|
“You had a golden opportunity to do
something special but you wouldn’t take
it seriously “– Jim Ellis (Terrence
Howard).
A
striving swimming athlete can’t catch a
break. Facing racial discrimination, Jim
Ellis reacts and his golden opportunity
was taken from him.
Pride
tells the story of Jim Ellis who had to
make his way in life the ordinary way.
Through odd jobs but completely
educated, Ellis ends up at the
Philadelphia Department of Recreation on
a temporary basis. But with a bit of
elbow grease, momentum and a heart of
hearts, Jim not only resurrects the
neighborhood recreational center… he
resurrects pride.
Pride
doesn’t glorify the true story of Jim
Ellis it just tells it… simply. It is
like something you’ve seen before but it
isn’t like something you consistently
seeing; which is gratitude… simply. Not
every film has to be a tribute in the
highest form. Some can simply say thank
you or we recognize you or we appreciate
what you have done. Or you just should
have your story told… simply.
Terrence
Howard has always been an actor that
automatically will make you notice him
not the other way around. Even before
‘Hustle & Flow’ Howard as always been a
scene stealer but has now turned into a
showstopper. In Pride, Howard portrays a
man who constantly has to prove to the
world and sometimes to himself that a
little patience goes a long way. That
even when opportunities once fruitful
begin to diminish your life isn’t over;
you can begin again at any time.
Bernie
Mac continues to perfect his acting
craft as the ‘hard to get along with’
recreational coordinator Elston. With
the deterioration of the center, Elston
loses faith in others. Mac’ character
portrayal of Elston reflects to a ‘T’
the time element Pride projects. The
late 60s and 70s reflect a revolutionary
period for African Americans; which Mac
encompasses greatly through his afro,
thick sideburns and a groggy attitude.
When
dreams die your heart dies along with
them. One goes along with getting
through everyday in hopes that it will
all end so one can begin to begin again.
If hope ever restores itself you work
harder at accomplishing your goals. No
matter the size of the feat your heart
swells with Pride.
|
