Out of Bounds (2019 film)
Out of Bounds is a 2019 American drama film written, produced, and directed by SD Green in his directorial debut. It stars Deyonte 'Tatted' Hunter, Tenichi Garner, Shalonda SJ Johnson, Richard Siegelman, Maurin Penn, Eric 'E-Gotti' Johnson, Ricky D. Smith, and Derek Seals. "Out of Bounds" tells the story of Travis Elliot (Hunter), a talented Memphis basketball player faced with the decision of following his dreams or helping his incarcerated older brother. The choice between the two has far-reaching consequences and Travis ends up playing a deadly game of tug of war. Plot . Travis Elliot has hopes of taking his talents beyond his Northside High School gymnasium to college and eventually to the pros. When his older brother Rico (Garner) is arrested, he puts basketball aside and deals drugs to pay for his attorney. He plans to get in and out of the drug game unscathed with the help of Murda (Johnson), his brother's first-in-command. Since he lacks experience, Murda, with a plan of his own, easily manipulates him into making careless decisions. Travis realizes he's being used as a pawn and commits several murders seeking revenge. With everyone  out of his way; Travis outsmarts law enforcement and Rico is released from jail. Production. Development. "Out of Bounds" is a Reebok sponsored independent film written, produced, and directed by SD Green, an American film director, producer, writer, and filmmaker. "Filming in Memphis, Tennessee was important to Green." The city was selected to serve as the backdrop of the story for the film. Green believes, “The historically artistic city holds a wealth of untapped talent,” and in his director's statement, Green said, “I felt strongly about filming the majority of scenes in Memphis, Tennessee and recognized the city as  a character of its own. As part of my commitment, the majority of the talent and crew of "Out of Bounds" are Memphis, Tennessee natives.” Casting. Garner said he was cast by Green for his personal connection with the character and the parallel was due in part to him serving 16 consecutive years in prison before being released in January 2014, saying, "This particular role didn't require much acting — I completely understood Rico." "The Jackson Sun," wrote, "Garner pulled from his own life experiences in his latest role." Shalonda SJ Johnson was cast as one of the lead talent  and is a producer of the film. Naomi pushes Travis in the right direction. "She doesn’t want him to fall victim to the streets,” and “she’s kind of bull-headed about him continuing his career and education,” Johnson told "Memphis Flyer". "WMC Action News 5 - Bluff City Life," spoke with, Eric 'E-Gotti' Johnson, who said, he was cast for his South Memphis dialect and persona that embodied his character. Johnson also spoke to how the film was true to the Memphis experience. He expressed that, “A lot of people here probably can relate to the film and  the core value of it.” Filming. Principal photography was shot predominately in the interior and exterior of churches, residences, and businesses in Memphis, Tennessee, Olive Branch, Mississippi, and Senatobia, Mississippi during the summer months of May and June. According to Maurin Penn, “The film represents Memphis in many different ways through certain characters. He told the "DeSoto Times-Tribune," "it represents the parts of Memphis that people don’t like to talk about, but shines a light that needs to be seen." Reception. Screenings. "Out of Bounds" made its premiere to a sold-out crowd at a Malco Theatres in  Cordova, Tennessee on January 24, 2019. And made its streaming debut on Amazon, Apple TV, iTunes, YouTube Premium, Google Play, and Vudu on December 23, 2020. Critical response. "The Philadelphia Tribune" recognized the film's accolades, which at the time of publication, "[had] been awarded 18 film festival awards and nominations," and a positive standing amongst critics, stating that, "the good reviews are rolling in [for this coming-of-age story]." Jesse Davis of "Memphis Flyer", said, "There’s nothing quite so easy to identify with as a rock-and-a-hard-place situation. That struggle is at the heart  of "Out of Bounds."" Alyssa Brook of "Hollywood Unlocked" expressed a similar sentiment, noticing that "the concept of the film is deeper than entertainment, but an accurate insight into the battle many young minority teens face everyday. Chasing their dreams or being forced to save and look after their families by any means necessary.” S. Davis of "Hip Hop Weekly", pointed out the film's ability to "pull viewers in," and "grip [them] with interweaving themes," proclaiming it, "not just another urban movie," rather, one that "leaves viewers emotionally charged."