Training Wheels Review

Training Wheels is a 2021 short film written and directed by Lavado Stubbs.

With a coherent message and goal in mind, Training Wheels roars past with a true determination that shines through with every moment.

The struggles of being from a different ethnic or cultural heritage in this country can not be overstated. It is a sad fact of life that oppression and bias against these groups have been all too commonplace for far too long. The African-American community in particular has been one of the most neglected populations in America and this is something that in 2021 should not even be an issue at all.

While this short film does not bring with it much subtlety in the form of its messaging, there is no reason for it to. Being a father or mother in such a community brings with it that genuine fear that one night a terrible altercation with a police officer could bring with it the end of their child’s life. This is simply a terribly heartbreaking reality.

As someone from a small town from a completely different background, it is often taken very much for granted the ability to have simple interactions with police officers without running into any racial bias. While watching this short film, it brought a certain misty-eyed grit on a personal level that these conversations have to happen at all.

Outside of this powerful messaging, what we still have is a beautifully made and poignant short that brings an anamorphic shading over every frame. The scenes are composed with care and the dialogue is very to the point.

The only parts that seemed a little out of place were a couple of jarring edits in the moments before the near car collision early on and with the changing of the aspect ratio about midway through the piece. It could be seen why it was used, but needed a little more ease into that before this point.

Again, though this a wonderfully crafted and well thought film. Training Wheels has an important message behind it despite the sad truth that it something that still exists in our world today.

To follow on social media: Director Instagram and Production Studio Instagram

Cheers!

Daniel Hess

For more reviews and content stick with To Tony Productions and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date!