. But that’s the thrill of indie cinema, isn’t it? The unpredictability of it all.

If you're someone who thrills in the raw pulse of indie spirit, MALCOLM is your ticket to cinematic nirvana. Beyond its cinematic bumps, it boasts an authenticity rare in today’s digital age. It’s not just another slot on a movie marathon list; you can tell the heart was there, even if the know-how and technical skills weren’t.

So, what’s with the final scene? I don’t even know how to describe it, and I don’t know how or why someone thought introducing this entirely out-of-nowhere scene was needed; it was unpleasant and not just in a shocking way. I knocked a half point off of the review precisely because I battled with myself, but the pure disgust and fact it didn’t fit with the rest of the film was too much to overlook.

MALCOLM, with its indie heartbeat, might have some trips and stumbles. Yet, with some narrative fine-tuning, a dash more of character revelation, and a touch of technical magic (coloring, sound, and editing,) it has quite a bit of promise for where its cast and crew may be headed. Its quirks and imperfections? Well, those are just glimpses into the fascinating world of indie creation.

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of CHADRICK WHITMIRE FILMS]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA 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.

#SAGAFTRA #WGA #SAGAFTRAStrong #WGAStrong