Sing Sing - Budget Unknown - 1 hour and 45 minutes
The Retribution Through the Arts, RTA, finishes its production of Midsummer. John 'Divine G' Whitfield, a member of the RTA steering committee, meets with the other actors to discuss adding another member to the group. They ponder a few possibilities and choose Clarence 'Divine Eye' Maclin. G and Mike Mike watch Eye in the yard intimidate another inmate into giving him $500. G thinks Eye will make a great actor. Mike Mike and Divine G approach, but as they get closer, Mike Mike leaves. G persuades Eye to give the RTA a chance.
Eye sits for the first RTA meeting as the group discusses what play to do next. G has been working on a play called Fineprint. He gives everyone a synopsis. They like it, but Eye wants something different. Eye thinks their plays are too serious, and the people need to laugh, especially in Sing Sing Maximum Security Penitentiary. He proposes they try a comedy. G admits he doesn't know how to write comedy and asks their director, Brent, to give it a shot. Brent agrees and asks the men for ideas. They want a Western, Roman, and Egyptian comedy with time traveling and Freddy Kruger. The group laughs, and Brent exits with their ideas.
Brent gives the group a script called Breaking the Mummy's Code with all their requests. Each member reads the script and auditions for the role that speaks to them. G reads for Hamlet and gives a memorable audition. He turns and assumes he got the role until Brent tells him someone desires the part. G leaves and bumps into Eye. Eye informs G that he is auditioning for Hamlet, also. Then, G questions why Eye wanted a humorless role in his suggested comedy. Eye didn't want to embarrass himself in a comedy. Eye gets the part after nailing the performance.
The group meets after Brent assigns roles and completes a few acting exercises. G can feel Eye's apprehension and pulls Eye aside. G attempts to relate to Eye, but Eye remains guarded. G points out the shiv in Eye's waistband. G demands Eye never bring it to class because a violent act could shut down the program. And this program has made a positive impact on the men. G has a clemency hearing, while Eye has an appointment with the parole board. These men must lean on each other and the group to put on a stellar performance while their freedom hangs in the balance.
Based on Sing Sing Follies by John H. Richardson, the movie opens with a bow under bright theater lights (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Then, the correction officers enter to take the actors to their cell. The juxtaposition is startling. The men change from actors to inmates. The RTA allows the group to discuss their feelings, hardships, and dreams in a safe environment. The stage permits them to sing, dance, and be silly. They share about life before prison and some of their crimes as they work. An excellent writing choice was to introduce the characters before their crimes. It allows the audience to see them as humans first. Viewers see parts of the play during a dress rehearsal, and it doesn't disappoint. One aspect this movie forgets is the reduced recidivism rate amongst the actors compared to the general prison population. This program isn't a way to let time pass. It has a lasting impact on its members. If you expect a gritty, violent movie about prison life, this isn't your film. This film is a charming piece about a program that gives men a voice for their emotions and returns their humanity.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Dying is easy. Comedy is hard - Divine G
I wouldn't even be here without you, beloved - Divine Eye
You mean my government name - Mike Mike
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