Against the Grain (2012) Reviews

• Excellent movie

  gmeads2014-01-14

  One of the best movies I have ever seen. The characters were very well developed. It is very engaging and the time went by very quickly. Even though I am different from the actors in age, race, education, economics, etc., I identified with the characters because of the universal emotions so well portrayed. This movie should be shown in all high schools to show students what is possible and encourage those struggling to meet their goals. Especially it should be shown to young black males and any student about to give up and drop out. As a resident of Oakland, I can testify that the scenes presented are very realistic. This film deserves the "best of show" and ""audience favorite" awards it has won in many film festivals.

• Great inspiration!

  chunkie02014-01-26

  Great film. Uplifting. Finally a film that does not depict every African American as a thug. Must watch for anyone needing that Rocky film type of inspiration. Very straight forward film, and to the point. The main characters are not big names but they will be some day. Favorite scene is when they are all sitting around talking bout new student Anthony joining college. Favorite new actress Amaris Davidson Comedy relief Darryl Dunning. I think the director of this film did a great job exposing some of the stereotypes that are in place today in the African American community. Going off to college is usually viewed as selling out or trying to be better then the rest. I experienced some of the same situations growing up in the inner city. Anyway a must watch for all.

• YOU GOT TO PLAY THEIR GAME

  nogodnomasters2019-04-09

  Isaiah (Vaughn Wilkinson) is from Oakland and is Berkley bound. He is going to study to be a neurosurgeon. His mom has had brain cancer for a few years now. While at school, he gets in trouble due to his home boys coming to visit and ends up on probation. He needs the help of a tutor to maintain his grades, a well to do woman (Amaris Davidson). His roommate is the stereotypical white guy from Orange Co. (David Coe). The message of the film is just great. In order for the black man to succeed, he must play the white man's game, same message of "Life of a King." However in this film, it hits on nearly every racial stereotypical cliche and does so rather poorly. I found myself groaning from time to time as the white man asked, "What sport do you play?" The acting approached that of a high school drama. The film was written, produced, directed, and edited by Elias Mael who tried to cram too much into 90 minutes making the message far too overt. I would recommend "Life of a King" over this production. Parental Guide: F-bombs. No sex or nudity.

• Inspiring Story!

  info-908-5520102014-01-27

  One of the most authentic movies I've seen in a long time. No frame is wasted. Every single moment is important. You don't want to look away even for one second. The story pulls you in immediately, and keeps you glued to your seat. The characters are very believable and constructed with the greatest detail. They all have a story, a great character arch that makes you know who they are by the end of the movie. Although mostly a black cast (up and coming actors), this is a universal story many can relate to. The girl playing Nicolette (the main love interest, Nicolette Davidson) is a star in the making. And the writer-director-producer-editor (Elias Mael, who was apparently only 22 years old when he made the movie) is very promising with a bright future. I recommend this movie to anyone looking to watch a great movie about reaching your dreams in life. It has drama, romance, funny moments, and everything you want in a story. And the hour and half run time flies by. I didn't want it to end.