“We Grown Now,” written and directed by Minhal Baig, emerges as a cinematic rarity, defying Hollywood norms by presenting African American characters as intricately nuanced and relatably ordinary individuals amidst a landscape typically dominated by violent narratives and stereotypical portrayals. In this refreshing departure, Baig crafts a compelling narrative that invites audiences into the world of two endearing ten-year-old boys, Malik (Blake Cameron James) and Eric (Gian Knight Ramirez), whose charm effortlessly guides viewers through a journey of nostalgia. 

Set against the backdrop of 1992 Cabrini-Green, Baig’s film showcases the innocence of childhood friendship and the simplicity of everyday life, deftly steering clear of sensationalism. Through heartfelt storytelling and authentic performances, Baig captures the essence of youth and the universal experiences that shape us, delivering a film that resonates long after the credits roll.

Malik and Eric, best friends, live in the tower building where elevators rarely work, and it’s easy to find an abandoned apartment to hang out in. Flat on their backs, staring at stained and cracked ceilings, they dare to dream (manifest). Malik is the one who dreams the most vividly and is able to help Eric step into that world occasionally as well. He lives with his hard-working and loving mother (Jurnee Smollett), grandmother (S. Epatha Merkerson), and little sister (Madisyn Barnes). Nothing dramatic, just life, which is one of the things that makes this film so very special.

Eric lives with his older sister (Avery Holliday) and their widowed father (Lil Rel Howery) and is most likely suffering from the trauma of losing his mother, although this is never discussed. His friendship with Malik is one of the most daring and honest parts of the film and what makes “We Grown Now” so special.

It’s easy to want to follow their lives as they wander Cabrini, go to school and, on one day, ditch school to go to the Art Institute of Chicago, where they explore its paintings. When they sprint through the museum, the other patrons are frozen, and we just focus on the boys’ joy. This is just one of the many scenes of normal behavior that Baig brings to life, and it might sound simple, but it’s not at all. At one point, one of artworks catches their eye. It was painted in 1935 by Walter Ellison (“Train Station”) and shows a segregated terminal.

This is the third feature film that Baig has directed. Her first was “Hala” (2019) and is about a Pakistani American teenager trying to carve out her life between her parents’ lives and her own desires.

Because Baig approaches every single frame with heart, we are 100% invested in Malik and Eric and feel an absence, of sorts, when we are pulled away from their private world.

The craftsmanship behind the camera is top-notch with sound design that proves very impactful. Simple, but it helps give the audience a place and time.

Of course, there is drama. It’s set in Cabrini-Green, in 1992, but Baig has already draped the entire film in a layer of suspense and tension; when something BIG finally explodes, it doesn’t rip the viewer apart. Instead, it helps us understand the nature of life and how things must change in order to have true growth.

At one point, the real world does catastrophically pierce the boys’ bubble when a near-army of police descend on the complex in the wake of a shooting, ransacking homes, and turning residents into suspects.

Ten out of ten. Not a perfect film, but close enough.

The post ‘We Grown Now’—Not a perfect film, but close enough appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

There are a ton of things to do with kids in NYC at any given moment, but that doesn’t make us any less excited about novel propositions—especially when they involve the opening of the first new local kids museum in a decade.

Play Street Museum, a new interactive children’s museum and indoor play area at 805 Columbus Avenue by 100th Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, will officially debut on Friday, April 19.

The 19th location of its kind nationwide, Play Street Museum was “purposefully designed to encourage a young child’s sense of independence, exploration and creativity,” according to an official press release.

The destination’s curriculum focuses on kids under eight years old and takes into account the busy lifestyle that many New York parents have to contend with. 

“This is really a full circle moment for us,” said owners James and Kristina Payne, New York parents themselves, in an official statement. “We understand the need and value of having a fun, clean and safe indoor space for our kids to play and learn. We feel privileged that we get to provide the neighborhood with a space that will allow young children to not only grow and thrive, but also allow their caregivers to rest, recharge and experience the gift of community.”

Kids will be able to play pretend in a makeshift, life-size cafe, market, doctor’s office and more. Coloring opportunities also abound.

Needless to say, the space also works as an ideal birthday party location. As mentioned in a press release, potential celebrants can choose from a list of themed packages, including “rocket science,” “donut shop” and “calling all superheroes,” among others.

Check out some photos of the new museum below:

* This article was originally published here

This month, the Mets inaugurated a new gift shop at Citi Field stadium in Queens. Bigger, shinier and with more merch than eer before, the store became a fan favorite of the opening season last week. 

RECOMMENDED: Citi Field announces food vendors for this year’s baseball season

At 10,000 square feet, the destination in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda is 50% bigger than its predecessor, boasting higher ceilings and a hanging 12-foot sculpture created by Brooklyn-based artist Michael Murphy that changes appearance. It either say “Mets” or presents the team’s “NY” logo, depending on where are looking at it from.

Shoppers will also notice a ton more buying options, specifically within the women’s category. In a space that once had 12 shirts on display, folks will get to gaze at 52 different ones, per the New York Times. 

The 3,000 baseballs exhibited add character and flair to a shop that now boasts twice the number of staff members as its previous iteration. 

The Mets collaborated with some of the biggest sports brands to create the new items, including Nike, New Era, Mitchell & Ness, Pro Standard, Tommy Bahama and many others, per the store’s website.

Also of note is a new, modern self-checkout system that allows fans to get back to the stadium quickly after their purchase.  

Luckily, you don’t have to wait until a game to check out the shopping mecca: the store is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.

On game days, the hours will vary. Can’t make it in at all? Worry not: you can fill out a form to have items shipped to you.

* This article was originally published here

Giant puppets will parade through the Lower East Side on Saturday, May 11, to raise awareness for a giant issue: Climate solutions.

“Ecological City: Procession for Climate Solutions” is described as “an urban ecological pilgrimage.” Marchers will stop at more than a dozen gardens throughout the neighborhood showcasing visual art, music, dance, theater, and poetry. Expect to see 500 people in spectacular costumes during this theatrical pageant, along with mobile sculptures and larger-than-life puppets.

RECOMMENDED: The best Earth Day events in NYC

Though the event falls after Earth Month, it keeps alive the important conversations about sustainability, climate change, and climate solutions. 

The event’s organizers highlight community gardens on the march as a way to show the importance of these green spaces within the city. Not only are these green spaces beautiful, but they also offer pollinator gardens, solar gazebos, permeable paths, and trees that improve air quality. 

“The gardens provide a myriad of solutions including sequestering carbon, filtering air pollution and run-off, as well as absorbing flood water from storm surges and sea level rise,” event organizers said in a press release. “Visionary green infrastructure projects throughout the neighborhood include bio-swales, rain and pollinator gardens, solar gazebos, permeable pathways, vertical farming, green roofs, CSA-community supported agriculture/urban farming/environmental food justice.”

They’ll also march along the East River waterfront passing a variety of resiliency practices, like oyster planting, wetlands, and kayak launch river access.

Activities along the route include an eco rap, a song for bioswales, a garden ceremony, and a poetry reading. 

More than 50 groups have partnered with Ecological City to make the procession a reality. Partner organizations include Lungs (Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens), Elizabeth Street Garden, East River Alliance, and more. Social action artist Felicia Young leads Ecological Celebrations, a nonprofit collaborative art project highlighting local climate solution efforts. Their efforts have led to the preservation of community gardens and river restoration.

Volunteers are welcome to join in as puppet operators, procession marshals, and more. Sign up to volunteer here. New Yorkers are invited to stop by the route and learn about the environment while enjoying the artwork.

Here’s the procession route and times

* This article was originally published here