Sundance 2016 – Morris from America

I went into Morris from America completely blind. I had a quick synopsis and a cast of relative no names, save for Craig Robinson. This was probably the best thing I could have done for this film. Morris from America is a fresh and fun coming of age film with a new twist on old tropes and a great soundtrack.

Morris (Markees Christmas) is a hip-hop loving thirteen year old living in Germany with his father Curtis (Craig Robinson).  Morris is trying to adjust to his new life in Germany while also growing up at such an awkward age.  Everything changes when Morris meets Katrin (Lina Keller), a fifteen year old who likes to party and hates her mother.  As Morris and Katrin’s relationship grows stronger, Morris begins to learn more about life, love, and himself.

Markees Christmas, in his debut film performance, is wonderful as Morris.  From his freestyles to his conversations with his dad, we buy that Markees is this bright eyed but naive thirteen year old.  He’s funny, sweet, and innocent and carries the movie.  Keller, who’s Katrin could have been a very infuriating character, adds a charm that makes you still like her even if she isn’t the best for Morris.  And Craig Robinson is simply perfect as Curtis.  Robinson, known for raunchier comedies like The Pineapple Express (2008) and This is the End (2013), gives a more straight-laced performance, but also brings plenty of laughs.  He’s a cool dad, but wants the best for his son and understands the situation he has put Morris in.  He also gives a very impressive, single-take monolog that really ties the movie together at the end.  It’s a great performance and could be a game-changer in Robinson’s career.

This movie reminded me a lot of 2015’s Sundance hit Dope.  Writer/director Chad Hartigan takes a standard fish-out-of-water coming of age story and flips it to make it feel fresh and original.  He balances the comedy and drama perfectly without succumbing to too much drama.  The hip-hop and Euro-techno soundtrack is also great and one I would listen to on a consistent bases.

Thanks to a smart script, terrific cast, and great soundtrack, Morris from America is a film of pure enjoyment.  For a film that I had limited knowledge of going in, this surpassed any and all expectations and I will take that everyday.

MY RATING – 3/4

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