All I can really think to say about Concrete Cowboy is: wow.
Ok, maybe I can say a little more about it, otherwise I wouldn't be writing a review. This movie was incredible, and with no time to waste, let's get right into it. (Some spoilers ahead)
Caleb McLaughlin absolutely shines in Concrete Cowboy, playing the oft-troubled Coltrane (Cole), as he is forced by his mother to move in with his father, Harp (played by Idris Elba), in Philadelphia after being expelled from yet another school in Detroit. What happens from here is a side of life too few people are willing to recognize exists, and too many are forced to live.
Here's my blunt truth to all of this: I'm your average suburban white guy (hence the name Avg Sean Media) that has never had to go through any of the life experiences depicted in Concrete Cowboy; so can I relate to anything going on? No. Does that take anything away from my experience with the movie, or for that matter should it take away from anyone who hasn't shared the same experiences as the characters in the movie? Hell no. It's a fantastic piece of cinema no matter how you look at it, and it's unfortunate I have to preface things like this, but I know how the world works.
The Good:
1. It's really hard to break this down and not just generalize it and say everything. That's probably what I love most about this movie.
2. It's real. The stories told in this movie are real. From Harp's past leading him to the man he is today, Smush's tragic ending to a story ready to be fill you with hope, to Cole's growth as a person through the positive influence of those around him. Also, a lot of the characters are played by real members of the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, which adds an extra element of legitimacy to what's being portrayed.
*While the movie may have been based off of a book, Ghetto Cowboy by Greg Neri, I would not be shocked if the actors who were essentially playing themselves got to pick their own lines, tell their own stories and more because they actually lived it. Yes, this is categorized as a drama, but I could absolutely believe it if someone told me this was also part documentary.
3. The movie shows what communities can be when you let them be just that. Too much time is spent by people forcing their wants/desires/perceived morals onto others; this is sadly an idea that goes as far back as the beginning of time too, so don't treat this as a new concept. I can't say I'm surprised that at one of Cole's breaking points, the man spearheading the repossession of the Fletcher Street horses is an overweight white guy. It's an all too appropriate metaphor for real life. From the crusades, to slavery, to modern day politics, it's just reality. Now, the depressing part aside, the strength of the Fletcher Street Cowboys to stay together, and to pick Cole up when he wasn't emotionally prepared to handle everything that was happening shows the beauty the world can bring despite all the crap that comes with it too. Things would probably be a lot better if we could just get better at letting people do their own thing and be comfortable knowing we'll have some differences from each other.
4. Anything with Idris Elba and Method Man is bound to catch my attention. See: The Wire
The Problematic
1. Google Maps has the drive time from Detroit to Philadelphia as just a hair over 9 hours. This isn't including stopping for gas, the bathroom, food, etc. So Unless Cole's mom was averaging 90mph during their drive to Harp's home, I find it hard to believe she made it there in one night. But, if this is the only problem I can find... I don't have any real problems.
Rating:
4.9/5 Stars. Must watch. Only reason it's not 5/5 is because I'm not sure what I would consider a 5 so I'm hesitant to go that far right now. In the end I'd probably call it a 5 though.
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