Why aren’t there more movies about magicians? Everybody loves a big reveal. What is a surprise ending but something akin to a magic trick? Does this not describe some of your favorite films? Conversely, are magicians not storytellers? Think of your favorite magic tricks – is there not a story that goes with them, a good one? I think the link between magic and movie storytelling is significantly underused.
When his mother dies, Bo (Jacob Latimore) is forced into a life he doesn’t want. Well, that’s not quite fair. The drug dealing part is one he hoped to lose; the magic part is one he chose. A fairly economical film, Sleight uses the opening title sequence to let us know (thanks to voicemail) that Bo was bound for college when his mother died and now he’s alone raising a kid sister. Bo is a wonderful magician. I don’t know how much of his patter is actual Sleight of hand and how much is movie magic, but I’m hip to his 52-card Monte.
And like any good magician, Bo also has a self-embedded electromagnet in his shoulder with nodes running down to
his fingers. Being able to levitate a ring makes Bo a hit with the lady, Holly (Seychelle Gabriel). This is Bo’s positive life; it also includes his sister and a neighbor.
The flip side of this coin trick involves a kingpin named Angelo (Dulé Hill). Seeing Dulé Hill as a heavy is an entirely exciting and unnerving feeling. Dulé Hill is the reasonable, erudite, and pleasant option from “The West Wing” and “Psych,” not the guy who cuts off the hand of a rival. Bo has no problem with the dealing aspect; in fact, his magic makes for a surprisingly happy encounter with the LAPD … now that’s something I never considered – using Sleight of hand to fool the LAPD – that’s awesome. That should be standard training for drug mules, shouldn’t it? Bottom line, however, is suddenly Angelo has become territorial which puts Bo in harm’s way, constantly. Getting out of this negative life? That will require some serious magic.
Quick quiz: Is it a magic trick or slang for cocaine?
A. Blow
B. Three Card Monte
C. Milk in the Hat
D. Crusher
E. Table of Death
F. Scrabble
G. Magic Rock
H. Bolivian Marching Powder
I. Mystery Tube
J. Candy Flipping
K. The White Prisoner
L. Bullet Catch
Jacob Latimore’s acting has improved significantly in the three years since Black Nativity. I’m glad; he’s not up to carrying a film quite yet, but give him a babe, a thriller, and the threat of losing limbs and he’s pretty easy to root for. The ugliest (non-graphic) part of Sleight is Bo’s string of poor choices in an effort to leave the life. I found myself sympathetic and at the same time pleading for the kid not to make that move. And, no! That makes it even worse!
I haven’t enjoyed many films lately, but I liked this one a bunch. Could it be … magic? No, of course not; it just had a better script than Sandy Wexler or The Circle.
The kid’s magic prowess is clear
Yet the projects still hold much to fear
To escape his ordeal
How about something real …
Can he make racism disappear?
Rated R, 89 Minutes
D: J.D. Dillard
W: J.D. Dillard, Alex Theurer
Genre: *poof* No projects
Type of person most likely to enjoy this film: Minnows
Type of person least likely to enjoy this film: Sharks
