Son of the South (2020) Movie Drinking Game
Do a Shot: every time Bob is assaulted.
Take a Drink: every time Bob is insulted.
Do a Shot: every time we get to see John Lewis (R.I.P.)
Do a Shot: every time a white person does something evil.
By: Movie Snurb (Three Beers) –
Son of the South is a new film by Spike Lee’s longtime editor Barry Alexander Brown and produced by Spike Lee. It tells the true story of Robert (Bob) Zellner. Based on Bob’s autobiography The Wrong Side of Murder Creek, it tells the story of Bob Zellner who had just graduated college in 1961 Alabama. He becomes embroiled in the Civil Rights movement. His grandfather is a Klansmen, but he decides to go against his family and choose to fight for what is right and for equality. Because as Rosa Parks tells him, “Not choosing is a choice.”
A Toast
The performances are solid all around. Brain Dennehy gives a good performance in one of his final roles before his passing in April of 2020. I really liked Lex Scott Davis as Joanne and the love interest to Bob. She commands the screen and steals it entirely in several scenes she is in. Already boasting a solid filmography, she has a bright future ahead. Lastly, Lucas Till does well to lead the film. The last thing I think I saw him in was as Golden Arm in an episode of Blue Mountain State. So I wasn’t sure how he’d do as a lead. I’m sure he’s lead other things and I know he’s the star of the reboot of MacGyver, but I just haven’t seen it. Till and Davis have excellent chemistry which really helps to drive the film.
Their chemistry can also be attributed to the dialogue in the script. The film is genuinely funny. For subject matter which can be heavy and sad (at times you will cry in this film), it has a quick wit. The funny one-liners and great chemistry help this film to go down smooth. It’s a breezy 105 minutes and that’s a tribute to the script and the acting and chemistry of the two leads.
Beer Two
For as enjoyable of a watch as it is, it’s all surface level. There’s no character development; not to say no one changes, but kind of. We don’t get to know any characters on a deeper level other than this is this person, here’s what they do, ok, that’s all you need to know. Lucy Hale, who is one of the top billed in the film, is barely in the movie. We didn’t even need her character in the film. Her role feels like forced emotional manipulation. She leaves when he decides to join the Freedom Riders. It’s like they were trying to really hammer home what he was sacrificing. It just felt contrived.
Beer Three
Speaking of contrived, the relationship between Bob and Joanne felt very much so. Instead of spending time on this relationship which may or may not have been real (they don’t say at the end), they could’ve spent more time giving their characters depth. I did love their chemistry, but it felt like a studio note “Joanne should fall for Bob; the audience loves a romance.”
The real Bob Zellner
Verdict
I did enjoy this film, however, it’s not as memorable as it could be. It was alright but it could’ve been better. Still, this one is worth a watch.
