Veteran character actor Luis Guzmán has always been underrated. In the last two years, he stole scenes in Peacock’s The Resort and Poker Face and played the iconic Gomez Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday across from Catherin Zeta-Jones and Jenna Ortega. In his newest showcase, Story Ave, Guzmán and director/co-writer Aristotle Torres take what could be a reductive surrogate parent and turn him into a captivating character.
Opposite Guzmán is lead Asante Blackk, as talented artist, high school student, and aspiring gang member Kadir Grayson. When we first meet him, he is haunted by his disabled brother’s death, which he was present for. His mother is resentful of his presence, overwhelmed by her living son’s current appetite for trouble, and eventually kicks him out.
To cope with the death, Kadir joins a graffiti gang led by Skemes (Melvin Gregg), the older brother of his best friend, Mo (Alex R. Hibbard). The young protege likes tagging street signs and walls more than the actual fighting and violence that Skemes requires of him. On one such night, Kadir holds up Luis, a middle-aged MTA worker (Guzmán) who not only dazzles him with his quick wit and a Cuban sandwich but pays him the money he needs. As tension rises, the teenager finds himself without a home and on Luis’ doorstep, with his future hanging in the balance.
The beats of Torres and fellow writer Bonsu Thompson’s script feel like something out of Boyz in the Hood or Finding Forrester. What could feel like tired troupes, feels fresh in Torres’ hands as he applies an arthouse, surreal style to his directing. Nothing about the script or his visual choices feels cliché.
Blackk, who’s best known for When They See Us, handles the lead role with a nuanced and calculated performance. He doesn’t overact or weigh down the script with emotion. Instead, he gives a compelling portrait of a talented kid trying to figure out which crossroad he should take.
Story Ave is really Guzmán’s movie. Just as you think he is taking on the witty mentor role, he delivers beyond expectations. Sure, his line delivery brings the film’s comic relief, but there’s a hidden sadness to Luis. He adds layers and builds upon his character, adding a rich, felt backstory.
The last 30 minutes or so of the film brings unneeded melodrama and angst that weighs down the plot. However, Story Ave is a valiant first effort from first-time filmmaker Aristotle Torres. It gets extra credit points for finally showcasing Kuis Guzmán at his best.
Story Ave is in theaters now.
