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Kicks is a coming-of-age drama film directed by Justin Tipping and released in 2016. The film stars Jahking Guillory, Christopher Meyer, and Christopher Jordan Wallace in the lead roles. The story revolves around a 15-year-old boy named Brandon (Jahking Guillory) who dreams of owning a pair of Nike Air Jordans sneakers. He is fascinated by the shoes and believes that they will give him respect and power among his peers. One day, he finally gets his hands on a pair of the sneakers but soon finds himself losing them to a local gang member. Determined to get them back, Brandon and his two best friends, Rico (Christopher Meyer) and Albert (Christopher Jordan Wallace), embark on a dangerous journey through Oakland.

The movie explores themes such as masculinity, violence, and the value of material possessions. Brandon is a vulnerable and sensitive young boy who is constantly under attack from the toxic culture of violence and hyper-masculinity in his neighborhood. He often feels powerless and emasculated by the older gang members who terrorize him and his friends, and the only thing he believes will give him any sort of status or power is the coveted pair of Jordans.

As the story progresses, Brandon's obsession with the sneakers becomes increasingly dangerous, leading him and his friends down a treacherous path. They encounter various obstacles and setbacks, including getting robbed at gunpoint, getting chased by a group of bullies, and getting involved in a high-speed car chase. Through it all, Brandon must learn to stand up for himself and confront his fears in order to survive.

One of the standout elements of the film is the cinematography, which is stunningly beautiful and captures the gritty reality of urban life in Oakland. The camera work is often shaky and handheld, giving the film a visceral, documentary-like feel. The sound design is also noteworthy, with a pulsing electronic score that perfectly captures the tension and excitement of the chase scenes.

The performances in Kicks are uniformly excellent, particularly from the three young leads. Jahking Guillory delivers a nuanced, understated performance as Brandon, perfectly capturing the vulnerability and insecurity of a teenage boy trying to navigate a dangerous world. Christopher Meyer and Christopher Jordan Wallace are equally impressive as Brandon's loyal friends, each demonstrating a unique personality and perspective on the world.

Overall, Kicks is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that explores some of the most pressing issues facing young men growing up in urban America. It is a powerful commentary on violence, masculinity, and materialism, with a strong, character-driven story that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Kicks is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 69.