It’s April of 1992, in South Central Los Angeles, Mercer (played by Tyrese Gibson) is fresh out of incarceration and trying to raise his teenage son Antoine (Christopher Ammanuel) by himself. Through a correctional system contact, he lands an entry-level job at Pluton Metals with the hopes of setting his life on the right path. Meanwhile, Lowell Bigby (Ray Liotta; in his final on-screen performance) is the kingpin to his family’s criminal operation. His son Riggin (Scott Eastwood) turns him on to a plan for a massive heist but the father degrades his son for being too ambitious for their little operation. But, hours later when the LA riots start, they realize they have the perfect window of opportunity. Mercer and Antoine get caught up in the Bigby family heist all with the Los Angeles Uprising happening in the background.
1992 is full of intensity, emotion and depth, everything you want from an action movie. Director Ariel Vromen and writer Sascha Penn managed to ink a compelling story while successfully navigating the delicate subject of race relations from a real life event. Additionally, Vromen delivers the best work of his career and creates a sense of excitement for whatever his next project will be.
The performances are all solid but the stand out here is Ammanuel. The young actor shows so much range, from pent up angst to defiance to anxiety to fear to hope. He’s absolutely believable as Gibson’s son, a kid who’s mentally trying to figure out life while being pulled in so many different directions, not only at home but with what’s going on in American society. Ammanuel’s performance in 1992 should not go unnoticed by end-of-year award voters.
This is not just for people, like myself, who remember the LA Uprising. Remove the historical context and 1992 still encompasses a remarkable story about race relations, intergenerational empathy, socioeconomic divides, moral navigation and family dynamics, all while being a solid heist film as well.
The performances are great, the story is solid, the emotion is undeniable. Do yourself a favor and make time to see 1992 on the big screen.
JKG SCORE: 7.5
Untitled Film Project 