When I first saw the trailers for this movie, I got quite excited because I figured the story would be reminiscent of my adolescent days. Unfortunately, ATL fell well short of my expectations. First off, the movie is not as dark as the trailers crammed with pit bulls and corruption depict it to be. I suppose this explains why the movie is rated only PG-13. Secondly, the film is not very realistic: although it does capture the materialism and music characteristic of the Atlanta culture, the exclusion of violence makes the movie feel artificial. Thirdly, the movie sometimes feels silly. The attempt to substitute actual crews or posses for skating teams required to execute complicated, synchronized skating routines gives ATL an occasional infantile feel. Lastly, there are many unnecessary and random moments in the movie that build up into a mountain of nothingness.

My only praise would be for the characterization of the cast. The central characters reminded me of my friends growing up, and I saw a lot of myself in “Esquire.” I appreciated the fact that these friends embraced each other despite different life choices. (My only casting complaint is that the characters Brooklyn and Teddy were too close. A more irrational, quick-tempered crew member would have provided a more intricate—if controversial—group dynamic.) Also, it’s nice that the movie contains many positive messages, promoting family-values and denouncing the use of violence and drug use.

Unfortunately, while the movie’s tagline is “A New American Story,” the plot feels very clichéd and predictable, not unlike many other movies with Black adolescent characters. I’m sure I would have liked the movie more if I were about six years younger, but since I’m not, I can’t help but think of more productive things I could have done with my two hours . . .