Rent Due

"Rent Due" is a humorous, yet poignant tale of two friends navigating the trials and tribulations of life, set against the evocative backdrop of the modern American urban landscape. Directed by Michael Colyar and co-written by Ray Jr., this 2020 movie captures the essence of grassroots hustle and the perseverance required in the face of hardships.

The film predominantly revolves around the lives of two close friends, Rodney and Leon, depicted by the dynamic duo, Ray Jr., known for his comedic stand-up and widely recognized in the hip-hop scene, and Robert Hatcher, who brings a balanced urban charm to his role. Their modest, everyday existence is spiced up with ambitions to own a nightclub, an endeavor that inevitably brings more challenges than anticipated.

The plot unravels as Rodney finds himself unemployed, putting him in a tight spot with the fear of eviction looming over his head. With a two-month time frame to pay their back rent and keep a roof over their heads, Rodney and Leon's pursuit to achieve their dreams and merely survive is soaked in comedy and societal commentary that the audience will undoubtedly appreciate.

Their comedic hustle involves a slew of humorous antics that involve an incredible cast ensemble. Along with Ray Jr. and Robert Hatcher, the film is graced by the presence of B. Simone, best known for her internet comedy, who breathes life into this urban comedy as she accidentally becomes the duo's roommate, Love. Ha Ha Davis, a renowned comedian, appears in this film in a role that allows him to demonstrate his natural acting prowess, as well as his unbeatable comedic timing.

Moreover, this light-hearted narrative is also infused with a social commentary that subtly portrays the harsh realities of life and the strength of friendship amidst crises. It explores the struggles and hustle seen in everyday life, making it relatable to many. Every character in the film has their own unique narrative to tell, making it a patchwork of experiences that are glued together by shared experiences and a shared living space.

More so, Jasmin Brown, notable for her previous performances on BET’s “50 Central” and HBO’s "Def Comedy Jam," graces the screen as Trina, the loving, patient girlfriend of Leon. Trina’s ever-endearing character supports and binds everyone together, building a warm and touching dynamic that the audience can connect with.

Amidst all the challenges and hillarious situations, Rodney and Leon must also deal with the neighborhood tough guy, Hollywood Shuffle, played by comedy veteran Michael Colyar. A truly multidimensional character, Hollywood Shuffle presents challenges and plot twists that make the film infinitely more entertaining.

Captivatingly, "Rent Due" is not just merely about humor and laughter but also drives home the theme of aspiration, friendship, family, and the unwavering human spirit in the face of tremendous odds. Beneath its comedic exterior, it has an empathetic narrative, one that appropriately juxtaposes the struggle to make ends meet against the backdrop of an unforgiving cityscape.

Punctuated by laugh-out-loud moments, sensitive character portrayals, and a subtle social commentary, "Rent Due" endears itself to audiences who enjoy their comedy with a side of real-world angst. Director Michael Colyar's genius, combined with the immaculate performances by Ray Jr., Robert Hatcher, B. Simone and Ha Ha Davis, makes this film a rollicking mix of emotions, resulting in a unique cinematic experience.

Throughout its engaging narrative, "Rent Due" effectively borrows from the familiar – the striving for dreams, the fear of failure, and the power of love and friendship – to create a powerful, enchanting tale steeped in the realities of urban America. It offers its audience numerous moments of laughter, contemplation, and genuine emotion, making it a must-watch in the comedy-drama genre.