While it delivers on that premise, it does so with the approach of an after-school special.
What Is ‘Rob Peace’ About?
See,Skeet can be both considerate and traumatizing to his son.
Image via Republic Pictures
In the very next scene, he receives a life sentence for double murder.
Skeet is shown as selfish, prioritizing his own freedom over Rob’s future.
Rob chooses to cut corners even when there are legitimate alternatives to raise funds.
The story of an inner-city Newark kid who attends Yale yet ultimately succumbs to harsh economic realities and the demons of his past.
Even the bit roles are handled with unusual care, truly cementing Ejiofor as an actors' director.
That said,Will’s voiceover narration throughout is inexplicably static and unemotive.
It shows that storytelling is what Ejiofor struggles with.
The actor-turned-writer-director is hyper-attuned to cultural currents but lacks the finesse to bring them to bear.
Ejiofor’s thoughtful observations on Rob’s circumstances are scattered throughout.
Ordinarily a simple accommodation not requiring a second thought, in this instance Rob’s identification is demanded.
Similarly, a graduate student happening upon Rob doing research in a lab wants him to state his business.
Conversely, nobody bats an eye when Rob assumes the role of resident dope dealer.
He enters his junior year at Yale at precisely the one-hour mark.
Storytelling shouldn’t be reduced to such a rote formula.
The most glaring flaw has to beJeff Russo’s mawkish score.
The music imbues an overall sense of dread.
Image via Republic Pictures
Even the occasional Layzie Bone andLudacrison the soundtrack doesn’t liven things up in the slightest.
Yes, Peace had a tough life, but he also had hard-fought wins worth celebrating.
Rob Peacecomes to theaters in U.S. theaters on August 16.
Click below for showtimes near you.
