Crown Heights
As a young man Colin Warner (Lakeith Stanfield) is wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for murder in a troubled Brooklyn neighborhood. Nearly broken by the system Colin’s life is taken away for over 20 years; meanwhile, best friend Anthony (Luke Forbes) commits his own energies to freeing Colin, a Sysiphean tale if there ever was one. Will the system ever be brought to justice and will Colin ever find his freedom?
Written and Directed by Matt Ruskin, this procedural story based on true events works as a relevant conversation piece to the current discussions on racial inequalities in the U.S.. Slow and sparse in its delivery this grinding 94 minutes hammers home a solemn tone to keep audiences engaged enough to watch and follow this slow burning tire fire from start to finish. Furthermore, a knock out performance from Stanfield and quality effort from Forbes both work to keep the nose up on this film to deliver the goods without overstaying their welcome. Worthwhile for the historical and educational impacts alone, Crown Heights is rated R.