Our Review

Movie: JAMARCUS ROSE & DA 5 BULLET HOLES

                                     Rating: NR

                                     Length: 23 min

                             Release Date: Film FestsTBD 

Jeanne: Written and directed by Marcellus Cox, JAMARCUS ROSE & DA 5 BULLET HOLES is an inspirational 23-minute short film based on the true events of a day in the life of a young man, Jamarcus Rose (Duane Ervin), living in Los Angeles. Still in high school, Rose is already an MLB prospect.

In an effort to keep Jamarcus out of trouble before he can realize his dream of becoming a professional baseball player, his grandmother, Esther (Ruthie Austin), signs him up to have a mentor from the Big Brothers of America Program. Fearing that Jamarcus doesn’t have a close positive male influence in his life, Esther is adamant that Jamarcus at least spend time with Jasper (Stephen Cofield Jr.) to learn more about the program.

When Jasper shows up, it’s very apparent why Esther thought he would be the perfect mentor for Jamarcus. Jasper is well mannered, kind and patient. He and Jamarcus spend the afternoon playing baseball ---- Jasper hitting while Jamarcus pitches --- which showcases his natural talent as a pitcher.

Jasper explains that he, too, was once in Jamarcus’ shoes and was mentored by someone in the Big Brothers organization. He encourages Jamarcus to ask questions and the two begin what could be a monumentally important relationship for Jamarcus.

Cox’ script, though brief, is powerful and relatable. Rose appears to be a great kid, but he doesn’t exactly love the idea of having a mentor in his life. Like most young men his age, he just wants to hang out with his friends when he’s not playing baseball. But his grandmother knows better and stands firmly in her resolve. She is all too aware of what can befall a Black man if he doesn’t have the right support.

But Cox never lets his message become heavy handed. Yes, Jasper is nice, but he’s no fool --- and he completely understands Jamarcus’ reservations. Ervin, Austin and Cofield Jr. create a superb ensemble cast and deliver Cox’ dialogue with sincere believability. David and I will be watching for more films from Marcellus Cox.

Opinion: See It Now!

David: A high school age Black teen, Jamarcus Rose (Duane Ervin), reveals his mother died in a car crash when he was eleven. Apparently raised by his grandmother after that, he appears to have his life on an upward trajectory that leads to a brief session with a mentor from Big Brothers of America. But tragedy will re-enter his life, and who could have seen it coming?

Writer/director Marcellus Cox, based on a true incident, has crafted JAMARCUS ROSE & DA 5 BULLET HOLES,  a powerful short film that packs a real wallop. It speaks volumes about what young Black men must cope with every day.

Jamarcus is already a major league baseball prospect. This leads to a meeting with a mentor, Jasper (Stephen Colfield Jr.) from the local Big Brothers of America, which was set up by Jamarcus’ grandmother (Ruthie Austin). The three primary cast members deserve credit for bringing so much authentic emotion to Cox’ compelling script.

JAMARCUS ROSE & DA 5 BULLET HOLES should be required viewing in high schools everywhere. It’s a meaningful story that should lead to thoughtful discussions between parents, students and teachers.

Opinion: See It Now!