I have the privilege of knowing director Cory Bowles, seeing his previous short films, I knew this was going to be awesome. I will say, I am in this movie in the background so, I am a bit biased.. ha, but it is an amazing film that really sheds a look into how systemic racism is so intertwined in modern society, that we very often don't perceive it. The way I could get an after school job easier than the black kids I went to school with.. or more relevant to the film.. I never thought so much as how easy it is for me to walk up the street to the corner store after dark without fear of being harassed by the police. Whereas a young black male walking to the corner store at night HAS to worry about being thrown in jail simply for how he looks. I was a small town hoodlum myself, pulled over many times by police while we were up to no good and were let off with a simple "you boys get home now" or such. While my black friend once called the police on a suspect breaking into his neighbours house only to have the police cuff him and detain him. So the insight of a black police officer who's frustrations have pushed him to the brink, should be a completely understandable situation, albeit, satirical.. I like to believe no black police officers would ever do such a thing.
This is also a great ride.. fun edge of your seat confrontations, beautiful locations and some great little witty jokes. I left the theatre wanting to see it again, and again. I think if you want to see it and feel the emotional impact of it, you totally can, and if you want to see a cool dramatic action movie.. it's that too.
Ronnie Rowe Jr. is a great guy. I met him on set and he just bursts with positivity.. I've since kept in touch with him and watching his star rise high with spots on the new Star Trek and BETVs In Contempt. Cory's a top notch artist in so many fields, and a very inspiring, hard working and enlightened person. I've always said.. " After I see a Cory Bowles film, I always go home and rethink my life somehow!"
Review of Black Cop
