A coming of age drama set in the world of stock-car dirt-track racing, against a heavy reggae soundscape. 20-year old BC, the only black kid on a very white track, sees racing as his way out - and up into manhood. At the start of the movie is an exciting car chase involving RCMP cops, in an area where signs are in French and English.<br/><br/>In a small town in New York, B.C. wants to go to Hollywood and become a stunt driver but he works at the garage that used to be run by his father, a Jamaican who was very nice to everyone and well-regarded by others. (B.C.'s father is played by director Mustapha Khan in a flashback.) His mother Winnie works as well, but it's not enough to keep the house they live in, and foreclosure is possible. B.C. and Rudy supplement their income with drug running, and Rudy is a frequent user. <br/><br/>But more will have to be done to keep B.C. and his mother from losing everything. Jobs are hard to come by in this town hurt by the economic crisis. The guys meet Faith, an old friend, who is an aspiring photographer and journalist interning at a local paper. She has taken pictures in Cambodia, but her hope for getting noticed is taking pictures of the ordinary people of the town. That isn't making an impression on her editor. One place she takes pictures of is the Accord Speedway, a dirt track where racers make very little money, but they love what they do.<br/><br/>Faith does some research–she's very good at that–and encourages B.C. to convert his car to a race car and start racing. He could really make some good money if he went on the racing circuit. And while his expenses would have to be paid before he won anything, Faith finds out B.C. could get a sponsor. A local fast food restaurant whose owner thought highly of B.C.'s father is the answer.<br/><br/>So will B.C. make it as a racer? He doesn't like the idea at first. Even in New York, these people act like rednecks from the South. And he's the only black person. But Al is very nice, and even though he's a competitor, he wants to see B.C. succeed. Another of B.C.'s supporters is Ras, a member of a band that plays Caribbean music. B.C. helped him out when his car broke down. <br/><br/>This is pretty good. All the leading actors do a good job. The racing is exciting, if you like that sort of thing. I actually enjoyed all the various camera angles.<br/><br/>Natalie Knepp is the standout performer here. Faith is pretty and quite intelligent and she can solve just about any problem. She won't let B.C. give up. She's even occasionally funny. Essentials for a race car: ash tray, cup holder, GPS. Yes, B.C. was paying attention and so was I.<br/><br/>David Hinds also stands out. What a personality. I didn't care much for him but I think others will. He has a good band. <br/><br/>Madison Arnold does a good job as B.C.'s sponsor. Gramps is a kind man but he does have expectations.<br/><br/>And Sharon Washington is also quite good as B.C's mother, who wants only the best for her son and always encourages him, though she too expects him to do his part.<br/><br/>It's pretty good if you like racing and even if you don't.
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321 weeks ago