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"Cronies" is a 2015 indie film directed by Michael J. Larnell, which tells the story of three childhood friends who reunite after years of not seeing each other. The movie was screened in several film festivals, where it received praise for its naturalistic approach and strong performances. The story takes place in St. Louis, Missouri, and follows the lives of three young men: Louis (George Sample III), Jack (Zurich Buckner), and Andrew (Brian Kowalski). Louis is a well-meaning but troubled young man, who is often at odds with his girlfriend and mother. He spends most of his time drinking and smoking weed with his two buddies, Jack and Andrew.

Jack is a soft-spoken and reserved college student who is studying to become a journalist. Andrew is a loud and brash young man who works at a car wash and dreams of becoming a rapper. Despite their different paths in life, the three friends remain close and are always there for each other.

The movie begins with Louis and Jack driving to the airport to pick up Andrew, who is returning from a trip to New York. When they meet him, they are surprised to see that he has changed a lot: he is now more confident and ambitious, and he has some new ideas about how to make some money.

Andrew's plan involves a local businessman named Stu (Kamal Angelo Bolden), who owns a strip club and a bar. Andrew wants to pitch him an idea for a music video that could be shot in Stu's establishments. Jack is initially skeptical of the plan, but Louis and Andrew manage to convince him to join them.

As the group spends more time together, tensions start to rise between Louis and Jack. Jack is increasingly frustrated with Louis' drinking and his lack of direction in life. On the other hand, Louis resents Jack for his perceived superiority and his judgmental attitude.

Despite these conflicts, the group manages to persuade Stu to invest in their idea. They spend a wild night filming the music video, which involves scantily-clad dancers and a lot of alcohol. However, as the night progresses, things start to spiral out of control, and the group's friendship is put to the test.

One of the strengths of "Cronies" is its naturalistic approach. The movie was shot on location in St. Louis, and most of the dialogue was improvised by the actors. This gives the film a raw and authentic feel, and it helps to create a sense of intimacy between the characters.

The performances in the movie are also excellent. George Sample III, Zurich Buckner, and Brian Kowalski are all relatively unknown actors, but they deliver nuanced and believable portrayals of their characters. In particular, Sample III manages to convey Louis' inner turmoil and vulnerability with subtlety and skill.

Another highlight of the movie is its portrayal of African-American masculinity. The film explores the pressures and expectations that young black men face in a society that often marginalizes and stereotypes them. It also touches on themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggles of young adulthood.

Overall, "Cronies" is a compelling and thought-provoking movie that deserves more attention. It offers a refreshing take on the coming-of-age genre, and it showcases the talent of its director and cast. If you're a fan of indie cinema or if you're looking for a movie that portrays African-American experiences in a nuanced and authentic way, then "Cronies" is definitely worth watching.

Cronies is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.