Consignment is an independent film released in 2007 by writer and director Sid Kali, who was also the editor, cinematographer and producer for the movie. The story of the movie follows two childhood friends, Ray () and Terry (), who venture into the world of organized crime in order to obtain quick money to buy a car. The two friends team up with a dangerous mobster boss, Milt (Tim Beachum), to carry out a consignment that goes wrong, putting their lives in jeopardy.
The movie is set in the late 1970s or early 1980s in the City of Philadelphia, and realistic atmosphere and period costumes are blended in perfectly to create an authentic feel of the era. The movieâs story is divided into different chapters, each of which looks into the life of a specific character, with their back-story and motivations being fully explored. The pacing is slow at times, but it serves well to flesh out the characters, their motives and their personal dilemmas.
Ray is a struggling college student who is dealing with family problems, including having to care for his troubled younger brother while also trying to earn enough money to help his mother get through a very tough divorce. He turns to his friend Terry to help him earn the money and make life easier for himself and his family. Terry, on the other hand, is a reckless youth who thinks only about himself and his quick-fix solutions to lifeâs problems. While he may have good intentions, his impulsive behavior often causes harm to those around him, especially his friend Ray.
The two friends find themselves working for the intimidating and powerful mobster Milt. As they try to execute the consignment, things get complicated, and they quickly realize that their easy road to a new car will not be as easy as they had supposed. The movieâs final act is infused with drama and several twists, as the friendsâ relationships turn sour and uncertainty about their next moves looms over them. With the stakes rising to a fever pitch, the viewers are left to wonder about the fate of all the characters.
James E. Hurd Jr. delivers a standout performance as Ray, who is the moral center of the movie. He portrays Ray with a quiet observant nature, and his acting style reminds viewers of classic Hollywood stars like James Dean and Marlon Brando. His subtle expressions convey a lot of emotional depth, and he easily outshines almost all the other performers in the movie.
Jerome Hawkins is also impressive as Terry, the hot-headed and impulsive friend whoâs always looking for a quick buck. He brings a sense of danger and unpredictability to the character, and the viewer can never tell if heâs going to make the right or wrong decision. Tim Beachum delivers a controlled, thoughtful performance as Milt, the seemingly-friendly mobster who turns out to be anything but friendly.
Walter Pagan is also notable in a supporting role as a small-time crook who seems like he might become an ally to the boys, but instead turns out to be a problem for them. All the other actors in the cast do a good job, helping to create a believable and realistic world for the characters to inhabit.
Consignment has a low budget look about it, which may put off some viewers, but the film manages to overcome this drawback with an engaging, unpredictable plot and polished performances from its main cast. The barebones style of the movie gives it a gritty, realistic feel that adds to the suspense of the story. The movie's theme of the difficult choices people make when faced with difficult circumstances is handled with both depth and nuance.
Lastly, the movieâs soundtrack greatly enhances the mood and feel of the story, with classic R&B and soul tracks from legendary artists like Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield and Stevie Wonder forming the background score.
Overall, Consignment is a well-crafted independent movie that may not be enough for some viewers but is certainly worth checking out for its strong character development, good acting, and an engrossing story that never fails to keep the viewer on edge.
Consignment is a 2007 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.
