Deja Davis
Editor-in-chief
‘Charm City Kings’ inspired by Lofty Nathan’s 2013 documentary ‘12 O’Clock Boys’ had viewers highly anticipating its arrival for the past two years, and finally it hit the big screen a.k.a the living room for some, on Oct. 4.
The emotional drama set in West Baltimore focuses on the dirt-bike riding culture, including stunts and popping wheelies which “is like no other”, said the director of the film, Angel Manuel Soto.
The ‘Midnight Clique’ ran the streets, had the best tricks, and the fastest bikes according to a 14-year-old named Mouse, played by Jahi Di’Allo Winston.
Mouse, following in the footsteps of his late older brother, wants to be down with the clique no matter what obstacles he may face, but he was not alone.
His buddies Sweartagawd and Lamont also peer-pressured each other throughout the film while glorifying the riders.
One of the local “legends” is ex-con Blax, who is played by Philadelphia rap star Meek Mill. Blax had been serving time in prison and his first day out was on the first day of the summer’s “the ride.”
“He was like the Michael Jordan of Baltimore…” Mouse said eagerly in the movie.
“The Ride” was like the circus the neighborhood looked forward to every summer, but it also meant that the police were near and trouble had begun.
The game of mouse hunt was played throughout the film with the police and the bikers, and Blax wanted no parts any longer.
While being locked up, viewers could see that it changed Blax from wanting to be in the streets to wanting to become a better man.
Mouse, Lamont, and Sweartagawd decided to step up to the clique trying to get initiated but failed instantly.
At that moment, Mouse knew that he was alone and that began the bond between him and Blax.
Mouse spent most of his time in the abandoned bike shop, repairing an old bike Blax told him he could have, but he had to put in the work for it.
The film also showcased how the teens could get more than what they bargained for with the fast life, drugs, the get-money quick scheme, and violence.
Mouse was living with his younger sister and his single mother, but seeing her struggle made him want to step up and become the man of the family.
Mouse and his friends decided to become a part of the Clique not realizing what all came with it, the drug game.
He and his friends associating with the fast life caused trouble and sadness.
That was a lesson for the characters and some viewers seeing that everything in life is not what it seems to be.
Overall the production and the message of the film was definitely eye-opening in many ways.
It showed the brightest moments as well as the negative with the bikes and a piece of growing up in West Baltimore.
‘Charm City Kings’ is now streaming on HBO Max.
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