Advertisement

Movies & TV Movies & TV Reviews

Sugar

SUGAR directed and written by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, with Algenis Pérez Soto, Rayniel Rufino, Andre Holland and Michael Gaston. A Mongrel Media release. 114 minutes. Some subtitles. Opens Friday (April 17). For venues and times, see Movies. Rating: NNNN


Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the makers of Half Nelson, return with another subtly observed drama about a character on the outskirts of mainstream America.

[rssbreak]

Nicknamed for his sweet tooth, Sugar (Algenis Pérez Soto, making a terrific debut) is a hotshot Dominican pitcher who graduates from a local farm team to the minor leagues, which brings him to Iowa and a shot at the Show. But while he may have a wicked curve, he barely speaks English and can’t quite integrate into the community of well-meaning Christians.

If it sounds familiar, well, Boden and Fleck are packing a wicked curve as well. They snap it on us about three-quarters of the way into the movie, turning a fairly conventional baseball story into something much more interesting and relevant.

See an interview with directors here.

Advertisement

Exclusive content and events straight to your inbox

Subscribe to our Newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By signing up, I agree to receive emails from Now Toronto and to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.