I got an e-mail about a brother named Rel Dowdell working on his second feature. For some reason, I can no longer find the information on the second film. Anyways, I did get a link to the trailer for his first film. I have never heard of it and I am shocked to see MC Lyte acting in a film in what must be one of Wood Harris’ early projects. The film came out in 2000.
TRAIN RIDE is a riveting thriller that takes place on an all-Black college campus. Will (Wood Harris of HBOs The Wire. Paid In Full and Remember The Titans) is an upperclassman who, after a night of partying,
convinces freshman Katrina (MC Lyte) to stick around and have a drink. What Katrina doesn’t realize is the drink has been spiked with Rohypnol, a drug that renders her unconscious. Soon, Will invites his two best friends to unknowingly take part in a gang rape–a “Train Ride,” that he captures on videotape. These
actions, combined with the guilt, shame, anger and fear that follow take everyone involved on a different journey destined to spiral out of control…
Have you seen it?
The trailer is below.
10 comments to Film Finds- Has anyone seen this movie?
I did see this a few years ago. I actually own the DVD. I watch aolt of movies so unfortunately I don’t remember this title in detail but overall I do remember enjoying it. May watch it again and then commment.
I’ve seen this and though I don’t remember the whole story, I remember it had very low production values. Bad acting, low quality audio, continuity errors, poor lighting, etc., but the concept was interesting. MC Lyte plays a college student that gets raped if I remember correctly. I’ve forgotten a lot of the details, but I remember thinking that some of the subject matter was good, but the way it was treated kind of cheapened it.
I might take another look at it if I get the time.
Yes! I did see “Train Ride,” which was Esther Rolle’s last film. I enjoyed it very much. The storyline and acting were excellent. I remember one scene very well where Wood Harris was really conniving towards one of female characters to shift the blame and guilt of what his character had done. Very realistic and a must see for anyone who is either in college or about to go to college to see how peer pressure can destroy you before you even start.
Just watched this film again. As noted by others, this film was made on a very low budget by a first time filmmaker. Yes, there are some lighting and performance issues for sure. Wood Harris (The Wire) acquitted himself fairly well. Performances by Russell Hornsby (Lincoln Heights) and MC Lyte were okay.
The premise is the best thing the project has going for it. A freshman goes to an off campus party at the home of someone she’s just met. There’s drinking involved and allegations of “date rape”.I suppose for someone in the 18-22 age range this could be a cautionary tale. For male and female coeds this is mostly a tale of what not to do.
The overall story line was strong enough to make me want to know what happens next but there is one actor who said “Man” at the end of every sentence which almost made me stop watching. Overall, good choice of relavent subject matter.
hey al, thanks for the review = )
i think i will have to wait until i get to a video store in the states. i’m not into paying for stuff online. i am a wood harris fan and mc lyte so i think i will check it out. i may pass it along to my young cousins getting ready for college.
Nope – never heard of it, never seen it. It’s on DVD though.
I did see this a few years ago. I actually own the DVD. I watch aolt of movies so unfortunately I don’t remember this title in detail but overall I do remember enjoying it. May watch it again and then commment.
@ al please do. i\’m gonna look for it and try to watch it.
I’m on it.
Yep, I remember this film. I did see it, but I don’t remember it that well. Will have to watch it again.
I’ve seen this and though I don’t remember the whole story, I remember it had very low production values. Bad acting, low quality audio, continuity errors, poor lighting, etc., but the concept was interesting. MC Lyte plays a college student that gets raped if I remember correctly. I’ve forgotten a lot of the details, but I remember thinking that some of the subject matter was good, but the way it was treated kind of cheapened it.
I might take another look at it if I get the time.
Yes! I did see “Train Ride,” which was Esther Rolle’s last film. I enjoyed it very much. The storyline and acting were excellent. I remember one scene very well where Wood Harris was really conniving towards one of female characters to shift the blame and guilt of what his character had done. Very realistic and a must see for anyone who is either in college or about to go to college to see how peer pressure can destroy you before you even start.
Thanks for your responses everyone. I will add it to my list of films to watch when I get stateside.
Just watched this film again. As noted by others, this film was made on a very low budget by a first time filmmaker. Yes, there are some lighting and performance issues for sure. Wood Harris (The Wire) acquitted himself fairly well. Performances by Russell Hornsby (Lincoln Heights) and MC Lyte were okay.
The premise is the best thing the project has going for it. A freshman goes to an off campus party at the home of someone she’s just met. There’s drinking involved and allegations of “date rape”.I suppose for someone in the 18-22 age range this could be a cautionary tale. For male and female coeds this is mostly a tale of what not to do.
The overall story line was strong enough to make me want to know what happens next but there is one actor who said “Man” at the end of every sentence which almost made me stop watching. Overall, good choice of relavent subject matter.
hey al, thanks for the review = )
i think i will have to wait until i get to a video store in the states. i’m not into paying for stuff online. i am a wood harris fan and mc lyte so i think i will check it out. i may pass it along to my young cousins getting ready for college.