Watch Redhook Summer

Red Hook Summer is a 2012 independent drama film directed by the renowned filmmaker Spike Lee. Released by Variance Films, the story is set in the backdrop of Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood, where a young boy named Flik Royale is sent to spend his summer with his grandfather, Bishop Enoch Rouse. Flik Royale (Jules Brown) lives with his mother in Atlanta, Georgia, but his mother had to send him to live with his grandfather in Brooklyn due to financial constraints. Flik is quite unenthused about spending his summer in a strange place with a stranger, Bishop Enoch Rouse (Clarke Peters), who he's never met before. Bishop Rouse is a strict and conservative preacher trying to make a difference in the lives of the people in the dwindling Brooklyn community.

Initially, Flik resents Bishop Rouse for having to spend his summer in this unfamiliar place. But as the summer unfolds, he begins to explore the neighborhood and make new friends. He meets Chazz Morningstar (Toni Lysaith), who is the same age as him and lives across the street. Chazz is a vivacious girl who shows Flik around the neighborhood, taking him to local stores and introducing him to the locals. Chazz’s mother, Box Office (De'Adre Aziza), also takes Flik under her wing, and soon he becomes part of their community.

As Flik becomes more involved with Bishop Rouse's church, he starts to observe things that he finds uncomfortable. Bishop Rouse's conservative views put him at odds with many of the people in the community, and Flik is conflicted about whether he should take Bishop Rouse's side or question his beliefs.

The film introduces various sub-plots that show the complexity of the characters and their surroundings. Box Office's sister, Mother Darling (Nate Parker), also stops by for a visit and creates a chaotic scene in the neighborhood. Another subplot wears a more sinister cloak, where a boy goes missing from the neighborhood, and the events leading to his disappearance and subsequent search only amplify the issues Bishop Rouse and the community face.

Throughout the movie, the viewers get to see the nuances of each character's experience and their struggles in different forms. Flik's character goes through a transformation from being a quiet kid who was frustrated with his summer plans to a proactive approach. In contrast, Bishop Rouse's character struggles with keeping up with the changing times and retaining his church congregation. Red Hook Summer is a story about self-discovery, community spirit, family, and redemption.

Spike Lee has been known for exploring complex political and social issues in his films. With Red Hook Summer, he portrays the fragility and joys of the African American community with delicate care. The movie is touching and thought-provoking; it delves into a community that is trying to find its way back to its roots.

The script, written by Spike Lee and James McBride, is crisp and engaging. The dialogue between the characters is incredibly realistic, and the actors' performances make it a stellar movie. Jules Brown as Flik and Clarke Peters as Bishop Rouse ensure that their performances stay in the minds of the viewers long after the movie has ended.

The cinematography is also praise-worthy. Spike Lee shows Brooklyn's picturesque landscape in a never-seen-before light. Lee has an incredible eye for detail, and it shows in the way Brooklyn's Red Hook community is portrayed.

The film's score is a mix of modern and more traditional gospel music, perfectly fitting with the content of the movie. Bruce Hornsby, who worked with Spike Lee in movies like Do the Right Thing, composed the original score that adds another layer of emotion to the overall film.

Red Hook Summer is a must-watch for those who enjoy slice-of-life stories that are based on real events. The movie takes a holistic approach to explore the lives of the people in Brooklyn's Red Hook community and shows that there is hope even in the bleakest of situations. The film's message about acceptance, compassion, and the need for community support is something that everyone should take to heart.