To Be King

I saw the cast and crew movie screening this past weekend (06/04/11) and this movie is great! I did not read the initial script but I did work on bits and pieces of this film with Steve Rahaman. After seeing the final product, I was amazed by the quality of this film especially since it was done on a limited budget. Safia hit the nail on the head in her comment when she said "To Be King is more than just a boxing film". If you think this is your typical rags to riches movie, you're in for a surprise. SR manages to build the main characters so that you can feel the emotions they're going through and also creates a story that allows you to empathize with the character. Well timed comedy adds to this movie that already has drama and action. Job well done Mr. Rahaman.

I was honored to be a part of the first screening of "To Be King" on 7/7/11. As always Steve did an amazing job. To incorporate a little bit of everyday life with action, drama, love and suspense, takes real talent and this is what this movie was about. It was not all about boxing as you would expect it to be. It's about one man's struggle with life, decisions, temptations, and sacrifice. I really loved this movie because it was very touching and emotional and at the same time it made you laugh and kept you at the edge of your seat wondering, "omg!.." . "To Be King" is a great inspiration for anyone out there who are struggling, and it sends an amazing message…"Anything and everything is possible, just believe in yourself and give it your best shot!!"..

I really enjoyed this movie. I thought it was going to be more for men since it was relating to boxing, however, it was so much more than that.

It was uplifting, inspirational, exciting and touched on the fact that when your back is against the wall and you have no where to run to that change is possible. Nigel Harvey was terrific as well as Frank Merlino and Rosie Moss.

I have the pleasure of knowing Steve Rahaman. He has worked extremely hard to get to this point in his career and it reflects in his work. He truly loves directing and acting he will continue to succeed. I wish you continued success and know you will go far.

I've scrapped several drafts of this review. More than several! I've walked away, thought about what to write, wrote it down, pressed "delete (wash, rinse, repeat). It took a few days, but I have finally managed to admit to myself that there is really nothing I could write to match the level of dedication I sensed as I watched "To Be King" on July 7.

This is something, after all, that does not need to be over-thought. "To Be King" tells a familiar tale, to be sure, but told in a way in which you and I can relate. Tyrone King (played by Nigel Harvey) is not royalty, nor is he a celebrity or politician. He is not a particularly extraordinary guy, but he has an extraordinary desire to thrive, to make his own mark despite the shadows cast over him by the memories that precede him, or the obstacles that threaten to impede his journey; he has an extraordinary drive to seize and make the most of the opportunity before him, not just for his own benefit, but for those he cares for.

Much of how this tale plays out for Tyrone heavily depends upon the relationships he forges, both personal and professional. Women could either be an impediment or a source of meaningful support. People want to manipulation his skills, maybe for his benefit, maybe for their own. Family must be taken care of. Choices must be made, and sometimes choices cost dearly; sometimes, however, they pay the greatest rewards. We've all been there. Or will be someday. Tyrone takes us there, showing us the way with a performance that is at moments poignant, at times humorous, always demonstrating that optimism – even in the midst of gritty scenes of urban bleakness –, is not necessarily a path for fools.

Along for the ride are Sharon (Miriam Morales), Marcus (LoDeon) and Jimmy (Tom Clohessy) who test Tyrone's mettle, Clarissa (Rosie Moss) and Uncle Frank – whose name really should be Mr. Brooklyn! – (Frank Merlino) who help as best they can along the way, Wesley, the brother, who feels Tyrone's shadow hovering but wants to make his own choices anyway, and various sundry characters that keep Tyrone on his path. Each provide realistic and riveting performances, helping Tyrone unravel a story that effortlessly leaves its mark.

Every movie has at least one character that steals the show: that honor goes to Nya Harvey. (I am shamelessly biased, and was particularly pleased by performances from Pretty Boy Steve and the Referee). It is easy to see that "To Be King" is, indeed, a labor of love, with a cast and crew that put in more than a general effort to bring us a story that is thought-provoking and real. What is not so obvious is how easily a viewer can become engaged in the tale, but any one of us could be Tyrone, after all, and any one of us would want someone in our corner, cheering us on and encouraging us to win. Even less obvious is how Tyrone lingers past the credits, until you find yourself drinking a cup of coffee or reading a paper and you catch yourself thinking about him.

Go get your ticket.

From start to finish, this is a movie that grabs your attention and keeps you emotionally involved with the characters. The story telling was great and the acting were very convincing. I've seen this movie a few times already. One of the few independent films out there that had me coming back to watch again. Highly recommended.