Concrete Cowboy (Mini Review Series) (Netflix) **HIGHLY RECOMMENDED WATCH*

Initial release date: April 2, 2021

Studio: Netflix

Tagline: You are who you ride with

Plot: Sent to live with his estranged father for the summer, a rebellious teen finds kinship in a tight-knit Philadelphia community of black cowboys.

Cast

Idris Elba (Cats; Hobbs & Shaw) - Harp

Lorraine Toussant (CBS’ The Equalizer) - Nessie

Jharrel Jerome - Smush

Caleb McLaughlin (Netflix’s Stranger Things) - Cole

Method Man - Leroy

Ivannah Mercedes - Esha

Bryan Bowers - Rome

Writer(s): Ricky Staub and Dan Walser

Director: Ricky Staub

Rated R for language throughout, drug use and some violence (111 minutes)

‘Concrete Cowboy’ is an inspiring, solid Netflix feature that is definitely one that should NOT be missed. Not only is it a great coming of age film, it’s also a valuable cultural lesson that lots of people have no idea about.

The film delivers lots of emotion and quite a few interesting characters are introduced throughout the film. ‘Concrete Cowboy’ is definitely one of those hidden gems on the streaming service that is a lot better than you would expect.

Some of the father-son scenes can be rather compelling and really deep. The movie can also be very emotional, especially when the Cole character begins to grow up. The Cole/Smush story-line is also very interesting and even though the Smush character (an old friend of Cole’s) gets into trouble with drugs and whatnot, he;s also has dreams that he wants to fulfill.

So, while you are browsing through Netflix, I highly suggest you check out ‘Concrete Cowboy.’ It’s very unique, interesting and rather moving. Also, watch during some of the credits where a few of the actual Fletcher Street riders (who are also in the movie ) speak a little bit about their heritage.

Here are a few interesting tidbits about Netflix’s ‘Concrete Cowboy’:

• The movie is based on the novel ‘Ghetto Cowboy’ by Greg Neri, which was inspired by the real urban African-American horse-riding culture of Philadelphia, and in particular the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club.

• While the film is completely fictional, several real members of the Fletcher Street riding community play supporting characters who give voice to real issues that the community faces.

• Filming began in North Philadelphia in August 2019. Staub originally got the idea for the film after seeing a man riding a horse down a Philadelphia street, which led him to research the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club and the discovery of Neri’s book.

• In October 2020, Netflix acquired distribution rights to the film for a release in 2021.