Overview: From visionary filmmaker Jeymes Samuel, The Book of Clarence is a bold new take on the timeless Hollywood era Biblical epic. Streetwise but struggling, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) is trying to find a better life for himself and his family, make himself worthy to the woman he loves, and prove that he’s not a nobody.

Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, a journey through which he finds redemption and faith, power and knowledge.

Blu-ray Verdict: Let me start by saying that I am not black nor, for the most part, overly religious, but perhaps that is exactly why I was asked to review this movie. I also expected this movie to be a comedy, and indeed in parts it was funny, but it had a LOT more to say than just make cheap, easy jokes.

Where it got complex was understanding what Clarence’s purpose was or what his story was trying to say. What I understood is that Clarence was a man, not a God or a Messiah, but he can find his true purpose through learning and growing. Through that, he can find his own faith or beliefs. It’s a refreshing alternative to tricks as a way of getting people to believe in something larger than themselves that religions tend to do, and I personally liked that.

I loved that it was black-centric and made parallels with Black Lives Matter. I love that it pulled stories and events that are well known from the Bible, simultaneously making them believable and dare I say, a bit silly at times (to soften the blow). It instead refocused on a more realistic sense of what could have been if the real teacher was just a man, but with a twist of the supernatural.

So yeah, I found this movie funny, entertaining and thought provoking with incredible acting throughout from all the main characters. The tone was sometimes hard to nail, sure, but not if you knew what it was trying to say in that exact moment.

In closing, The Book of Clarence offers a refreshing take on coming-of-age themes with its poignant storytelling and stellar cast performances. The film masterfully captures the complexities of adolescence through the journey of its protagonist, Clarence.

The character development is rich, and the emotional depth resonates with audiences. With its open-ended conclusion, it feels like there’s potential for a sequel, and I eagerly await it.

Again, as it bears repeating, the chemistry among the cast members enhances the viewing experience, making it a must-watch for fans of heartfelt cinema.

BLU-RAY™, DVD, AND DIGITAL EXTRAS:
● Commentary with Jeymes Samuel & LaKeith Stanfield
● Band of Brothers: Meet the Cast
● Song of Songs: An Epic Collaboration
● The Gospel of Jeymes: On The Set with Jeymes Samuel
● Book 4: Making the Film - Gag Reel