top of page

  Sing Sing
review by Bobby Blakey

Some of the most amazing stories to be told are those that happened in real life. More often than not they are hard to believe which makes them all the more engaging. The latest is Sing Sing from director Greg Kwedar starring Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, and Sean San José, and Paul Raci. Could this film’s story be something special worth witnessing or will it be a production not worth the stage?

 

Sing Sing follows Divine G, imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit, who finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men, including wary newcomer, in this stirring true story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art, starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors.

 

I have to admit when I first heard about this film, I didn’t have all that much interest outside of Domingo himself. I am so glad I sat down with it because it is so great for so many reasons in both execution and the subject matter it deals with that, I knew nothing about. I fully expected a great performance from Domingo, but this film is so much more.

 

The story is simple on the surface but learning that it is based on true events and a real program made it all the more compelling. That would have been enough to make the film interesting, but then to learn that almost all the cast are former inmates that went through the program is both mind blowing and heartwarming. Everyone in the film is fantastic with Domingo leading the charge, but it’s the supporting cast that brings it together.

 

Coleman Domingo is once again outstanding showcasing his wide range of

brilliance that continues to shine with every project. Every member of the cast gets a chance to shine and hold their own with each other. You can see passion in each of them and knowing where it came from makes each of their performances even stronger and has a powerful impact to its legacy. This is one of those films that is not only moving and powerful, but a lesson in acting from start to finish.

 

The film takes the usual prison drama and turns it on its head with the theater focus and manages to bring humor, depth, heartache, passion and love all in one place. There is no doubt this film will get even more recognition in awards, but I hope it finds the audience that it deserves.

 

Check out Sing Sing in theaters and on digital now from A24.  

© 2016 Hollywood Matrimony. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page