John Henry

John Henry, released in 2020, is a vibrant Southern melodrama that captures the dark realities of gang culture while vividly tracing the moral journey of the iconic folk hero, John Henry. The film features an ensemble cast with commendable performances from Terry Crews, Jamila Velazquez, and rapper turned actor, Ludacris.

The movie takes the viewer to South Los Angeles, where the titular character, John Henry (Terry Crews), has managed to escape the clutches of his crude, violent past. Determined to lead a simple, honest life, Henry is a gentle giant with a quiet demeanor and a haunted conscience. He works daily as a construction worker and spends his downtime caring for his aging father (Ken Foree) who suffers from health complications. The stress of the gritty world he left behind etched in his memories and the regret of past actions weigh heavy on his shoulders.

The narrative takes a sharp turn when two young girls on the run from Hell (Ludacris), the fearsome leader of the notorious local gang, stumble into John's care. One of these runaways, Berta (Jamila Velazquez), holds a mysterious connection to John’s past, which raises internal conflicts in him. His calm, peaceful existence is shattered as he's compelled to confront a past he'd rather forget.

Despite his peaceful demeanor, John struggles with his dark past, which constantly threatens to swallow the tranquility of his present. The gang leader, Hell, played brilliantly by Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, is a man grown terrifyingly powerful and ruthless in his relentless pursuit to rule the streets of LA. Ludacris's chilling portrayal of Hell sets the stage for an epic encounter as he and his gang inch closer to John's refuge.

The film does an exceptional job of engaging the audience in John Henry's tribulations as he grapples with his violent past and the tumultuous present. Exploring themes of repentance, redemption, and duty, the movie creates a captivating narrative that paints John Henry as a complex character.

Terry Crews, renowned for his roles that blend power and charm, steps into the shoes of a rather divided persona with equal aplomb. He delivers a compelling performance as John Henry, expertly highlighting the remorse of his past actions and embodying the contemplative hero the film calls for.

The cinematography is notable, resulting in a visual feast that harmoniously complements the film's pessimistic undertones. From the sun-drenched streets of LA to the dimly-lit corners where the gang's dread is palpable, each scene is crafted with precision to transport the viewer into this harsh reality.

John Henry delves deep, shedding light on the harsh realities of gangs, their senseless violence, and the ripple effect they cast on local communities. However, at its heart, it is a story of redemption, of choosing the grueling road of righteousness over the effortless path of violence. It walks a tight rope between morality and barbarism, leading to a deeply engaging climax.

The movie, directed by Will Forbes, explores the grey areas of human nature. It highlights that the real battle is not always against antagonistic externalities like a vengeful gang, but often against the demons within. Forbes uses raw performances, grim settings, and a tightly-woven narrative to craft an emotionally engaging cinematic experience that leaves the viewers pondering long after they leave their seats.

On the whole, John Henry tells a layered, complex story. The tale unfolds like a slow-burning suspense thriller, filled with moments of intense action, reflective calm, and gripping tension. It is a gritty, thought-provoking exploration of redemption against all odds. If you're a fan of films that cleverly combine family drama with the irresistible allure of an underworld saga, then John Henry deserves a spot on your must-watch list.