SAFETY – Rated PG
DIRECTOR: Reginald Hudlin
WRITER: Nick Santora
STARRING: Jay Reeves, Javian Jackson, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Hunter Sansone, Corrine Foxx, Matthew Glave, Miles Burris, and James Badge Dale
As we meet Freshman Clemson Defensive Back Ray McElrathbey (Jay Reeves), he’s just begun his freshman year, attempting to navigate the intense world of College Football, scholastic demands, a possible new girlfriend (Corrine Foxx), and his new roommate Daniel Morelli (Hunter Sansone) too.
Amidst all this change in young Ray’s life, it seems that his little brother Fahmarr (Thaddeus J. Mixson) is struggling a lot back home, as their mother spirals out of control with her drug addiction. As Ray tries to navigate what is the best way to keep his little brother out of Foster care, while their Mother seeks to recover inside an intensive Drug Rehabilitation Center, there aren’t too many options, other than to sneak Fahmarr back to Clemson, and try to keep his presence there under wraps…
But when Ray’s coaches get wind of Fahmarr’s presence on campus, what’s a Coaching staff to do, but follow the rules! But when it seems that the best place for Fahmarr is actually under Ray’s care, and with the help of his extended Football Family at Clemson, its agreed that they have to reach out to the NCAA, and ask for an exemption, which will allow Ray and Fahmarr to accept the assistance of Clemson Coaches, staff and the Community too, in making sure that Fahmarr is taken care, till he’s well on his way to becoming a fine young man…just like his big brother…
I give SAFETY a rating of 4 out of 5 Stars! Okay, okay, so even though I’ve been addicted to feel good Sports films for decades, with Field of Dreams (1989), Remember the Titans (2000), A League of Their Own (1992), Rudy (1993) Tin Cup (1996), Miracle (2004) and Moneyball (2011) all on regular viewing status at home, I wasn’t expecting too much from this Disney + film, as it’s being told through the “Eyes of Disney”, which instantly warrants a rather cheesy storyline, right?… WRONG! Disney steps out of their comfort zone to tell this true story of Ray McElrathbey’s journey, raising his younger brother Fahmarr, in a more mature, and very engaging way. There’s no “sugar coating” going on around here, as this true story deals with drug addiction, our Foster system, and an entire Clemson community stepping up to assist Ray in one way or another, with his little brother. This film turns into a definite Must See, as it highlights the on-screen talents of Jay Reeves (Ray), Thaddeus J. Mixon (Fahmarr), and St. Louis’ own Hunter Sansone (Daniel), plus the beautiful and talented Corrine Foxx (as Ray’s girlfriend, and yes, she is Jamie Foxx’s daughter, just in case you were wondering), as all of their performances are top notch throughout every inch of this film! As emotionally powerful as The Blind Side, but with the depth and sincerity of Remember the Titans, SAFETY brings all the elements that make a true story come to life, as it tugs at your heart, and brings a tear or two to the eyes of the viewer too, by the time its through. SAFETY is is also a film that everyone over the age of 10 should see, leaving me to suggest that you rally your own family together for a day or evening of Disney magic…as you don’t want to miss this very courageous, and emotionally charged Disney+ original film, which is playing now!
MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser 