Sugar (2013) Reviews

• Each of us have troubling things in our past and present, but for some it is better to run away, even if it means being on the streets, than face those troubles head on.

  Amari-Sali2014-06-04

  After seeing Gimme Shelter with Vanessa Hudgens, I was quite surprised to see fellow Wildcat Corbin Bleu had also filmed a movie in which he played someone with a history of being homeless/ mental illness. And while I learned he didn't have a prominent role in Sugar as I would hope, I did find myself quite entertained. How and why? Well, that is below. Characters & Story We begin by being introduced to this young lady named Sugar (Shenae Grimes) who has been living on the streets of Venice, Los Angeles, CA for around 2+ years. Like most of the characters in the movie, she isn't fond of talking about her life before she lived on the streets, and seems to find that anything associated with her past to be a big enough trigger that it makes her either unable to function, or makes her feel the need to run away from whatever location which initiated the trigger. Luckily for her though, she has quite a community to take her mind off the past and even the struggles of the present. Be it her boyfriend Marshall (Marshall Allman); this kid name Ronnie (Austin Williams), who is like a surrogate little brother to her; as well as this former homeless man, and now youth shelter counselor, Bishop (Wes Studi). All of these characters, and many more, try to help Sugar be in a good mental place, or at the very least make surviving a little less of a challenge. Naturally though, with a cast featuring those with PTSD, those who escaped abusive situations, possible drug addicts, and even those with possible mental illnesses, it isn't just a bunch of kids living freely on the streets. There is an attempt at giving homeless youths a face and background. Trying to have the watcher remember that these are people who may have dreams and aspirations, but just don't have the financial support they need to really pursue them. Making for an overall interesting story based off the director's own experience with homelessness. Praise Perhaps the grandest praise I can give to a film is wishing it was a series. A few years back MTV tried to adapt UK hit show Skins, and for the most part failed. To me, with some adjustments, I think this movie could have done much better under the Skins banner. For while no one seems to be going to school, everyone pretty much is on the brink of adulthood and just imagining the episodes which could feature Sugar's past with her family; Marshall's as a young Mormon; Ronnie's in a foster home; Sketch's (Corbin Bleu) wherever he may have been; and then of course Bishop's past and etc., I think the story crafted could have really had the essence of Skins, used their focus on one character per episode format, and possibly flourished. And I mostly say this because quite honestly I feel like the characters were well done. They all had some sort of flaw, but with their creation of a community, of which some members get along better than others, you can see potential for a pilot. Though, I must admit, amongst them I don't really think there is any true standout, even though Grimes' character is the lead for the movie. Criticism One of the major obstacles I faced watching this film was my preconceived notions. From wonder how do most of the homeless kids look clean; Why do their clothes look fresh; How does Sugar own a functioning iPod, much less where does she charge it; How did Sketch find his living arrangements, and who lets him stay there? These questions made me skeptical and my own ignorance made me forget that just because someone is homeless, it doesn't mean they aren't resourceful, much less came from an impoverished environment. However, perhaps the other major problem with the film is that there is a lack of diverse speaking roles. In total, including Bishop, I believe only three to four people of color were given speaking roles, and I found that so strange. Plus, considering how many people who are trans or homosexual are homeless, and likely would be in the area Sugar is in, I found it weird they weren't included. But perhaps the biggest issue was with no character wanting to dive into their past too much, all we get presented is their present which has them skateboarding all day, never really being harassed, and pretty much presenting a life in which it seems the only issue any of the kids may have is finding food. Of which they can steal or get from a shelter. Thus making what is probably a difficult experience seem to not have the weight it should. Overall: TV Viewing With it being a little difficult to connect with the characters and story, for varied reasons, I feel the TV Viewing label is appropriate. For while it is definitely interesting, and the director's background lends the story authenticity, I must admit that my own preconceived notions sort of made the plot seem dull. There isn't much in the way of struggle shown, outside of being homeless; and despite all the bad things Sugar talks about happening, we are never invited to see the dark side of things. Yes, it is hinted at, but never exposed. Thus making Sugar a film which has potential, but with the assumption that the director didn't want to exploit the stories of those he knew, but more so wanted to show a sort of "our lives aren't exactly what you think they are," he created a production which maybe authentic to his life and experiences, but overall doesn't have the weight of the situation that is implied or warranted.

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• Somewhat Saccharine POV

  GeoPierpont2015-04-10

  I was motivated to view this film to resonate with a personal experience attempting a rescue of a young adult from this situation. Talking to many helpful folks in area, who take their care seriously, it appears to be a very supportive environment. However, when you travel through these streets and see how dire the living conditions are, the appearance of these kids all dirt, grime, and resigned to their fate, this film lacks such perspective. For in this production you see much humor, camaraderie, hip clothes, and an ambiance that defies a bare minimum existence. I think the constant negative response to someone trying to help, be it a counselor who has been there or a boyfriend who cares, becomes tiresome time after time. If that individual is so well versed at crafting a new existence, deception becomes their greatest and most profound ally. Going deep inside and making believe is a survival instinct that most of us experienced with great trauma are accustomed. I think the treatment of the process of healing is never dealt with properly. Sometimes the can of worms in Pandora's box is overwhelming and best dealt with in obsequious methods. Simply having a family member showing up, convincing it's time to come home and addressing them by their real name is likely ineffective. Who recovers from this experience? Someone very lucky indeed who has the mental and emotional capacity to appreciate help. They still long for the anonymity and free style lack of accounting, but life is pretty much a trade-off for security. High recommend for those who might interact with Venice homeless and decide that spare change for food is most appreciated.

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• A great indie film that touches the heart

  svenjergensen2017-03-14

  I created an account just so I could review this film. I think this is one of the best low budget indie films I have ever seen. It really highlights a problem that most people want to turn a blind eye to. Furthermore it has many different characters that show the wide range of circumstances that lead to youth homelessness. This movie is one of those hidden gems that you stumble on, and it leaves you thinking for some time. The story was very interesting. Most the time when I watch a movie with a "broken" character I find things to be really cliché, but Sugar is actually quite sympathetic. Her checkered past is slowly revealed and it really shows that the filmmakers didn't want to cram anything down your throat. A great performance by We Studi as well. He is a very believable social worker; not too pushy but still firm with the homeless kids. Overall I think it is worth your time to check out this movie. Great plot, interesting characters, and does something I've never seen in a movie before.

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