Movie Review: MUSICS SON

On Saturday, January 14, 2012, MUSICS SON premiered at the Genessee theatre in Waukegan, IL.  This movie was an original idea from the mind of local writer, director, producer, and actor Cornell Ford.

 

The film MUSICS SON is the story of a family torn apart by tragedy.   Our main character, (played to the fullest by Brandon McGrew), Monte' Ethan witnesses the death of his mother as a young boy and grows into a bitter young black male.  All the social pitfalls & traps that all young black males face within the black community become the reality of Monte' as he grows into a man without the love of his mother and the respect for his father. 

 

Cornell Ford is brilliant as the broken spirited alcoholic Lamar Ethan (aka Money Music), Monte's father.   The death of his wife (played by Sparkle Motion), makes his life spin out of control with guilt, and the loss of his own self respect as well as the respect of his son who blames him for the death of his mother.  While events unfold to determine the course of this young man's life, there is a understory that must be acknowledged.

 

The setting of this tale is North Chicago, Illinois.   It is rare for our community to see our reality rendered in film so boldly and eloquently.  There are many that doubt that NOGO has anything going for it.  But the talent is here and so is the heart.  And yes there is crime, and there are drugs and scandals and even police brutality.  But, North Chicago is also full of hard working legal hustlers, and these are people who are decent and are good.  They pay their taxes and they vote.  They have dreams and aspirations.  In North Chicago, most people want the same thing:  to live in peace, and enjoy the fruits of their own labor.

 

 

It is through strength of character and the love of a good woman (played by Andrea Campbell) that we see a change in Monte' Ethan for the better.   And the viewer learns that while it may be too late for others, as long as there is life there is hope.  No matter what a person's circumstances are they can rise above it.   By the end of the film, the street life doesn't claim Money Music's Son because he mans up and makes up his own mind to walk a knew path. 

 

 I looked forward to seeing the rise of Cornell Ford.  He has put a human face on the reality of North Chicago life.  And that's whats up.