Watch Rocksteady

Rocksteady is a coming of age film set in the summer of 1994. The movie revolves around the life of Ralph, played by Cedric Sanders, a young autistic man in his early twenties, who is on a mission to find a job, move out of his parents' house, and bring his crush Mary, played by Natalie Knepp, to a date at a music festival. The movie captures the spirit of the decade and the music that soulfully captures the essence of the times.

The tone of the movie is light-hearted and centers around the joys and struggles Ralph encounters on his journey. Set on the streets of Brooklyn, Ralph navigates through an array of challenges, from the complexities of the subway system to being misunderstood by the people he meets.

The movie introduces us to Ralph's family. His parents, played by Tom Bower and Lauren Holly, try to balance the realities of raising Ralph and the demands of everyday life. On one hand, they want what's best for Ralph, but at the same time, they struggle to understand his desires and aspirations. Ralph's brother, played by Jon Orsini, is a charismatic and street-savvy guy who encourages Ralph to break free from his shell and to take chances.

As Ralph looks for work, he stumbles upon an opportunity to work in a car repair shop. It is here that he befriends the tough and foul-mouthed Terrance, played by James Andrew O'Connor. The two appear to have a strong connection even though they're opposites in many ways. Terrance sparks Ralph's interest in girls and gives him tips on how to impress Mary. Together they form a bond, which is mature and endearing.

Throughout the movie, Ralph faces the challenge of stepping outside his comfort zone, whether it's taking the train alone or asking Mary out. Mary, a beautiful and kind-hearted girl who works as a librarian, appears to be the perfect match for Ralph. Her calm and collected demeanor is a soothing balm to Ralph's anxiety-filled existence.

The two come across each other by chance as Ralph attempts to help Mary carting a stack of books across the street. The scene between the two is awkward, and Ralph's attempts at building a rapport are met with resistance. Mary, oblivious to Ralph's situation, cannot initially grasp his intentions, but there is an undeniable attraction between them.

The music of the 90s is ever-present in the movie. The soulful and reggae-inspired beats of the music were a defining feature of the era, and the movie does an excellent job of incorporating it seamlessly in its narrative. Ralph's love for music is evident throughout the movie, and a brief scene where he drops a tune to an audience in the car repair shop is reminiscent of the music-inspired movies of the 80s.

There are a few subplots in the movie that add depth to its narrative. One is the conflict between Ralph's brother and his girlfriend over money issues. Another subplot involves Mary and the misgivings she has about her life's trajectory. These subplots give the movie a necessary complexity, and the resolution of these conflicts is both satisfying and emotionally charged.

The movie's cinematography is delightful, showcasing the contrasts between city life and suburban living. The shots of Brooklyn and the cityscape are breathtaking, and the colors used bring out the warmth and vibrancy of the summer. The visual effects are minimalist, which works in the movie's favor, keeping the focus on the characters and their interactions.

The direction by Mustapha Khan is impressive, bringing to life the written word with nuance and authenticity. The acting by the cast is excellent, with Cedric Sanders giving an unforgettable performance in the lead role. His portrayal of Ralph is heartfelt, authentic, and poignant. Natalie Knepp, who plays Mary, is also impressive, capturing the character's essence with subtlety and depth.

Overall, Rocksteady is a charming and inspiring movie, with a delightful cast of characters who are both endearing and relatable. The music and the setting transport us to a different era, and the themes of love, family, and self-discovery are timeless. The movie is a celebration of the human spirit, and it's a movie that will make you appreciate life's simple moments.

Rocksteady is a 2010 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.