PFF & Cinefest09 – Day 9 Continued

After Plague Town, I was all too glad to be heading to a comedy, Cuttin’ Da Mustard (USA). This is one of the films from the “Fade to Black” series of the festival. It was good to see the attendees were mixed, although the attendance was light.

Director / Screenwriter: Reed R. McCants gives us a little taste of what it was like to be a young, aspiring actor in New York. The twist being, this young actor is a functional illiterate. The character, Rolo (Brandon T. Jackson) based on McCants, is presented with the realization that actors need to read.

The humor comes into play when he joins a ghetto acting workshop (Yo Freaks) and they try their best to put on a show. An urban Summer Stock of sorts.

McCants was on hand for a Q & A after the screening. It took 12 years for this film to come to fruition. Although that is a long time, it’s inspiring to me and I would imagine for a lot of other filmmakers and/or screenwriters to know it’s never too late to see their work come to light.

I also admire the fact that the movie is viewing for the whole family, you can bring your six year old to enjoy this flick.

The cast also includes Keisha Knight Pulliam (Cosby Show) Charles S. Dutton and Sinbad. McCants explained he was introduced to prolific TV director and producer, Neema Barnette, who was able to secure a little star power for this low budget comedy.

Rating: Pretty 4th Toe