Our Song Movie Review 2001

Not your average teen drama. McKay's second dramatic feature concerning the troubled lives of adolescent girls faced with tough choices is a quietly affecting, poetic and solid effort. First-time actors Washington, Simpson and Martinez bring poignancy and realism to their roles as high school friends living in the Brooklyn projects and rehearsing for a marching band competition. The expected issues are present, but the film's treatment of them is what makes it unique. Bold in its way of forgoing major plot drama in favor of finding powerful moments in small places and offering food for thought. Real-life marching band the Jackie Robinson Steppers, who were the inspiration for the film, provide a focal point for the story and punch to the mostly languid pacing.

Distribution

MGM Home Entertainment, 2500 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90404-6061, Phone: (310)449-3000, Fax: (310)449-3100, URL: http://www.mgmhomevideo.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 96 minutes.
Originally from United States.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Teen Angst, Female Bonding, New York, New York, African America, Pregnant Pauses, Hispanic America

Screenplay

Jim McKay

Cast

Kerry Washington, Anna Simpson, Melissa Martinez, Marlene Forte, Rosalyn Coleman, Ray Anthony Thomas, D'Monroe, Kim Howard, Carmen Lopez

Cinematography

Jim Denault

Director

Jim McKay

Other

Jan McLaughlin, Julie Panebianco, Alex Hall, Tiel Roman

Producer

Jim McKay, Paul Mezey, Diana E. Williams, C-Hundred Film Corporation, Beech Hill Films, Journeyman Pictures, IFC Films