When I was told that Netflix was releasing a movie "Monster," about Steve, a young black man caught up in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong crowd, who ends up on trial for murder, I knew it sounded familiar. It turns out the film, from 2018 which is being released on Netflix, tonight, May 7, is based on the 1999 book by Walter Dean Myers.
The film stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Steve Harmon, and boasts a truly impressive cast overall. Jennifer Hudson and Jeffrey Wright play his parents, Mrs. and Mr. Harmon. Tim Blake Nelson plays Professor Sawicki; I'm a fan of both the character and the actor. I'm curious to see how Jennifer Ehle will do as Miss O'Brien; I'm sure readers had an opinion on her! John David Washington plays 'Bobo,' one of the other accused, while famous rappers Nas and A$AP Rocky round out the cast.
As one can see from the trailer, with the seemingly overzealous, if not cruel, prosecutor's charges, the idea that Steve may be a "monster" is a theme which really resonates with readers, and now with viewers.
It's hard not to love Jennifer Hudson as an actress. The former "American Idol" contest won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in her role as Effie White; it was her first film. She truly brings life to the film, and is believable as a mother who sees good and wants the best in her son in a clip provided to Townhall. Forbidden from handing her son a Bible while visiting him in prison, she has him recite a Bible verse right then and there, while also being moved to inspire and remind him "you come from very special people."
You can watch "Monster" on Netflix.
