Robbin (2024) – Movie Review (Written)

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Plot Summary

Robbin did everything you were supposed to do. She got into a good school, got a good job, moved out the hood, and worked hard to move up the corporate ladder so she could go from check to check to being able to save, invest, and work her way towards giving back to her community. However, after nailing the kind of deal that could have made her president at the company she worked for, fraud and embezzlement charges left and right were attached to her and she was sent to prison.

It wasn’t clear who or why this happened, but as Robbin starts putting the pieces together, she decides the focus shouldn’t be strictly on getting answers, but also revenge.

Noted Cast and Characters Of “Robbin”

Serayah As Robbin

Despite a challenging childhood, Robbin thought she made it. She moved away from Compton, got into Harvard, worked at a startup bank that was rapidly growing, and she checked off all the boxes. Robbin was even engaged at one time, but then someone or something blew up her life and made decades of hard work become nothing since now she had a federal charge on her record.

The actor is also known for their role in “The Sound of Christmas.”

Leli Hernandez As Camilla

Camilla is a member of Robbin’s friend group who is currently pregnant.

Robinne Lee As Kelli

Kelli is Robbin’s former babysitter who is a cop that is responsible for the area of Compton her and her friends live in. You could even say, when it comes to Shawna and the others, the only reason they aren’t in jail right now is because Kelli gives them the same kind of privileges those born into affluent families have with cops.

The actor is also known for their role in “The Bounce Back.”

Erica Pinkett As Shawna

During Robbin’s absence, Shawna seemingly became the lead of the group and when not dealing weed, she leads small time robberies to make ends meet. But, even with Kelli’s protection, she has done at least two stints and due to California’s three strike law, the next time she gets arrested, she will be jailed for an extended amount of time.

The actor is also known for their role in “I Hate You To Death.”

Gavin Turek As Trina

Trina is a member of Robbin’s friend group who is a bit skeptical about participating in things beyond what Shawna comes up with.

Jadah Blue As Q

Q is the main one who asks questions regarding anything that is about to go down but, while she asks questions, she is committed to the cause.

The actor is also known for their role in “I Hate You To Death.”

Review

Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)

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On The Fence

No Sense of Urgency & Strange Tone For The Type Of Film It Is

It is recognized that Camilla is pregnant and likely due within a month. Also, Shawna is about to be evicted from her home. After Robbin was screwed over, her stowed-away money is likely to soon run dry because her record makes her Harvard degree damn near useless. Q wants to open something for dogs and Trina? The film sidesteps what Trina would get out of this, or her motivation, beyond their friends needing money.

Alongside that, tone-wise, this isn’t like “Widows” or “Dead Presidents” or any heist or robbery film you can think of. While you could consider this a crime drama or even thriller, I would never say you get a sense this person or that person could die or get arrested. There isn’t much, if any, sense of urgency, and the sole life-or-death situation is in the beginning with Camilla and Kelli. Outside of that? You may see guns, angry cops, and situations that should have escalated further, but they don’t.

That was part 1 of what could make it harder for some to get into the movie.

You Are Given So Little Character Development That It Doesn’t Matter If Anyone Lives, Dies, Or Goes To Jail

Part two comes in the form of a lack of getting to know most characters in a meaningful way. Detective Kelli used to babysit Robbin and shows a notable amount of leniency toward her friends since she came up around them. Shawna is likely Robbin’s best friend; she deals weed and has two priors. Camilla is pregnant, and from there, Trina and Q occasionally ask questions but reveal nothing notable about themselves. Again, Q may like dogs, but why and does she have any or something that makes her more than one of the ladies, that isn’t pursued.

Then, when it comes to men, like a good portion of the women, they are there just to do a job. This, for me, sucked. I’m not asking for a Chris Tucker type, a Queen Latifah in “Set If Off,” which is referenced in the movie, or anything beyond a sense of who these people are, if not as an individual, then at least to each other. You’d think with Robbin gone so long, they’d catch up and talk about what happened in her absence. Maybe Robbin would meet Camilla’s baby daddy and reminisce about the old days—something to make everyone feel less expendable.

If You Like Serious Crime Dramas, This Refuses To Take What The Ladies Are Doing Seriously

The last issue some may have is that when it comes to “Robbin,” this isn’t a film that is trying to be technical, show there was a bunch of research done, and depict something that feels realistic. Robbin and her crew will remove masks once they are barely out the door, don’t wear gloves, and there are multiple moments when Robbin acts recklessly – like firing a gun in her ex’s house when she has been out of prison for less than 48 hours.

It makes it so that, in the pursuit of entertainment, you get a sense that they didn’t want to be bogged down by details that could slow the process. Which, unfortunately, is something that could be said about the film as a whole.

Who Is This For?

Those who love bank robbery movies that don’t seek to get bogged down in what can feel like unnecessary details and just want to deliver the robbery scene, chases, and tease the potential of the lead and their crew getting away with everything as planned.

General Information

Film Length

1 Hour 57 Minutes

Date Released

August 10, 2024

How To Watch “Robbin”

Tubi

Where To Watch

Stream Here

Distributor

Tubi

Director(s)

Christopher B Stokes

Writer(s)

Christopher B Stokes, Marques B Houston

Based On Work By