Watch The Inkwell

The Inkwell is a 1994 coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Matty Rich and starring Larenz Tate, Joe Morton, and Suzzanne Douglas. The movie is set in the summer of 1976 in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, where 16-year-old Drew Tate (Larenz Tate) spends the summer with his upper-middle-class family, including his parents Kenny (Joe Morton) and Brenda (Suzzanne Douglas), younger sister Lauren (Jada Pinkett Smith in her feature film debut), and Uncle Wilbert (Glynn Turman).

Drew is a shy and introverted teenager who has trouble fitting in with his family and his peers. He is often ridiculed for his nerdy interests, and he feels like an outsider among his more socially adept family members. However, Drew finds solace and creativity in writing, and he spends much of his time scribbling stories and sketches in his notebook.

The movie follows Drew as he navigates the complexities of adolescence and racial identity, including his crush on Heather (A.J. Johnson), a beautiful and popular girl who is part of a group of wealthy black teens vacationing on the island. Drew also faces tensions within his family, as his parents struggle with their own relationship problems and his uncle confronts his own demons with alcoholism.

As Drew begins to develop friendships with the other black teens on the island, including his outspoken cousin Junior (Duane Martin), he starts to become more comfortable with his identity and his place in the world. He also finds himself drawn to the wisdom and guidance of his Uncle Wilbert, who provides Drew with a different perspective on the world and encourages him to embrace his creativity and uniqueness.

The tone of the Inkwell is both comedic and poignant, with moments of humor and levity interspersed with more serious themes around racial discrimination, family conflict, and the struggle to fit in. The movie explores issues of belonging, self-expression, and the search for identity that are universal to the human experience.

With its vibrant 1970s setting, upbeat soundtrack, and excellent performances from its cast, The Inkwell is a charming and beguiling movie that offers a fresh take on the coming-of-age genre. The film offers a unique and refreshing perspective on the black American experience, exploring issues that are rarely addressed in mainstream media.

Overall, The Inkwell is an engaging and thought-provoking movie that is worth watching for its humor, heart, and insightful commentary on race, identity, and family dynamics.

The Inkwell is a 1994 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.