Cast
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Naika Toussaint
as Tamara
Eric Bempong
as Teenager
Tracie Thoms
as Demetria
Donna Benedicto
as Female Executive
Adrian Holmes
as Coach Craig
Pauletta Washington
as Barbara
Eli Baxter
as Teen Kevin Durant
Daniel Bellomy
as Kevin Durant
Cassandra Freeman
as Wanda Durant
Evan Byarushengo
as Kevin Durant 7 years old
Joscel Hector
as Drug Dealer
Romuald Hivert
as Joel
Tori Katongo
as Amber
Demarius Mack
as Teen Tony Durant
Tom MacNeill
as Scorekeeper
Crew
Director
- Nelson George
Writer
- Yolonda Lawrence
- Ligiah Villalobos
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Nelson George brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Little House, which focuses more on action than character development, The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Without Prejudice and Untitled Alvin Ailey Project explore similar territory, The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 7, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 25m
Where to Watch
