[yasr_overall_rating]
A member of the notorious Bloods since he was 12 years old – both in the film and in real life – James ‘Primo’ Grant takes John, the son of his slain mentor, under his wing, versing him in the code of the streets.
“Five Star” is a documentary/fictional movie from director Keith Miller and is an interesting look at gangs on the street. Primo (James Grant) is considered a five-star general on the streets of Brooklyn. He has four kids and works as a bouncer in a neighborhood bar. He soon takes in teenager John (John Diaz) and takes him under his wing. John wants to get into the drug business and without a father figure, Primo does what he can to help him.
We learn that Primo’s father was shot and killed and that he missed the birth of his son while in jail (in an emotional monologue). It’s an interesting look at life on the streets with a good performance from James Grant. The movie is a captivating portrayal of gang life and the pressures young men in urban environments confront when presented with potentially catastrophic scenarios.
It’s full of raw susceptibleness that’s very rarely seen on film. Writer/director Keith Miller has constructed a film that never feels forced and what’s more, it says something about how family bonds affect everyone, no matter who you are or how the rest of the world sees you. Make no mistake, these “real life” stories are fictionalized and there is the clear hand of an auteur at work here.
Available on DVD September 1st
