Review of Morris from America (2016) by Phillip D — 21 Aug 2016

In a world of cloyingly long coming of age films such as the criminally overhyped and ultra angst-y Boyhood, Morris From America stands out as comparably light and easy fare that effectively delivers thoughtful tones in a brisk 90 minute narrative that avoids sinking itself on the type of grandstanding that halted Boyhood in its tracks.

Christmas is a great find here, playing a sort of Kevin McAllister meets August Rush type character who brings a real gravity to each scene. When Morris falls, we fall too and that's what makes this young actor someone to watch.

Craig Robinson has had a sad career thus far, serving as the African American comedy sidekick in nearly every film so far (most of which have been rotten). Not only is it good to see him get a leading role but it's also nice to see him dial back the raunchy humor and settle into something more serious.

He does a good job here, playing a struggling parent well. I hope to see him in more films like this and less of Rogen's trash heap. Overall, Morris From America is a unique, touching and well crafted coming of age tale that subverts many of the genre expectations and delivers both African American lead roles and a fantastic hip-hop based soundtrack.

I'll take whatever Hartigan is serving next.