Fresh (1999, DVD)

Unique. This film is certainly that, being one of the most interesting and yes, "fresh" films in years. Despite a forgettable title, "Fresh" will leave you walking away with hope and a smile, allowing you entry into a neighborhood you really DON'T want to visit, yet are glad you did...and wondering, could YOU have done as well as this little boy?

Fresh ( Sean Nelson ) is about 8 or so, living in a touch section of "the hood," making trinkets of money by running packets of heroin between dealers, growing up way too fast. His dad ( Samuel L. Jackson ) is homeless and an alcoholic, but was a chess master at one time; and his meetings in the park with his son seem harsh and a bit cold, as he teaches his son the strategy of the game. And it leaves you wondering, why does Fresh even bother? But when he witnesses one of his friends getting shot, his life and attitude change and life for him does indeed become a chess game...only the pieces he's using are big time drug dealers.

Tough, tough subject to do well; and no, you don't really need to know much about chess ( tho' it helps a little, as it did in "Searching for Bobby Fischer" ). What captivates you in this movie is that by the time you realize what Fresh is doing, you begin trying to guess his next move, for the "game" is getting both interesting and dangerous.. And suddenly, you have the basics of chess ( the masters plan 30 moves ahead ). Fresh, you realize, is several steps ahead of you.

NOBODY rents this film, which is a shame. It breaks formula and so should you...go to the back corner and dig this video out of the dust. You'll find yourself THERE in the story, scared and intrigued. And you'll finish having nothing but admiration for a little kid learning chess...the hard way.