'Sugar'

'Sugar' (R) ****

Writers and Directors: Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden
Starring: Algenis Perez Soto, Andre Holland, Michael Gaston, AnnWhitney, Richard Bull, Ellary Porterfield

"Sugar" is one of the best movies about baseball but it is so much more than just a baseball movie. It is the inspiring but sobering look at the journey of a talented pitcher from the Dominican Republic Miguel nicknamed "Sugar" as he tries to make it up the ladder to the Major Leagues. This is a captivating drama with a main character we care deeply about. This movie is from the writing and directing team of one of my favorite movies of the past few years "Half Nelson" which is one of the best movies ever about teaching. They have done it again with "Sugar" maintaining our interest from the first frame to the last. This is not your typical feel good triumphant rise to the top sports movie. It realistically deals with the pressure, the uncertainty and real struggles of a shy, out of his element foreigner who not only has to prove his talent on the field but has to navigate through an unfamiliar World. He hardly speaks any English and there is a great scene where he and his teammates order breakfast at a diner. They learn how to say and order only French Toast but when the waitress asks Sugar if he wants eggs and what kind of eggs she gives him a lesson in how to order them. There are many good people in the States as the movie proves that yes it is scary out there for him but you can always find good people who care and want to help.

This movie is a labor of love and it's main character is someone we grow to care deeply for. He has a good heart and even when he goes through a bad slump we feel that he has learned a lot and has a chance to bounce back. This movie does not go where you expect it to at the end and that is what makes it a superior film. You will be as shocked as I was at where the movie leads to but it makes perfect sense. There are no easy answers and no compromises in the story. It is a natural, flawless movie that never makes a false move. Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden now have made two masterpieces under their belt in "Half Nelson" and now this and they are two of the best movies of the decade. They have a great talent for writing and telling a captivating story with real people and real emotions. I look forward to their next movie with breathless anticipation. I hope you have as great a time as I had discovering this gem of a movie and while I am at it rent "Half Nelson" and watch both movies back to back and witness major greatness and talent on display.