Red, White and Blue (2020) Movie Drinking Game
Do a Shot: for every moment of Racism.
Do a Shot: for every outburst of anger.
Take a Drink: for every moment of Police Abuse of power or Police violence
Take a Drink: for every shot held on characters with no dialogue.
By: Movie Snurb (Two Beers) –
This is the third film in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe series. It tells the true story of Leroy Logan, a man who had a doctorate and was a forensic scientist. He always felt a calling to join the police force and help affect change through the inside. After his father is beaten by police and falsely charged with several offenses, Leroy can no longer stand by. He joins the force to help bring an end to police racism and bring better relations between the police and the community.
A Toast
Again, McQueen’s direction is the standout in this film. His ability to convey emotion without people screaming what they are feeling is a sign of a great storyteller. There are several scenes where the camera holds on a shot and lets it sink in. It’s reminiscent of the hanging scene in his prior film 12 Years a Slave. In that film it’s for a horrific effect; he wants you to see the brutality of what is happening. In this film, it’s for emotional weight. He lets the camera sit on the scene so the audience can feel the emotional weight of what is happening. It’s a simple trick that isn’t always easy to pull off, but McQueen does this superbly.
John Boyega is excellent as Leroy Logan. Everything I’ve seen him in he is great. I hope since the latest Star Wars trilogy is done that he goes on to do more interesting and challenging work. Not that Star Wars isn’t emotional or challenging, but he can find juicier roles in more independent works. He brings a certain quiet rage in this role that is constantly bubbling under the surface. You can tell he is unhappy in his work, simply by his facial expression and body language. His anger burst out a few times, but it never feels too much; after seeing him simmer for almost 80 minutes it is warranted.
Beer Two
John Boyega is excellent, but a couple other actors in the film really dial it up. It’s not so bad that it ever feels melodramatic, and I’ve never experienced what these characters do, but some of the performances of the characters when they get angry is a lot. There are other quieter scenes that really elevate the film. But through all of McQueen’s works these really stick out as a lot.
Verdict
Red, White and Blue is a great story bolstered by a great lead performance by Boyega. However, it does have the weight of Mangrove, and it is not a fun romp like Lovers Rock. It’s definitely worth a watch, but doesn’t reach the heights of McQueen’s first two films in Small Axe.
