Origin and release year: United States (2024 – NO BAD DAYS)

Starring: David Baptiste, Olusheyi Adeeko Banjo, Rascal Dels, Kelvin Williams Jr., Elizaveta Young

Director: Tony Villabolos 

Screenwriter: David Baptiste

Synopsis: NO BAD DAYS  is a powerful urban drama that tells the story of Lil Ro, a young man whose life is derailed when he is wrongfully incarcerated as a teenager. Framed by a corrupt system, he spends years fighting to regain his freedom, only to find that the world outside is just as unforgiving as the one behind bars. Upon his release, Lil Ro is lured into a dangerous underworld where fast money and power are tantalizingly within reach but come with a heavy price. Under the mentorship of a shadowy figure, he is drawn deeper into a life of crime, battling not just the external forces that seek to control him but also the internal demons that threaten to destroy him.

NO BAD DAYS came in clutch with the opening narration and rap verses setting the stage and foreboding a troubling story. 

One of the first things you will notice while watching NO BAD DAYS is the depth of the lyrics and the message they portray. While the film tells the story of a certain protagonist, there is a holistic message that seems to be raising awareness about a cycle that not only Lil Ro is going through, but that many people face and we might not be fully aware of. 

As a hip-hop musical with all of the dialogue also relayed as poetry, NO BAD DAYS does something we haven’t seen before. 

The film stars David Baptiste (also known as Ronin), who plays multiple characters in the movie including Lil Ro, Papa Dealer, Counselor Korn, and even the narrator. Best known for his roles in Inheriting Hood, Car Lot, and Spanky (to name a few), he’s an actor and producer from Los Angeles with years of experience under his belt. His portrayal of Lil Ro is not only moving to watch but his flow and delivery throughout the rap portions of the film call you to attention. He was truly the star of the show as he moved the audience with his words and narrative.

The other cast members including actors such as Rascal Dels (known for Maze of Fate), Elizaveta Young, and more, were all vital supporting characters, too. They added a level of intrigue to the film, especially since they mainly showed up in scenes juxtaposing a focus on the main character. This threw us further into the world of Lil Ro and helped us get a better grip on the powers influencing him through these catalytic characters.

NO BAD DAYS is a story about surviving and seeking redemption. It questions the nature of society – asking it, “Who are you to judge me?” and giving its own answer in a reflective and evocative way. We get a slice-in-the-life look at the obstacles that our protagonist faces as he juggles the ups and downs, along with the good, bad, and ugly of reality. This is a film that doesn’t just tell its story but asks you what you think whilst showing its point of view. 

It’s also a sonic treat to the ear thanks to the fresh take on old-school hip hop. If you’re a fan of inspiring and profound storytelling, then this is the story for you. 

Make sure to watch the full film for NO BAD DAYS at the link below. 

Have you watched NO BAD DAYS? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!