While “The Inevitable Defeat Of Mister And Pete” boasts a cast delivering exceptional performances, the film ultimately falters due to a problematic script. Skylan Brooks, portraying Mister, is particularly noteworthy, capturing the internal conflict of a young boy at a crossroads, desperate for change but uncertain of the path ahead. Ethan Dizon as Pete, while undeniably endearing, embodies a character whose narrative contribution could have arguably been achieved through simpler means, diminishing the intended impact on the overall storyline.
Acting Prowess Shines Through Script Weaknesses
The strength of “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete” undeniably lies in its actors. Jennifer Hudson reinforces her Oscar-caliber talent through her portrayal of Gloria, showcasing a remarkable range. She embodies two distinct phases of Gloria’s life: the raw desperation of active heroin addiction and the fragile vulnerability of early recovery, freshly exposed to the world outside rehab.
Anthony Mackie also commands attention as Kris, a complex character described as a “pimp with a heart of platinum.” Mackie navigates the harsh exterior of a street-level figure with an underlying code of honor, exemplified by his decisive action against the informant who jeopardizes Gloria, inadvertently setting Mister and Pete’s journey in motion. These performances elevate the material, making the script’s shortcomings even more apparent and frustrating for the viewer.
Script and Plot Holes Undermine Strong Performances
Despite the compelling acting, “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete” is significantly weakened by its script. Several characters are introduced without serving any meaningful purpose to the overarching narrative. Alice, played by Jordin Sparks, is presented as a potential source of aid for Mister, motivated by her shared past in the projects. However, her character arc abruptly stalls when she promises to return and then vanishes entirely, leaving a loose thread that is never addressed again.
Conversely, Sergeant Pike, portrayed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, emerges as a plot device, seemingly driven by a personal vendetta to place children of incarcerated individuals into group homes. While intended as an antagonist, Pike’s motivations and actions raise questions of plausibility, as he appears to be pursuing children who are neither wanted by law enforcement nor reported missing, creating a confusing and somewhat forced conflict. This script-driven contrivance distracts from the genuine emotional core of “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.”
Marketing Misstep: An Ill-Timed Release
Adding to the film’s challenges is a perplexing marketing decision. “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete” unfolds during the summer months. Therefore, its release in the fall feels tonally dissonant and somewhat detached from the intended viewing experience. This timing issue, while minor, contributes to a sense of disconnect and may have impacted the film’s reception.
Rating: R (for language, some drug use and sexual content)
Running time: 108 minutes
Verdict: Don’t be misled by the catchy title; while the performances are commendable, “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete” is ultimately let down by its script.
