- Actors: Craig Robinson, Markees Christmas
- Director: Chad Hartigan
- Format: NTSC, Widescreen
- Language: English
- Region: Region A/1
- Number of discs: 1
- Rated: R
- Studio: Lionsgate
- Release Date: November 8, 2016
- Run Time: 91 minutes
Coming of age
narratives are in wide supply within the film industry, and in that sense there
is very little revolutionary about Morris
from America despite its unique setting. What helps this films stand out
from a plethora of others is the depiction of a father/son relationship. Even
if that dynamic itself isn’t original, the warmth and honesty of the portrayal
makes enough of a crowd pleaser to forgive some of script’s familiarity.
The film
displays the typical struggles of a 13-year-old boy in the exploits of the
title character, Morris (Markees Christmas); navigating his way through a crush
on an older girl, fighting against the bullying by a popular kid, and
difficulties communicating with parental figures. The biggest difference
between this film and any number of other is the unusual setting of Heidelberg, Germany.
Not only must Morris deal with the usual teenage melodrama, he is also
something of an automatic outcast due to both his nationality and his race.
After the
untimely death of his mother, Morris’ father (Craig Robinson) relocates them to
the small city in Germany.
This is one of the worst places that Morris can imagine being, especially as an
aspiring hip-hop artist amidst a culture that only seems to appreciate EDM. This
difference in cultural interests only further highlights the differences in
outward appearance, as Morris also appears to be the only black kid in the
neighborhood. In an effort to get him more excited about their unfortunate
situation, Morris’ father suggests he join a summer program for kids. While
this situation proves to be more trouble than it is worth due to unfortunate
stereotyping and bigoted behavior, it does provide the opportunity for Morris
to meet his first crush.
15-year-old
Katrin (Lina Keller) proves herself just as ignorant as the other locals when
it comes to assumptions about Morris based upon his race, but she also treats
him with a modicum of kindness. This comes after she uses his race to frighten
her mother into thinking Morris is her new boyfriend, and after an incident
where Katrin joins the bullies in an embarrassing him with a prank, but she is
easily forgiven, as most pretty young girls are. Morris finds himself motivated
by his new feelings for Katrin, giving him the courage to be creatively
adventurous and to take all kinds of other bold risks.
If the
relationship between Katrin and Morris is fittingly frustrating, as most early
romantic feelings tend to be, the dynamic between him and his father is where
the heart of the film actually lies. Even though the film does tend to focus on
Morris, we are given some insight into similar struggles his father is having.
And the scenes showing the dynamic between the two of them make the film come
alive with some of the best writing and clearest chemistry between actors.
The Blu-ray
release of Morris from America comes
with a Digital HD copy of the film, along with a selection of extras included
on the disc. Along with a generic making-of featurette and a commentary track
with director Chad Hartigan joined by his two lead actors, there is also an
assortment of extra footage. There are deleted scenes, a blooper reel, and even
casting tapes for select actors.
Entertainment Value:
8.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8/10
Historical
Significance: 7/10
Special Features: 7/10
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