Talking Tribeca: Five Star

I’ve had the pleasure this year of screening a number of selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 16th-27th.

Five Star
Directed by Keith Miller
Festival Screenings

Whereas “Starred Up” is a prison movie that takes place entirely within the walls of a prison, the similarly-titled “Five Star” is one that takes place entirely on the outside. Primo (James “Primo” Grant) is an ex-con struggling to make a living for his family, balancing bouncer gigs and a drug business. The large, intimidating Primo is joined onscreen by John (John Diaz), a braces-sporting teenager inspired to become more of a tough guy after the death of the father with whom he has no relationship. Primo is a picture of the future and John of the past, two people much more linked than it might initially seem, each at opposite ends of the spectrum. Director Keith Miller’s second feature film is a stark, gritty depiction of life as it is, with no flair or showy cinematic techniques. Primo and John play characters with their own names, and at times it seems like they aren’t even acting. The film isn’t always furiously interesting, but by its end, it’s difficult to forget.

See it or skip it? See it if it sounds appealing – it might surprise you.