Wheels

Wheels is a 2020 independent film directed by Paul Starkman that features a diverse cast, including Arnstar, Shyrley Rodriguez, and Joshua Boone, in a heartrending yet inspiring plot that delves into themes such as inner-city struggles, dreams, resilience, and a deep passion for DJing. Set against the vivid backdrop of Brooklyn's vibrant blend of music, diversity, and character, Wheels takes us through an emotional journey through the lens of youth- trying to make sense of their reality and striving to turn dreams into realities.

The movie predominantly revolves around the life of Max, played by Arnstar, a talented and eager teenager who loves music more than anything else in his world. Max is an inspiring character, full of charisma and an unwavering drive to succeed, his eyes sparkled with future dreams. What really sets Max apart is his unparalleled passion for DJing—a passion that interconnects him with Brooklyn's bustling world of music, street culture, dreams, and hustle.

Max, along with his loving yet fiery grandma and his brother, Terry—played by Joshua Boone, live in an unforgiving yet spirited neighborhood, facing their day-to-day struggles. However, the charisma and determination of Max never allow the overwhelming circumstances to get the better of him. Instead, it fuels his desire to rise above his current life status and achieve his dream of becoming a successful DJ.

With his turntables as his best friends and music as his language, Max navigates through his life, fueled with ambition, aspiration, and ambition. He immerses himself into the electric world of beats, rhythms, and music, drawing inspiration from every note, every beat, and every day of his life. He tirelessly practices and fight his way up through the competitive landscape of Brooklyn's lively DJ scene gradually carving a name for himself.

However, his path is not as straightforward as he would have wanted it to be. As we follow Max's journey, the film takes us through the raw realities of city life, unravelling its hardships, struggles, heartbreaks, failures, and situations that test Max's strength, resilience, and persistence.

The heart of Wheels lies in Max's unwavering commitment to his music - he is determined to make a name for himself, despite the odds stacked against him. The film draws an authentic and poignant picture of dreams, dedication, compassion, and resilience juxtaposed against the harsh realities of life. Max's perseverance is tested at each step, adding to the emotional depth of the film, which is accelerated by brilliant performances by the cast.

Shyrly Rodriguez delivers a remarkable performance as Liza, who adds an additional layer of complexity and emotional depth to the narrative. She beautifully portrays the strength, love, and struggle a woman goes through in her attempt to protect her family in the hustle of the city life.

Joshua Boone as Terry adds a touching element of brotherhood, loyalty, and struggle. His character's relationship with Max acts as a mirror, reflecting the challenges, the wins, and the losses they face together in the city's whirlwind.

In addition to the strong story and authentic performances, the film is profoundly embellished by the mesmerizing and dynamic original soundtrack, which plays a pivotal role in narrative construction. The reverberating beats, swaying rhythms, and soulful music act as a character in itself, adding depth, energy, and life to the film, resonating with Max's character and his journey to stardom.

Above all, Wheels is a testament to the power of dreams as well as the resilience and determination of the human spirit. It's a captivating portrayal of an aspirational youth's journey, teeming with captivating performances, an engaging storyline, and a mesmerizing soundtrack. Amidst its exploration of gritty city life struggles, it weaves an inspiring tale of hopes, dreams, and a relentless pursuit of passion.

In essence, Wheels spins a tale of dreams, tenacity, brotherhood, and the gratification that comes from never giving up on the road less traveled—marking it as a remarkable piece of indie cinema. It serves as an inspiring reminder that regardless of the hurdles and adversities life presents, the wheels of ambition, when fueled with a resilient spirit and unstoppable determination, never stop turning.