Ride

Ride is a smartly written, comically charged and entertaining motion picture directed by Millicent Shelton. Released in 1998 by Dimension Films, it features notable performances from Melissa De Sousa, John Witherspoon, and Cedric the Entertainer. Ride, in essence, is a road trip comedy that takes viewers on a hysterical journey filled with drama, laughter, and unpredictable twists.

The story revolves around a group of young, ambitious individuals from Harlem attempting to find their way to Miami for a music video shoot. Lead actress Melissa De Sousa plays the role of Leta Evans, an ambitious film school graduate who, after frustrating yet comical attempts, finally snags her first job – a production assistant. Dazzled by the glitz and glam of the entertainment industry, Leta soon finds that her job is nothing like what she hoped it'd be and the journey to Miami is massively different than she imagined.

John Witherspoon, known for his comedic brilliance, plays the character of Roscoe, the eccentric tour bus driver. His character adds another layer of amusement to what is already a hysterically charged situation. From Some individuals look at the ride as their final break, others as an obliging favor, others just want to get away, and some just want to meet notorious B.M.O.C - Brotha Man On the Corner.

Adding a hilarious hue to the mix is Cedric the Entertainer, portraying the role of Bo, a struggling security guard on the bus who aspires to be a rapper. His quirky character gains sympathy and laughter in equal parts, making Cedric's character one of the memorable ones in the film.

The cast also includes an effervescent mix of then up-and-coming actors including Malik Yoba, Guy Torry, Sticky Fingaz, Idalis DeLeon, and The Lady of Rage among others. Each with their own unique persona, they add more color and comedy to the journey. They all have their respective dreams and aspirations, and this chaotic trip to Miami becomes a turning point in their lives, shaping them forever.

The brilliance of Ride lies not just in its star-cast but also its cleverly woven screenplay, where the journey becomes a platform for each character to evolve and bloom. As the journey progresses, each character reveals their true selves. The audience gets to witness a roller coaster of emotions amidst all the comedy, many life lessons come to light, and unexpected friendships are formed.

The film's captivating narrative is also supplemented with an exceptional soundtrack featuring hip-hop and R&B music from the late '90s. The music not only enhanced the comedy-drama scenario but also gave it a cultural resonance that continues to resonate with the audience even years after its release.

The movie Ride speaks loudly about racial stereotypes, ambitions, breaking out of uncomfortable situations, and above all, personal growth. Despite its comedic exterior, it smartly addresses topical issues while keeping the audience entertained and engaged. Besides, it offers a peek into how influence and power can sometimes blur the lines between right and wrong in the entertainment industry.

Overall, Ride can be classified as a timeless piece of comedy mixed with a subtle yet impactful message of self-discovery and growth. Directed impeccably by Millicent Shelton, and embellished with performances from a talented ensemble cast, the film remains a trademark example of feel-good urban comedies from the late '90s. The blend of laughter, music, drama, and an engaging narrative makes Ride a thoroughly enjoyable watch.