Reginald Haskins Jr. with one of the young stars of Measure of a Man. (Photo credit: Demetrius Jones)
Directed and written by:
Demetrius “Illski” Jones
Starring:
Reginald Haskins Jr., Triston Parks, Brayden Parks, Imani Moultrie, Serika Cremedy, Cherell Evans, Kelah Elaine, Joseph Glinn, Alton Richardson, Kelshun Smith, Jaquez Savion, Elijah Shanks, Zacharia Smith, Kaymere Snowden, Demetrius Jones
Synopsis (courtesy of Jones):
Based on a true story and set on Peachwood Circle, off Shallowford Road in the Northeast Atlanta neighborhood where Jones grew up in the 1980s, the film follows a young man, Demetrius, whose understanding of manhood is shaped by his cousin Michael — a man who leaves his past behind and, when he comes home, quietly teaches love, courage, and self-acceptance, even as old wounds reopen across three generations of one Black family. As Jones puts it: “It’s based on a true story — but it is not the true story.
Monique’s review:
Measure of a Man presents a story with a life lesson we can all stand to be reminded of. What I like about the film is that it makes it clear that treating people with dignity and respect is important; if you don’t understand someone, that doesn’t mean you ostracize them. Our differences can allow us to learn about the people and world around us. Keeping our minds closed hurts not only you, but everyone else.
The film is set in 1987, and one of my biggest nitpicks is that the film doesn’t look like the 1980s. Granted, this indie is made with resources available (specifically $500, which makes the film’s production even more applause-worthy). As someone who is a stickler for period stuff, the lack of ’80s set and costume design took me out of the film a little bit. With that said, to make a film on a microbudget is commendable in its own right, and limitations are to be expected.
Reginald Haskins Jr. as Michael in Measure of a Man. (Photo credit: Demetrius Jones)
Obviously, the film’s message is more important. It’s clear Jones loved his older cousin Michael and was greatly influenced by him. We don’t always see gay Black male leads represented in the media to begin with, much less as a role model to other Black boys. Black culture as a whole still needs to reckon with its homophobia and transphobia when it comes to accepting Black queer men as great role models for children. This film draws that line in the sand and does its part to fight against that prejudice.
With that said, I think that the film’s storyline could be even stronger if the film was edited down from its 1 hour 51 minute runtime. The scenes do need room to breathe, but I feel like there is some of the padding that stretches the story out longer than it has to be.
As it stands, though, Measure of a Man has good performances, particularly from the children, who I feel acted in a mostly organic way, and touches on moments many viewers might have experienced in their own lives. If you are looking for a film to watch with your family about the meaning of acceptance, then Measure of a Man is a fine place to start.
Measure of a Man is streaming for free on Tubi. The film is also part of South Carolina nonprofit Ndovu Films’ mission of using film to fight against hunger and create more housing, education and entrepreneurship opportunities. Learn more about ndovufilms.org.
