Reginald "Cool" Coolidge is a struggling actor, fed up with taking stereotypical African American roles and waiting for his big break in a legitimate production. Until this time comes, he works at his mother's boyfriend's gas station to repay him for covering his college tuition. One day at the station, his ex-fiancé - and one true love - reappears at the pumps after 3 years of silence. Cool discovers that it is 36 hours until her wedding to a local lawyer. As Cool embarks on last-ditch attempts to win her back, he takes on the biggest "role" of his life while also learning the secret to mastering his craft.
Acting
Dorian Missick carries every scene with wounded charisma.
Writing
Meta-commentary on Black actors trapped in stereotype roles.
Director
Pete Chatmon
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Pete Chatmon's NYU thesis film that got theatrical distribution. He'd later direct episodes of Black Mirror and The Flash.
Shot in 2004 but released in 2006, it captures pre-gentrification Brooklyn right before it became unrecognizable. The gas station itself is a character.
US
