Let's Play Chess With 'Brooklyn Castle'

A few months ago I received a private screening of the documentary film, "Brooklyn Castle." Unfortunately, I had to wait to run my review of the movie until it premiered at the "South by SouthWest" film festival in Austin, Texas. Well, it premiered there this past week... and it opened to rave reviews. In fact, when the movie ended, it got a huge standing ovation from the crowd, and it picked up the "Audience Award," which is voted on by the people. Yup, people, just like you and me! Also, Sony Pictures bought the rights to the remake of the film, and Scott Rudin (of "There Will Be Blood," "The Social Network," and "No Country For Old Men") is tied in with producing the flick. Not too bad for a little doc-u about chess. But it's so much more than that. Congratulations to EVERYONE who was involved in the making of this film. Read on to see what I thought about this film. And just to let you know, I have changed NOTHING from my review that I wrote over four months ago. I have the same feelings now as I did back then. Right on down to wanting Neal Flaherty's fiancee. Enjoy.

Looks like I may be developing some clout out there in Hollywood, because I was invited to my first private screening/sneak preview of a "soon to be released" film.

This film is a documentary called "Brooklyn Castle."

Now, if you're anything like me, once you hear the word "documentary" you assume you're going to have "global warming" stuffed down your throat, or Michael Moore is going to creep out from under a rock and toss his politics in your face, but let's remember, there have been some great documentaries made over the years. Michael Moore's "Bowling for Columbine," Ken Burns' PBS documentary "Baseball," and VH1's ROCK-umentary on "Guns 'n Roses" were all fantastic and interesting movies. "Brooklyn Castle" is right up there with these.

Brooklyn Castle tells the story of five kids living in Brooklyn, that all go to the Intermediate School 318 (i.s.318). They all share the love of chess and they all have major obstacles to overcome throughout the film.

Pobo, a 12-year-old stud on the chess board, is the ring-leader. He's a politician in the making and even runs for school president (under the name "Pobama"). He takes the chess team under his wing and is the perfect picture of optimism.

Justus and Alexis (11 and 12, respectively) are prodigies. These two are at the top of their class when it comes to chess. Justus seems to not want the limelight. He seems shy to me, and I hope he may overcome that as he gets older because he may be the best player in the country at his age (maybe even older). Alexis is a calculating player who knows what he wants. He wants a better life for himself and his family and chess can get him an excellent education.

Rochelle, (13) is striving to be the first female, African-American master in chess history... not an easy task.

And then there's Patrick... Patrick is a terrible chess player who I think even I could beat, and I've never even played chess! But I kid. To me Patrick is the most interesting boy in the film. He plays chess to help him focus more since he has ADHD. You can't help rooting for this kid. His personality is infectious, and when he finally wins his first match, you get a lump in your throat, you're so fired up for him.

Now, it sounds like it's all about chess, but it is a documentary so there is another underlying story. Budget cuts. Financially, the public school systems in this country are in the toilet and it's no different here. The principal (John Galvin), and teacher (Ms. Vicary) in this film are dedicated to keeping the chess program running and their dilemma is coming up with funds. It's a connundrum, and not an easy one to solve. I.S.318 was once a failing school and through the hard work of the teachers and assistant principal, developed great after school programs and took their school from failing to being recognized as one of the best in New York City.  They now have the No. 1 chess team in the country and they're still having their budget cut! Seems to me that they're being penalized for doing good... I don't understand it, but why would I? I'm a meatball.

The movie is directed and produced by Katie Dellamaggiore, who has had many of her films/projects seen on HBO, Cinemax, VH1, and A&E, along with working on many award-winning documentaries, so I'd have to say she's a seasoned vet.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that it was co-executive produced by Norwood's own, Neal Flaherty.

Flaherty has worked out in La-La land for Spike TV and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, along with working on the films "American Wedding," "Red Eye," and one of my favorites "A History of Violence." He is also a great friend of mine and if he turns his back for one second, I might steal his wicked hot fiancee.

Before I close this review, I'm going to tell you what I told Flaherty. I said, "If I don't like this movie I'm going to write about it, I'm going rip it. I don't care if you get mad at me or not." And believe me, if it stunk, I'd let you know it. I loved this documentary. The only way it could've been better would have been if Optimus Prime played Megatron in a game of chess and the loser had to make-out with the robot from The Terminator.

I'm hoping to maybe someday interview some of the filmakers and eventually write about the "ins and outs" of filmaking... but that's an article for another day.

This film is not yet out in theatres. It will be making its rounds at the film festivals before being nationally released... Stay tuned.

Check, and checkmate.

Matthew W. Kelley, Norwood Patch, reporting.

Please check out 'brooklyncastle.com' for trailers and upcoming events on this film.