Attempting to intermix sports, immigration and coming-of-age, Ryan Fleck's Sugar is a unique film that strives for it all. And though the baseball skills prove to be lacking, the raw and authentic script pave way to a resurgence, giving the film new life after the seventh-inning stretch.
As a baseball player, I have been looking forward to this long awaited release for some months now. The sports, the Dominican Republic background and the coming-of-age story were all appealing to me. But for some reason, things just didn't click right. The form on the field was off. The speed of the pitches didn't translate to the success. And the progress of the players seemed quite intermediate. And while these things wouldn't really bother an unknowing fan, those who know and appreciate the game will have a tough time overlooking the pivotal miscues.
But all that isn't to say that Sugar cannot be enjoyed; for in many ways, it can. The deep character study is masterful as director Ryan Fleck captures the true innocence of a child pursing the 'American Dream' in hopes of rescuing his family from their poverty stricken home in the Dominican Republic. The raw emotion, expressed through the stern face of star Algenis Perez Soto creates a connection between yourself and the character shown on screen. You feel for his struggles, his unknowing and his ambition, knowing that he has a long road ahead of him, and a stack of cards piled high against him.
What better way to showcase the hardships and struggles than with a picturesque view of America. Filled with a unique style of color, the film carries a dry, harsh and barren feel, giving off a metaphorical perception of a clash between desire and fate. And while it may be hidden beneath the beauty and tranquility that exerts itself on the screen, Sugar succeeds in its ability to provide us with our own knuckle-curve, showing us just how weird and foreign our country can look to someone simply trying to make it big in the land of growth and opportunity. It is a reality check; one that allows the story to overcome all of its faults and deem worthy of both your time and money!
