Although the true story of The North Star has wide reaching meaning and intentions behind it, the acting, direction and cinematic expertise fails miserably. Because of the very pedestrian production, instead of a compelling drama we get a historical vignette that has been used in films way beyond the scope of the script that gets presented here. That said, for an after school special directed at older teens, The North Star gets an average grade. Informational, yes, but captivating, marginal.
The true story opens with runaway slave Lewis (Joe Wooten) being returned to the Anderson Plantation in the South circa 1840’s. There he gets tied to the whipping post and gets several lashes nearly dying in the process. With more punishment comes discord by the slaves, then fear of losing their lives. Older slave Mr. Lee (Clifton Powell) gives the plantation slaves hope in his talk of a place in Pennsylvania, a free state, where former slaves can live in peace. When the plantations most desirable slave Big Ben Jones (Jeremiah Trotter) gets purchased by another plantation owner, he and Moses (Thomas C. Bartley, Jr.) decide to run away to Pennsylvania.
So begins a journey filled with danger and hope. First time Director and writer Thomas K. Phillips makes a concerted effort on a very low budget to make his film work. But, not having the experience to show conflict and add energy to his characters, works against him in his attempt to bring realism, drama and excitement to this important feature. His much needed character build-up early on beyond Big Ben Jones is almost nonexistent making his characters almost plastic in nature and therefore without empathy.
The story itself does have meaning and a lot of relevance for those who are not aware of the inhumanity our country propagated mainly in the south. Slavery is truly unacceptable no matter what the skin color and ethnicity of the society in any country in the world. This film puts proof on the table for all to see and reminds us of the rights of equal opportunity and freedom that our country offers.
The North Star has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains violence, language, sexual inferences and brutality. The film also contains a hanging and other disturbing images. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that are inappropriate for youngsters.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A larger budget and filmmaking experience could have helped the film a lot. (C-)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Jeremiah Trotter, Lynn Whitfield, Keith David, Clifton Powell, April Woodall, Thomas C. Bartley, Jr., Joe Wooten, and John Diehl
Directed and written by: Thomas K. Phillips
MPAA Rating: Not rated, contains violence, sexual inferences, language
Genre: Historical, Drama
Running Time: 1 hr. 28 min.
Video Release Date: March 1, 2016
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Subtitles: CC
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: RLJ Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
