Writer-director Storm Saulter’s “Sprinter” jogs along a predictable path, but makes a mad dash straight for the audience’s gut right before the finish line. While the narrative about a Rastafarian runner’s star on the rise blessedly doesn’t utilize emotionally manipulative devices or contrivance to make its sentiments heard, it generically adheres to the sports movie playbook. The hero’s meteoric ascent, fall from grace, and inevitable comeback is a formula that’s been done before. However, setting it against the backdrop of real social issues like immigration and the lack of local economic opportunity enhances the immediacy. It’s heartfelt in its delivery, but not a totally unique offering.
Akeem Sharp (Dale Elliot) was dealt a major blow early on when his mother Donna (Lorraine Toussaint) left Jamaica to find work in the United States to help support their family. Her stay was only supposed to last two years,...
Akeem Sharp (Dale Elliot) was dealt a major blow early on when his mother Donna (Lorraine Toussaint) left Jamaica to find work in the United States to help support their family. Her stay was only supposed to last two years,...
- 4/26/2019
- by Courtney Howard
- Variety Film + TV
"They're calling this young man the Rasta Rocket!" FilmRise has debuted the official trailer for an indie sports drama titled Sprinter, from Jamaican director Storm Saulter (Better Mus' Come). This premiered at the American Black Film Festival and is getting a VOD this spring, for who those who want to check it out. Sprinter is about a talented Rastafarian teenager in Philadelphia who hopes to qualify for the national youth track team for the World Youth Championships. Newcomer Dale Elliott stars as Akeem Sharp, who is set to be Jamaica's next big track-and-field sensation. Real-life Jamaican track sensation Usain Bolt makes an appearance as well, of course. The film also stars Lorrain Toussaint, Kadeem Wilson, Dennis Titus, Shantol Jackson, Bryshere Y. Gray, and David Alan Grier. Featuring songs by Ne-yo and Jamaican dancehall performer Shenseea. Executive produced by Jada & Will Smith, and Richard Jefferson. See below. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Storm Saulter's Sprinter,...
- 4/9/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
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