Written and directed by Marcellus Cox, a talented High School MLB prospect spends the day with his new mentor from the Big Brothers of America Program. Starring: Duane Ervin, Stephen Cofield Jr. and Ruthie Austin.
Sadly, with the state of the world as it is, and has been for a very long time, even purely reading the title of Jamarcus Rose & Da 5 Bullet Holes, you have a clear idea of where this is headed. That inevitability adds an immediate weight to the atmosphere, which Marcellus Cox then balances with the youthfulness of Jamarcus (Duane Ervin) and the kind, positive relationship that he has with both his grandmother (Ruthie Austin) and his mentor (Stephen Cofield Jr.) to add further depth. Cox uses the knowledge that his audience will comprehend the situation to keep the plot relatively simple, letting the emotion add its layers and intricacies.
Those choices give Jamarcus Rose & Da 5 Bullet Holes a quiet focus and a gentleness. Nicely reflecting the great impact which having role models and supportive people in your life can have. There’s a compellingly natural tone, and the progression has a strongly smooth flow. The direction takes a little bit of time to settle in, the opening scenes have a touch too much movement but as the characters get outdoors, the style and aesthetic find their footing. There’s a great colouring, and it’s supported by a score that feels pulled from the classic sports underdog playbook which works really well.
Duane Ervin really captures that mix of youthful over-confidence and naivety, classic male teen attributes, alongside his passion for baseball and appreciative side, even if the latter has to be nudged out of him slightly. He builds that quintessential persona where he may be a little cheeky or disrespectful at times, but at heart he’s a good kid. Ervin’s performance really improves as he stars opposite Stephen Cofield Jr.’s Jasper. Cofield really shines here, he gives a generous, kind, compassionate performance, he has an engaging, impactful presence and the connection he creates with Ervin creates the resounding heart of Jamarcus Rose & Da 5 Bullet Holes.
The two of them build this strong, touching core so when the ending approaches, it feels as though instead of accenting that with the expected harsh blow, Cox employs a lighter hand. It strays into emotional territory and can move quite slowly, drawing out the moment. With it being such a key scene, it’s surprising not to see it dealt with in a cleaner, precise manner. Having that mutual understanding with the audience, it feels like it could have delivered a sharp, quick punch and didn’t need to spend too much time in that moment. It works and you can see the intention to portray the emotional damage and cycle of unnecessary violence, it simply doesn’t feel like the most effective choice tonally.
Jamarcus Rose & Da 5 Bullet Holes is a devastatingly familiar tale, handled with tenderness to focus on the relationships and community, not the violence. Duane Ervin and Stephen Cofield Jr. create a moving connection, Cofield’s presence is warm, wise and kind. Marcellus Cox’s direction strengthens as the film progresses, employing a great mix of wider and intimate shots, creating a personal story while appreciating that sports influence. It feels as though the ending slows things down a touch too far, not quite finishing with a sharp shock, instead softening the tone in such a difficult moment which was an unexpected choice. However, it’s nonetheless a meaningful, thoughtful short with a poignant message.
FilmCarnage.com 