Safety

'Safety' - very good! Disney enters the sports drama market for what feels like the billionth time, though in fairness they usually nail it - and do the same with this. They've done many better, e.g. 'The Greatest Game Ever Played' and 'Glory Road', but I very much felt entertained by this. The cinematography is, truly, excellent - credit to Shane Hurlbut. I also took note of the editing (Terel Gibson), which is particularly neat at the beginning. The plot is compelling and features a lot of heart, it certainly uses the usual Disney/sports biopic beats but there's a lot of goodness in there as well. On this note, it has a decision scene where I half expected Chuck Norris to appear. Iykyk. I enjoyed the cast. Jay Reeves gives a terrific performance as Ray, while Thaddeus J. Mixson is more than solid as brother Fahmarr. Corinne Foxx (daughter of Jamie), James Badge Dale and, despite only a short appearance, Amanda Warren are also good. Cool, for me anyway, to see 'The Walking Dead' alum IronE Singleton involved. I'd recommend this, for sure.

Ray-Ray McElrathbey (Jay Reeves) is a man with a bright future. He is a gifted athlete who has accepted a Football scholarship to Clemson and is about to take the first steps towards a better future. In the new Disney + film “Safety” Ray-Ray is about to learn how complicated life as a student athlete can be. Based on a true story; Ray-Ray struggles with adapting to the more complex defensive schemes, Freshman hazing, class and practice schedules, and adjusting to his new life. His roommate and teammate Daniel (Hunter Sansone); offers him frequent support as being a low on the depth-chart kicker has taught him a perspective on things. Ray-Ray meets a lady named Kaycee (Corinne Foxx) and sees his life on campus start to improve until life steps in to further complicate things. His young brother Fahmarr (Thaddeus J. Mixson); has been removed from the care of his mother due to her numerous substance issues. With only his gangster relative available; Ray-Ray agrees to care for his brother rather than turn him over to the Foster systems. Unfortunately for Ray-Ray; having his brother in the dorm with him is a strict violation and his continued care of his brother and the complications it causes threaten his scholarship and very future. The film is a very touching and engaging look at the extent a person is willing to go to care for a family member and how the politics of college sports often conflict with what appear to be sensible and worthy actions by players and coaches. The film does not go overboard with game sequences and there is no big game moment as the focus is on the characters and their relationships. “Safety” is one of the more pleasant surprises of the year and one not to miss. 4 stars out of 5