In the cinematic world, a film can sometimes be a perplexing experience, especially when exceptional acting is juxtaposed with a less-than-stellar script. “Mister And Pete” falls squarely into this category, showcasing a cast that delivers outstanding performances, almost rescuing a narrative that struggles to fully connect. The young Skylan Brooks, portraying Mister, is a standout. He masterfully embodies the complexities of a boy at a crucial turning point, unsure of the path ahead but knowing he can’t remain stagnant. Ethan Dizon as Pete is undeniably endearing, bringing a unique and charming presence to the screen. While Dizon’s performance is commendable, the script somewhat underutilizes his character, arguably assigning him a role that could have been fulfilled by a less central figure, even prompting one to consider if a pet might have served a similar narrative function in certain aspects of the plot.
Jennifer Hudson, with her Oscar-caliber talent, delivers a powerful performance as Gloria, illustrating her impressive range. She portrays two distinct phases of Gloria’s life: the turmoil of active heroin addiction and the fragile hope of early recovery, freshly released from rehab and facing an uncertain future. Anthony Mackie also deserves high praise for his portrayal of Kris. He embodies the contradictory nature of a “pimp with a heart,” projecting a tough exterior of a streetwise figure while adhering to a code of honor, particularly the street code of silence. His actions, motivated by this code, inadvertently propel Mister and Pete into their challenging circumstances by addressing the informant who betrayed Gloria.
Despite these compelling performances, “Mister and Pete” stumbles due to its script. Several characters are introduced who seem tangential to the central storyline and don’t contribute meaningfully to the overall narrative arc. Alice, played by Jordin Sparks, is presented as a potential source of help for Mister, driven by a shared background and a desire to give back. However, her character arc is abruptly dropped after a fleeting promise of assistance, leaving her contribution feeling underdeveloped and ultimately inconsequential.
Conversely, Sergeant Pike, portrayed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, plays a more pivotal, albeit somewhat questionable, role in moving the plot forward. Pike appears fixated on placing children of incarcerated individuals into group homes, operating with an almost antagonistic zeal. While he serves as an obstacle for the protagonists, the film’s portrayal of law enforcement’s unsolicited intervention into the lives of children without warrants or missing person reports raises questions and slightly strains believability.
Adding to the film’s minor drawbacks is a marketing decision that feels slightly off-key. “Mister and Pete” unfolds during the summer months, yet its release was scheduled for the fall. This temporal mismatch creates a subtle sense of dissonance, a minor point but one that slightly detracts from the overall viewing experience.
Rating: R for language, some drug use and sexual content
Running time: 108 minutes
Grade: C –
Verdict: Don’t be misled by the title’s catchy rhythm. While the acting in “Mister and Pete” is undeniably strong and worthy of recognition, the script’s shortcomings prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s a film carried by its performers, but ultimately hampered by a narrative that doesn’t quite coalesce into a truly compelling whole.
