Wolf (2012) Reviews

• Well written,directed and acted

  anogomo2012-06-04

  This film was the last film I saw at the 2012 Little Rock Film Festival and the best. It is a "must see" . The acting was superb and due to the director I left the theater feeling hopeful and satisfied,which is amazing due to the difficult subject matter explored in the film. I appreciate and applaud film makers that seek to change lives rather than just entertain. Often time films have African Americans characters that are one dimensional (heros, clowns or villains) whereas this film's characters were so realistic and could have been played by actors from any race or nationality. This film was astonishing in that it was not judgmental yet you were encouraged to think. The timing was well done. What more can I say but I look forward to this director's future films.

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• Wonderfully written, acted and directed movie

  bevsclark-387-5845042012-06-03

  This is a difficult subject matter, but was so well written, acted and directed it was captivating to watch. I highly recommend this movie. I was fortunate to see Wolf at the Little Rock Film Festival with the director and actors in attendance. The relationship between the husband, wife and son are so realistic, loving and natural. The movie was perfectly cast. You could feel every emotion of the characters from anger, frustration, sorrow, and actually see the healing begin. There may be some people who would stay away from this movie because of this subject matter, but I say see it because of this subject matter. Every one has a voice. Every one has a right to be heard. Great movie.

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• A sensitive and intelligent portrayal of sexual abuse within a church

  steve-taylor-388-2556002012-06-04

  Wolf is an emotionally-charged but sensitive depiction of a family whose son is seduced by a church official. It's hard to believe that this is the first feature film for Jordan Cooper (as Carl, the teen-aged son) and Shelton Jolivette (as the complicated father), who play their parts convincingly among a skillful cast. Cooper and Jolivette's performances--in a very natural and believable way--reflect the confusing mix of emotions and impulses that we imagine family members in this horrible situation would undergo. The father needs understanding, education, revenge and time both with and away from his son. Carl, in turn, expresses his need to take control of an unmanageable life in self-destructive ways that also hurt others as he simultaneously seeks support and withdraws from family and friends. Mikala Gibson does a fine job as the mother and wife, trapped between her unconditional love for her son and the powerful emotions of a father who vacillates between his obvious love for Carl and his impulses for vengeance and to numb himself to the pain. I was so pleased to share how these performances deeply touched me with these fine young actors and writer/director Ya'Ke Smith in person at the Little Rock Film Festival on June 3, 2012. Others in the audience, including a police detective who has investigated sex abuse cases for 14 years, praised the film and its cast and crew for their courage and accurate portrayals. At that showing, Smith explained that he has channeled his life as a member of the church community, episodes of sexual abuse that friends have shared with him and many hours of research into a believable and sensitive depiction of a subject many of us don't want to talk about--but need to. The film does contain a very few seconds that suggest illegal activity, but only to make its point and move the plot forward; the brief scene isn't graphic and only ensures that viewers understand what happened. There's no nudity or sense of exploitation or sensationalism to create hype or drum up controversy for the film--the storytelling and imagery are honest and straightforward. Smith and the cast handle the film's difficult subject matter with intelligence and sensitivity, making Wolf, as Ya'Ke said, a perfect "conversation starter" for families, church groups and communities. We must all become willing to face these hurtful truths within our culture if we're ever to have hope of reducing the problem of sexual abuse and helping the victims on a healing path. Wolf can become a tool toward that end.

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• Amazing

  karenjames02022012-06-03

  I viewed this film at the Little Rock Film Festival. It is truly amazing. The blend of culture through the church provided depth. However, the topic reaches beyond culture, race, and groups to our very humanity. The characters were rich... And the main character debuted in this film... It's an unforgettable story with equally unforgettable performances.m Both the cast and directors created an amazing film. If there were more than 10 stars, I would give it even more. This needs to be viewed all over!! Thanks!

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• Great 1st Feature From Rising Star

  adamjdietrich2012-09-11

  Full Admission: I was the Casting Director for this film. However, I've worked on a lot of projects, some I'll tell you about, some I won't, and some I can't wait to tell everyone. Wolf is a project with a great story, impactful ideas, and stellar performances. Wolf is the kind of film that many will go back and watch after it's creator Ya'Ke Smith has reached stardom in 3 or 4 years. Wolf is the kind of film that audiences will discover when they back-track it's leading man, the young Jordan Cooper, after he captures their attention with a less controversial main-stream hit! Wolf is the kind of film that you don't expect someone, or an entire group of people, to have the courage to make, but then you watch it. It's real, it's immediate, it's not-typical, and it's a must see. Watch it for the performances, or the direction, or the honest and unflinching narrative...whatever reason compels you to watch Wolf, follow that reason, and it will lead you into a captivating film. If you don't agree, please let me know...

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