Rollers

Rollers is an American drama-comedy film from 2021 starring Kevin Bigley, Vicky Jeudy, and Meredith Thomas. Directed by Isaiah Smallman and written by John F. Beach and Dave Schlafman, Rollers showcases a charming blend of humor, love, and a robust celebration of the art of music.

The movie centers on Rufus Paisley (Kevin Bigley), a harried and tormented man who is the steward and proprietor of Rollers, a historic music venue that has seen better days. Rollers stands out as an iconic place, a hustling and bustling concert venue that was once the bedrock of the city's music scene, remembered for welcoming famous performers and hosting unforgettable legendary shows. But now, Rollers has faltered, buckling under financial strain and losing out to the more flashy and modernized competitors. Rufus's fondness towards the institution, left to him by his parents, is beginning to wane and he sees it more as a burden than an inheritance.

Kevin Bigley, the gifted actor known for his role in the successful TV show, "Upload," delivers an exceptional performance as Rufus Paisley in Rollers. His nuanced portrayal of the beleaguered proprietor struggling to keep his parents’ legacy alive stimulates the empathy of viewers.

In contrast to Rufus, we meet the character Regine (Vicky Jeudy), who personifies success, practicality, and modernity. An inspiring real estate developer with a no-nonsense approach to business, Regine represents the direction Rufus must consider if he is to save the dying emblem of the city's past.

Meredith Thomas portrays Daisi, a woman of enigma, bursting into Rufus's monotonous life like a dazzling comet, shaking his very existence and turning it upside down.

All three character arcs converge on Rollers, creating a narrative that engages as much as it enlightens. The film delves into the theme of holding on versus letting go, a metaphor that resonates profoundly with the dilapidated music venue in the middle of it all. It speaks of the universality of change, and how we are often reluctant to embrace it.

On the backdrop of this intense narrative is the timeless music, which takes a character of its own right. The story is interspersed with numerous musical sequences, not completely devoid from the narrative standpoint but instead beautifully complementing it. The movie uses music to wordlessly express the individual histories, conflicts, and emotions of its characters. It exhibits a unique appreciation of music and its power to connect, heal, and transform lives.

The comedy element shines throughout. Despite the heartfelt drama, it does not shy away from bizarre humor that is sure to surprise and delight, effectively lightening the overall mood. This serves to balance the serious narrative, ensuring the melody of laughter is just as integral to the story as the solemn tunes of contemplation.

Rollers is steeply rooted in nostalgia, but it also appreciates progression. It explores the struggle to maintain and preserve the good old days while understanding the importance of moving forward. The film appealingly combines a shimmering past of rock 'n' roll history with the pressures and realities of the present.

The film’s cinematography is striking. The cameras capture both the glory and melancholy of Rollers – shining light on its decrepit corners, aged yet charming walls, and the flickering spirit that gradually returns to life. The vibrant, pulsing colors of its rock and roll past clash beautifully with the dreary, faded tones of the present day.

The film explores all the emotions associated with a crucial transition that could irreversibly change a long-standing way of life. It beautifully illustrates the clash between past and present, the old and the new, nostalgia and pragmatism.

With an emotionally satisfying narrative, solid performances, and a collection of memorable songs, Rollers is a celebration of music’s enduring power. For anyone who enjoys dramas blended with comedy and a generous dose of impassioned music, Rollers is a must-watch.