Watch Sons of the City

Sons of the City is a 2014 action/drama film directed by Joe Black that explores the interconnected lives of several characters in the crime-ridden St. Louis neighborhood of Hyde Park. The film stars Howard Brown Baker as Doc, a retired drug dealer seeking to reform his life and guide the youth of his community towards a better future. Also involved are Dior Brown as Mo, a street hustler who discovers the consequences of his actions when he is thrown into jail, and Donnis Collins as Keyanna, Mo's girlfriend who struggles to keep her family and relationship together amidst the chaos of the streets.

The film opens with a series of fast-paced, stylized shots of the neighborhood that sets the tone for the rest of the film. The area is one of high crime and poverty, with gangs and drug dealers ruling the streets. Despite the danger, there are those like Doc who seek to make a positive impact in the community. Through his youth center, he mentors young people and helps them find alternatives to the dangerous lifestyle that surrounds them.

Mo is one of those young people. He dreams of a better life but is trapped in the cycle of crime and violence. He is friends with Doc's nephew, BJ, who is also involved in the drug trade. Mo's girlfriend, Keyanna, works hard to provide for her family and keep Mo out of trouble, but her efforts seem to fall on deaf ears. When Mo is arrested and sent to jail, Keyanna is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered life.

The performances in Sons of the City are strong, with Howard Brown Baker displaying a quiet strength as Doc. He brings a sense of gravitas and wisdom to the role, making it clear that he has been through the struggles that the young people he mentors face. Dior Brown is also compelling as Mo, effectively portraying the complexity of his character as he grapples with the consequences of his actions.

The film's pacing is at times uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed and others dragging on. However, the overall effect is a portrait of a community struggling to survive in the face of overwhelming odds. The film is unflinching in its depiction of the violence and danger that envelops the neighborhood, but it also shows the resilience and hope of those who refuse to give up.

One of the strengths of Sons of the City is its portrayal of relationships between the characters. The bond between Doc and BJ, for example, is explored in depth, with the two men sharing a deep history that is slowly revealed over the course of the film. Similarly, the relationship between Mo and Keyanna is shown to be complex and fraught with tension, as they struggle to keep their love and their lives on track.

Overall, Sons of the City is a solid entry in the crime/drama genre, with strong performances and an unvarnished look at the challenges faced by communities like Hyde Park. It is a film that deserves to be seen, not only for its entertainment value but for the impact it can have in raising awareness of the struggles of those who live in impoverished areas.

Sons of the City is a 2017 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.