Nick Cannon is:

A. Mr. Mariah Carey.

B. A rapper.

C. A comic and comic actor who has starred in movies like “Drumline” and his own sketch TV show on Nickelodeon.

D. The genial host of “America’s Got Talent.”

To that resume we can now add:

E. Serious thespian.

In the Sundance hit “American Son” (it was nominated for the grand jury prize) Cannon tackles a no-nonsense role as a young Marine on leave before shipping out to the Middle East.

It’s not about the politics of the war. Rather, writer/director Neil Abramson is presenting a universal story that could take place in any conflict in which boys are quickly turned into men and sent into danger.

Iraq-themed films tend to tank at the box office, which is why “American Son” is debuting on DVD. But it’s a solid slice-of-life yarn with fine, gritty performances and a low-key, winning turn by Cannon.

Good movies work on several levels, and Abramson’s film is much more than just its story.

“American Son” is an insightful and compelling examination of the new post-racial America.

Mike’s African-American mom is married to a white guy (Tom Sizemore). His boyhood pals are a mixed lot — white, black and Hispanic. Cristina’s Hispanic, too.

In an earlier era, race and ethnicity would have kept these individuals in separate and possibly hostile camps. But in the 21st century USA these characters are matter-of-factly united by the common experience of economic distress. Poorly educated and holding down low-paying, blue collar jobs, Mike’s friends are part of the new working underclass, slogging away with little hope of getting ahead. The rich get richer, and the rest of us wait for the weekend.

Mike has found a different path, thanks to the Marines. But how much will that choice cost him?

(Just to note that American Son actually premiered on Starz Network for a limited run prior to it’s DVD release.)

Source: KansasCity.com