Hiding in Plain Sight (2012) - full transcript

♪ Oh, how I love Jesus...

♪ Because he first loved me...

You haven't slept in three
days, you need to

go to sleep.

I can stay up.

Okay, one hour.

Promise me you'll wake me.

Darius!

Why do bad things always
happen to good people?

That's me, Darius blackmon.

I guess I need to take you to
the very beginning for you



to truly understand.

That's my grandmama ida,
full of fire and fight.

She's been the only mother
I've known and raised me

since I was a little boy.

And that's my beautiful wife
Josie and my two kids Kendra

and Michael.

There's just something about
being in church that seems to

sooth the soul.

Wee!

Mr. Allan, what
are you doing here?

Marcus, you've missed a
total of seven days of class.

I know, Mr. Allan.

Miss diller, I gave you
a voucher to purchase a new

pair of shoes for Marcus.



I bought shoes with
your little voucher.

Where are they?

Brian needed a pair
so I got him some.

He's four!

So irresponsible, you know
what went through to

get that voucher?

Wait just one minute.

How dare I come in here
trying to front me out in

front of my kids!
And another thing...

Look, I know that boy needs
an education, but I also know

he needs to help me
around the house.

I decide who gets
what around here.

Now if you'll excuse me,
we are late for church.

- Mr. Allan, I'll try to come to school more.
- Come on Marcus!

Give him some praise up in here!

That's right, praise the lord.

Praise the lord,
praise the lord.

Somebody over here
give me a hallelujah.

Somebody over here give
me a thank you, Jesus.

Yes, yes, pastor.

Amen.

Amen, hallelujah.

Hallelujah.

As the deacons come, $500
from every man

in the building.

I know you got it.

I saw you drive up in it.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, don't stop it now,
don't stop it now.

We've had a wonderful time up
until now, but we're about to

receive the word, amen!

Give him some praise.

Give him some praise,
oh, yeah, oh, yeah.

Come on, pastor
and get this Mike.

Why don't we all say amen.

Amen.

A good time we're having.

Thank god for the testimonies
and songs and then for the

privilege to give
in the offering.

Thank you, brothers
for the $500 each.

I think we have to understand
how much love prevails.

Tell them.

It is the love of
god that keeps us.

The love of god that holds
us, that enables us to not

only show love for ourselves
but love for others.

Yes, yes, pastor.

Something in the power of
god moves us in sacrificial

ways that we might benefit
others, so much so that we

can say that not only does
god's love stand

as a keeping force.

We ought to be able to say
one to the other, nothing

separates you from my love,
or me from your love.

All because of the
keeping power of god.

Is that enough to hold you?

Put your wait on it, yes.

I've got another
old school number.

Help me where you can because
the lord keeps on blessing me

and making the way.

Hallelujah, pastor.

So here as it is.

♪ It's another day's journey...

♪ And I'm glad about it...

♪ I'm glad...

♪ Oh, I'm glad...

Y'all better stand
to help me with it.

♪ Another day's journey
and I'm glad...

What are you
doing in my man cave?

There's a stiff penalty
payment is due immediately.

How was your day?

Long. You know, I don't know
why Marcus' mother

insists on being so stubborn.

You know what she did?

No, what?

She had the nerve...

you took money out of our

bank account and bought
shoes, clothes, food.

I could go on.

I see over $500
spent on these items.

Do you care to explain?

I have ten businesses
committed to the voucher

program and the city is on
board, but they're slow about

processing the paperwork.

So you use our income
to purchase items

for your students?

Kevin, you can't save the world.

You're not Superman.

Actually, I think
I favor Clark Kent.

What do you think?

I think this isn't funny.

Okay, it's not funny.

And I don't want to make a
big deal about it, either.

I just wanted to come home
and spend a little time with

my family without
getting ambushed.

Just tell me why this
is so important to you?

Daddy!

What's up, bed bug?

Nothing, can you
read me a story?

Yes, I can.

What story would
you like me to read?

Cinderella.

Okay, let's go.

Sister ida, it's
always good to see you.

It's good to be seen.
Wonderful service.

- Thank you, so much.
- God is good.

- All the time.
- And all the time.

- God is good.
- Yes, he is.

Bless you, brother
Darius, good to see you.

Thank you.

- Don't forget the offering.
- I'm sorry?

We're asking every
man to give $500.

Praise him,
praise him, let's go.

$500? Oh, you sure you don't
want more?

We would appreciate more,
but all we're asking of

every brother is $500.

All right, we don't...

My grandson has a good job.

He makes good money, and he
loves to do for the church.

We're counting on you.

Well, I sure am hungry,
let's go, let's go.

Pastor, that was a good sermon.

Can the lord count on you?

You can count on me, pastor.

Thank you, thank you.

Bye pastor, good sermon.

- Go with god now.
- Yes indeed.

We haven't prayed over
that yet, what's

wrong with you?

How are you going to give
our last money for offering.

You know we need it
for gas and food.

God will provide.

Darius, he already had.

You had to tell him you're
going to give $500 in

offering, really Darius?

Well, who's hungry?

We're starved, mama.

Ready to eat.

I'm sorry this is the best
I could whip up at the

spur of the moment.

Ida, you know you're old school.

You know you whipped this
up on Saturday night.

Whipped up at the last minute...

Hush, boy.

Who's going to say the blessing.

Michael, baby.

Okay.

God is good, god is great,
bless this food on my plate.

Amen.

You getting beside
yourself, young man.

You say that mess again, and
I'll give you something to

put on your plate.

Oh, leave the child alone.

He's just ready to eat. So am I.

- Yes, lord.
- Dig in!

All right.

I worked my butt
off today for you. Come on!

Do me a favor, don't pick
me up next time, huh?

Thank you for nothing.

Hey, big guy, what
are you doing, huh?

What are you doing?

- Nothing good.
- Nothing good?

Hey, honey.

How are you?

I'm good. What did you
cook for me?

Dinner will be
ready in about five.

Dinner, dinner.

Babe, why don't you throw
some like 13 ounce steaks on

there and some mashed
potatoes loaded.

Yeah?

You know what else?

How about a warm,
juicy, apple pie!

Oh, that would be so great.

All right, honey, I'm going
to go take a bubble baths.

Now y'all come back to
see me more often okay?

- Okay.
- We love you grandma.

I love you, too. And peanut.

- Yes ma'am.
- Peanut?

Yes, ma'am.

Don't stop trusting in god.

Just like you taught me, mama.

Love you.

I love you, too.

And you take good care of him.

I will. Thank you, thanks for
the pie, I love you.

- Okay.
- Peanut.

Stop it, both of you.

- Take care of him.
- I will.

Take that one with you, mama.

Go on, go on with it. Love you.

Make sure you lock the door.

I want to hear that
bolt slide, close it.

Love you, mama.

I hate lying to mama ida.

She has a saying.

It's hard being a man.

I think she's right.

It's hard looking someone you
love and respect in the eye

and tell them you
lost everything.

It's even harder to smile
when the people you love the

most know you've
lost everything.

So it is hard being a man and
knowing the

right thing to do.

I just don't know
what that is anymore.

There's some good pecan pie.

Mmm.

My grandma ida
made it from scratch.

Picked the pecans herself.

There is nothing like
home made pecan pie.

You see your daughter over
there doing her homework at

the last minute?

I'll go talk to her.

You need to take it easy on her.

She's probably got
a lot on her mind.

Whatever.

God knows what they
go through every day.

She's still got
to get her education.

You gonna eat your pie?

Baby girl, what are you
doing just now doing

your homework?

I don't know.

Well, you can talk to me
or you can talk to Sierra,

which is it going to be?

Daddy, it's hard.

The kids at school always are
making fun of me and they're

calling me names.

I haven't taken a
shower in months.

I don't know the last
time I've watched TV.

I haven't listened to...

Enough, enough
with the pity party.

That doesn't excuse you for
slacking on your homework.

I don't want to talk to
you about this

again, you understand?

Yes, sir.

I love you, baby
girl, all right?

Just because we're living in
our car doesn't change who we

are, all right?

You and your brother, you
go to school, you do your

chores, that's what
we expect from you.

Me and mommy will take care
of everything else, okay?

Seriously, thank
you for the pie.

Gotta stick together.

I'll go get Michael. Michael,
let's go! Round it up.

What good is homework when
we don't have a home

to do it in?

Just consider it car work, then.

Don't get a big head now.

Hey, everything okay?

It is now.

Scott and Kathy said that
we were going to ahead and

take watch, so we need to go
ahead and get some sleep babe.

Okay.

Mommy, will you
tell us a story later?

Babe, I'm too tired.

I'll tell you tomorrow.

What about a song?

Okay.

I'll sing a song, but
we need to pray first. Michael?

Now I lay me down to sleep.

If I should die before I
wake, I pray the lord

my soul to take.

God, please look after Danny
and make sure he's safe.

Watch over mommy, daddy,
Michael, grand ma and myself

throughout the night. Amen.

Amen.

So...

I'm sorry about this morning.

I didn't mean to
question you, babe.

It's just I was freaking out.

It's okay.

You're my king, and I'm
always follow

wherever you go.

I appreciate that.

I don't know why I
was so scared anyway.

I know god has never brought
us anywhere to leave us.

True that.

What was that word you used
to describe me earlier?

What word?

You know the word, that pronoun.

What, peanut?

♪ Great is thy faithfulness...

♪ Great is thy faithfulness...

♪ Morning by morning...

♪ New mercies I see...

Let's go.

- Let him go.
- I'll see you in a minute.

- He'll be okay.
- What is that laugh for?

You just never
cease to amaze me.

So...

I figured you'd be gone
weeks ago, and look at you,

you're still here.

You're toughing this out.

Yeah, I think it's like
for better or worse, for

richer or poorer,
something like that.

- I love you.
- I love you more.

I do, you know that?

I love you.

Well, I love you more.

Do me a favor.

Tonight I want you to go and
get some rest, and I'll take

first watch, and I'll wake
Darius when it's time.

I'm good.

Yes.

You need to go get some rest.

You're the one that needs
to go look for a job

in the morning.

A job. All right, so then just
go tuck in Taylor and

I'll wake you up in a
couple hours.

Y'all wake up.

Got some cereal and some eggs
and toast for breakfast.

Hey, honey, honey,
you want some coffee?

- Morning.
- Morning.

- You want some coffee?
- Yeah.

- Tell me when.
- I'm good.

- You know what I hate?
- What?

Waking up every morning
sitting on that corner

waiting for somebody
to pick us up.

I hate it.

I feel like I'm
back on the block.

I bet when you graduated from
the university of Texas, you

didn't have if your
commencement speech that

you'd be living on
the street, did you?

Neither did you.

Yeah, what would you think
Moore house would say knowing

that their star running
back was living in his car?

You know when I met Josie...

We were putting it
on Clark Atlanta.

Let me just say it like this.

We must have ran for like 220
yards, three touch downs.

All right, whatever.

Anyway, as the bus was
pulling away, I saw Josie

sitting under this huge
pecan tree, she was just

so beautiful, man.

I could just imagine myself
kissing her, you know,

and being happy.

She put me through it.

She wouldn't even go
out with me at first.

Really?

Yeah, she had such big dreams.

And look at us now.

All right, since we're
going down memory

Lane, I'm share one.

Okay.

First time I met Kathy,
I forgot my own name.

Guess way called myself?

What?

Matthew McConaughey.

All right, all right.

No you didn't?

Yeah, I swear I did.

That little girl gives
me a purpose, though.

She just makes me...

She makes me want
to be a better man.

There's got to be a law
against keeping a Southern

bell on the streets, right?

I'd have to agree
with you there.

Aren't you supposed
to make me feel better?

I think there's a
code there somewhere.

Seriously, man, I gotta
get her and Taylor

off the streets.

I can't do it another day.

Let's go find some work today.

How about that?

Let's go make it a great day.

Kendra, if you're finished
with your bowl, put it in the

sink and go wake up your dad.

Hi.

- Morning.
- Morning.

We're running late.

I'll talk with you
this evening, okay?

Can I get a kiss from
my beautiful Princess?

Oh, daddy.

Can I get one from the queen?

We're not finished
with our conversation.

Love you.

Love you, too.

Isn't that unconstitutional?

Placing a hidden camera
by the American flag?

Um, well, I am following
all the guidelines

to the patriot act.

We got a six year old
terrorist in our school?

No, just several of
the students lunches have

repeatedly come up missing,
and I wanted to

find the culprit.

Well, no cameras.

You have to do it the
old-fashioned way.

I think we're running
low on food, man.

Hey, come on over.

We reached our limit.

Thought y'all just went to the
food bank?

We reached our limit.

Need anybody else? Sure.

You're going to get this one,
you're going to get this one.

Y'all need anymore help?
We're really good.

We can pick up
things, we're strong.

We're hard workers!

They're not even looking at us.

Look at this guy. Got
it, got it.

Step up, don't let
these guys get it.

Any of you guys know
how to run a back hoe?

Yeah, and I'm
ready to go to work.

When do you release
the moon locks?

Um...

Before the launch code starts.

You, same question.

After the step glider is set.

Close enough, let's go.

Come on!

Can we help you with
anything else today?

Not today.

Launch codes.

Really, really?

What?

Before the launch codes.

First thing that
came to mind, man.

What are you going to say?

Not that, I mean, I don't know.

Before the rockets land on
the moon, or something.

That's stupid.

You're in I.T., we shouldn't
be on the streets.

Yeah.

Come on, let's go
find something else.

We are definitely
fish out of water.

Let's get a job today.

- Hey.
- Hey.

It is hot, girl.

I think I forgot how
much I miss central air.

I miss my summer clothes.

I could just take off these
clothes and run

around buck naked.

How did we get ourselves in
this predicament anyway?

I mean, we married smart
men with goals, right?

Yeah.

Let's just say when I looked
in the crystal ball,

I never saw this part.

Me, too.

I took for granted home
cooked meals for my family

and sleeping in my own bed
and taking bubble baths.

Stop it right now.

So how did it go at
the work force today?

It was all right.

I got an interview on Friday.

Good.

Yeah, when I was in that
interview, you know how

you're waiting in the waiting
area, I saw all of these

candy bars in this jar.

I wanted to get those candy
bars so bad and just put them

all in my purse.

But I saw the security
camera looking dead at me.

I was like oh, well.

I can see it now.

Woman busted for stealing
little candy bars.

I'm going down for
stealing candy bars.

The boys are late aren't they?

Yeah, hopefully
that's a good sign.

Like they got a job
or something?

Uh-huh.

- That would be nice.
- Oh, good timing.

- Hey.
- How are you doing?

I'm good, babe. How are you?

- Good to see you.
- Yeah, you too.

So? How'd it go?

It was all right. I got an
interview on Friday.

That's good news,
I'm proud of you.

I don't know, I
guess I'm just tired.

I went to the salvation army
and they said they're still

processing our hotel
vouchers, so it looks like

we're gonna be still here.

Maybe next week.

And the week after that.

You know what I was thinking?

Huh?

Let's just go pick
up the kids from school.

Thanks.

Sorry it's a bit big on you.

It's okay.

What's going on in here?

Nothing.

Are you two girls smoking?

No.

I'm watching you two.

I don't like her,
she's always nosy.

At least we don't her
class for another two years.

Let's go before miss
night comes back.

Thanks.

What are you
guys doing, are you smoking?

Can I speak to Mr. Brown? Yes,
he is expecting my call.

Daddy.

Mr. Allan with George
Henry high school.

Yes, this is he.

Is this John brown?

Oh, good, Mr. Brown.

Listen, I've been trying to
catch up with you to talk

about the school prayer
I'm starting to help keep

students in school.

Yeah, I isn't a package over
to your office last week.

Yeah, okay, I can call
you then, next week.

Okay, thank you.

Dinner in 45.

Terri?

I want to apologize for
taking money out of the

account and not discussing
this with you first.

Apology accepted.

Why is this so important to you?

Mr. Gomez, thank you
for calling me back.

Yeah, I was hoping you could
come in for a teacher parent

conference tomorrow.

Yeah, I understand you work.

Can you come in tomorrow at 4?

Okay, see you then.

♪ Sometimes I feel like the
world's on my shoulders

♪ I think I better catch the bus

♪ 'cause today I can't
afford the gas

♪ tossing and turning
can't get no speed

I still got homework to do.

Kendra, why are you just
now doing your homework?

Because I forgot. I'm tired.

See, I'm gonna have to let
your daddy fool you too long.

This is ridiculous.

Mommy, can you
read us a story later?

Maybe later.

You know I'm gonna let your
daddy handle that too, right?

All right.

♪ So woe...

♪ So woe is the ghetto...

♪ So woe...

I think I was a mistake.

I second that.

Kathy is pretty ordinary.

- Hey baby.
- Hey.

How you doing?

Good.

Still soup again today, but
this time we have a real beef.

What? Did somebody
win the lottery?

No, sir.

I went down to that
construction site and got

picked up on the spot, and
they paid me on the spot.

So I figured, you know,
we deserve some meat.

How did it go today?

Same as always.

Everybody got picked except me.

Hey guys, we'll take first
watch tonight, all right?

Okay.

And um, thanks for the soup.

- Of course.
- Yeah, thanks.

I'm gonna see about Kendra.

You spilled some on me.

- Hey.
- Hey.

You all right?

I'm okay.

Yeah?

Can I ask you something?

Yeah.

Well, my best
friend is having her

birthday party Saturday.

Do you think I can go?

Let me think about that.

Okay.

I didn't say yes.

But you didn't say no either.

He's asleep.

Yep.

You comfortable?

I am.

Guess what I got?

You got a job,

we got meat for dinner.
Remember?

I got a hotel voucher.

Where did you get this?

I went by the salvation
army just to see if

it was there and there it was.

Can you believe it?

Oh, my god. I have to
go tell Josey.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

Before we do this,
please hear me out.

Just hear me out.

We need to discuss this, okay?

Discuss what?

My first priority is our family.

No.

No!

Josey and Darius took us in
when no one else would

and they showed us the ropes.

I understand.

Don't you remember they
kept us from getting robbed?

Honey, I understand we owe
them a debt of gratitude.

I do, okay? But listen to me.

My first priority is
to make sure you

and Taylor are safe, yes.

How could you turn your
back on people like this?

I didn't turn my back on them.

Darius would do the
same thing to us.

- No, he wouldn't!
- Yes, he would!

This is so wrong!

You gotta trust me with this.

- No.
- Yes, you do!

Whether you like it or not,
you have to listen to me,

and you have to
trust me with this.

Do you think I don't
want them at the hotel?

Is that what you
think right now?

I would love to have them
at the hotel right now,

but guess what?

If we get caught, we all
go on the street,

and I don't do my job
to save you and him.

You and Taylor are my
priority. That is it!

I want off the streets!

I'm sick and tired of sitting
on the side of the road

looking for a job and
never getting one!

You know how it makes me feel?

I feel like a loser!

Honey, honey, please, I'm sorry.

- It's not right.
- Yes, it is.

You've got to listen to me.

You have to listen to me.

We have to make sure
our family is safe.

I'll tell them in
the morning, okay?

Okay.

I almost cracked my head
on that dashboard last night

trying to catch some zzz's.

Here, you want some coffee?

Sorry I don't have
any cream or sugar.

That's terrible.

Wake up. Hey, we're
running late.

Here, take this.

Share this with your sister.

When's the last time you
had a good night's sleep?

I don't know.

June.

Three nights.

I'm so tired, I'm starting
to hear and see things.

I haven't told Josey.

She's got enough to worry about.

I just need to find
something steady.

You know you can't do that.

Make sure he eats something.

You feeling better, buddy?

Yeah.

How is job hunting
and everything going?

Not going bad.

She's got an
interview this morning.

That's good.

I'm heading out to that
t.I. Construction site.

You ready for your interview?

I'm ready as I'm gonna ever get.

It smells like gasoline and oil.

Maybe I shouldn't even...

you should.

I don't want to hear
another word about it.

Can you watch the house?

Is that what
we're calling it now?

The house?

Hey babe, we're
gonna get cleaned up.

Okay.

The house.

Yeah, I'll watch the house.

One more thing.

Can you stand guard tonight
so I can get some sleep?

I meant to tell you.

We got a voucher.

Yeah.

I don't know how we
got it but we got it.

I've got to get the
family somewhere safe.

You know that, right?

Yeah.

I'm hungry.

Let me see if anybody's in here.

You can go first.

I'll just stay out here
and watch the kids.

No, you have interview
today. You go.

I'll stand guard.

Thank you.

Kendra, you can't
sleep out here.

That's enough for now.

You cannot sleep out here.

Shut up, Michael.

Hey, Josey?

Yeah?

There's something I've
been trying to figure out

how to tell you.

What's up?

That Scott and i...
We got a hotel voucher.

And we move in tonight.

Well, that's great.

Hey, if it was gonna happen,
I'm glad it happened to you.

Thank you.

Let's go.

It's great.

It stinks in here!

I'm tired of going
in the girl's bathroom.

Why can't I go in the boys?

If you don't hush
and wash your face.

Here.

You too, miss lady.

Why do you always have
to use the cold water?

Oh, that's why.

Because it doesn't work.

Hurry it up.

Kendra, look at your
hair, sweetie.

You are gonna have to
start doing your own hair.

You're old enough.

You can't go to
school like that.

All right.

So...

Mommy look ready for work?

Yep.

Look like I'm gonna get a job?

You look beautiful, mommy.

Thank you, little man.

All right, let's go get it.

Come on, get the stuff.

Everything okay?

Okay.

Come on buddy.

Hey. What is this?

Open it.

That's so cute, baby.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

You have a good day today.

I will.

You too.

I gotta get them
rug rats to school.

Yes, do.

Bye babies.

Let's go get a job.

Y'all go.

Come on. Come on.

My kids need to go upstairs.

What?

I'm here to see Marcus.

Marcus is busy.

Go on.

Go on!

I don't think you
understand how important it

is for Marcus to
get an education.

You think I'm dumb, don't you?

Look, I may not live in some
big fancy house or drive some

big expensive car, but I've
got my pride, Mr. Allen.

Now I want what's best
for all of my kids,

not just for Marcus.

It starts with him.

If he doesn't graduate,

why would his sisters
or his brother?

Go on.

Man, what do you want from him?

I am doing the best I can here.

What?

I don't even understand
why you care. Why?

I really need your help
to get him back in my class.

Let's work together.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hey, babe.

Hey, hey, hey.

Hey kiddos.

You look all smiley today.

You know me.

Just smiling to
keep from crying.

While you're doing
all that smiling,

we're down to our last bit.

You know, I got picked
for that job today.

Come to find out I
need steel-toed boots.

Eat your food and finish
your homework, all right.

Will you tell us a story later?

Babe, it is Wednesday, okay?

We've got to go
to church tonight.

Finish your food.

What's going on?

It just burns me up that
Scott and his family got

vouchers and we didn't.

We were on that list
before them. Why...

look, you know what
we tell those kids.

It is not the situation
that defines them.

You're gonna have to do better.

How you react to it.

That's right. And you ain't
doing good in reacting.

I don't know what I'd do
if I didn't have you, baby.

My own personal James Evans.

Nothing but good times.

Good times.

That's right.

That was a show.

Pastor: I think we have to
understand how much love

prevails and what we do for
others is born out of love.

And I'm mindful of what Paul
says in his letter to the

church at Rome in
romans 8 verse 38, verse 39.

Listen to what it says.

He says, for I am persuaded
that neither death nor life,

nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers,

nor anything present, nor
things to come, not height,

not death, nor any other
creature shall be able to

separate us from the love of
god which is in Christ Jesus.

I believe that that love that
holds us is the love that

moves us to give as you give us,

says that you are in
possession and better yet

that love possesses you.

- Hi, dad.
- Hey, baby girl.

The fire's about to burn out.

It's all right.

You all right daddy?

I'm fine, buddy.

Thanks.

We prayed for you.

We love you, daddy.

Hey, kiddos.

Don't worry about it, Kyle.
Let me talk to your daddy.

Pastor asked about you today.

What'd you tell him?

The truth.

And that is?

Sitting in front
of a fire mad at god.

But I get it.

I mean, there are so many
times when I'm so mad

I just want to kick and
scream and fight,

but baby, we just
can't lose our faith.

No, baby.

I'm tired.

Well, I'm tired too.

The kids are tired.

But baby if we just lose
our faith now in god,

I just don't know
what's gonna happen.

We just have...

Josey, Josey, you don't get it.

I'm a man.

I got one responsibility

and that's providing and
protect my family.

Look at us.

We're living out
here on the street.

So I'm not doing too good, am I?

I'm not just mad at god.

Here I am trying to
do the right thing.

I'm mad at me too.

I'm gonna go load the car.

Stay here with your father.

I'm gonna make a
run we'll quick.

Now where is she going?

Have a seat children.

Hey mommy.

Hey baby.

Sit down.

Where's Darius?

He ain't gonna be here tonight.

Well, I got plenty
of food left over.

You know that child
don't miss no meal.

Okay, what's up?

Talk to me.

Mama, I got something
I need to tell you.

Darius and I both lost our jobs

and we've been
living in the car.

Say what?

We lost our jobs and
we're living in the car.

Don't tell Darius I
told you 'cause you know

he got a lot of pride.

How did this happen.

Remember when Darius got sick?

He was sick what, for
about a year or so.

My salary couldn't
hold us up, and the

bills just kept coming
in and coming in, mama.

And everything that
wasn't repossessed was

being set on the curb.

Mama, at this point, I don't
really know what to do.

Heck, I'm scared.

Well, you are
coming to live with me.

No ma'am, we are not
coming and living with you

'cause you know
you'll get in trouble.

I don't care about that.

I can't have my grand babies
and my great grand babies

living on the street.

Mom look, I know you want
to help and everything,

but we can't come move in here.

And don't be telling
everybody our business either.

Especially Darius.

What about friends?

Well, we stayed with
friends for a while

and then my family
even sent money,

but my daddy even lost his job.

I don't like it.

It just doesn't seem right.

Mama, they'll take our kids.

I gotta go before
my husband starts

looking for me.

No, sit down.

Now listen, Darius has
got too much pride.

- You know...
- He's just like his daddy.

And but the lord has a
way of dealing with pride.

I mean, sometimes
he'll cut you so low till

he'll make you scream out.

Amen to that.

You can't just
come in and drop a bomb

on somebody like that.

I'm gonna go,
mama. I'm gonna go.

I love you.

Baby, you keep me posted.

I will. I'll let you
know what's going on.

I still think you all
should come and live with me.

Well, we ain't
coming to live with you.

I know you mean well.

Love you mama.

- I don't like this.
- I know. I know.

Hey.

Hi Michael.

Where is Mrs. Armstrong?

She went to the
principal's office.

Michael...

Glad you could join us.

I wanted to recognize
one of our students for

an exemplary performance
on his spelling test.

Michael, you got all
of the words correct,

including the bonus words.

We decided that you will be
representing our school

for the citywide spelling bee.

Okay, okay.

Let's get to
today's lesson plan.

Everyone get out a
pencil and paper.

Okay class, time's up.

Turn your papers
over on your desk.

We only have a few
minutes before the bell,

so everyone pick up one book
from my desk on your way out.

This will be your new reading
assignment due by Monday.

Let's go.

Exit quietly, please.

Kendra?

Yes, Mr. Allen?

Is everything okay?

Yes, Mr. Allen. Why?

Because your grades
are starting to slip.

If we don't do something
to get them under control,

it's gonna get out of hand.

Okay.

Kendra. How do you think
you did on your test?

I think I made an a.

Good. That's a good start.

Kendra, hurry up before
you miss is your bus.

Mr. Gomez.

Glad you could make it.

I had a long day.

I'm tired.

Can we get on with this?

Did you know your son's
missed a total of

six days of school.

Yes, I've been taking
him to work with me.

He broke his glasses
for the third time.

I told him I wasn't
gonna buy him a new pair.

He's gonna have to earn it.

Mr. Gomez, listen.

If all your son needs is
a new pair of glasses,

then we can help.

Thank you but no.

We don't take
charity, Mr. Allen.

Mr. Gomez, we're not
talking about charity.

Listen, your son needs
an education to compete.

Let me help you.

Thank you Mr. Allen, but my son,

he needs to learn value as well.

When he has enough
to buy new frames,

then he can return to
class if he wants to.

What's all this?

Can't a man do something
beautiful for his wife.

Yes, you can.

Where is Kenya.

At my mother's.

What has gotten into you?

Tonight we are having
chicken breasts on a bed of

rice with honey duck sauce
with your personal favorite,

sauteed zucchini and squash.

I also baked a sweet
potato pie for desert.

My favorite.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

Mmm, my, this is good.

I forgot what a
great cook you are.

You know you missed
your calling.

Glad you're enjoying it.

Okay, spill the beans.

What is it you want
or are we celebrating?

Okay.

I need $300 dollars
for a student.

I knew this was
too good to be true.

You know, you frustrate me.

No!

What do you mean no?
It's my money too.

No.

It's time for
Kenya to come home.

Terri.

Terri.

Y'all know what to say.

All right?

Just be calm.

License and insurance?

I got it.

Mr. Blackmon,
step out of the car.

Why'd you pull us over?

Mr. Blackmon failed to
signal a hundred yards

before his turn.

Mr. Blackmon?

Where are you heading,
Mr. Blackmon?

Home.

We're in the process of moving.

This is our last load.

Can you take your
hands off your gun?

You're scaring my children.

Ma'am, where are
you guys headed?

Going to our first house.

It's the last load.

Wait right here.
I'll be right back.

Do you have any
alcohol in the car?

No, sir.

How about any weapons?

Any weapons in the car?

No.

Just hang tight.
We'll be right with you.

Ask me if I have weap...
My kids are in this car.

Is daddy going to jail?

Michael, shut up!

Y'all be quiet!

I gotta think!

Mr. Blackmon, your license
is suspended and your

insurance is two days
from being expired.

You're under arrest.

Oh, man, wait a minute officer.

Come on. Wait a minute.

I'm the only one in
our family that works.

Please, please, if you
take me to jail

we'll lose everything.
We'll lose everything.

Wait a minute.

Have a heart.

If you let me go, I promise
I'll take care of everything.

I'll get it all taken
care of immediately.

I promise.

Mr. Blackmon, let your wife
drive and get this

taken care of.

If I see you driving, I will
take you straight to jail.

Consider this a warning.

Thank you.

Hey. No.

Why is this happening, god?

Why is this happening to us?

We've been faithful!

We've been more than faithful!

Darius!

I don't know how much
more of this I can take.

You know god won't put too
much on us that we can't bear.

You know it.

Stop it, Josey.

Don't, okay.

I know what the scripture says.

But right now I'm angry.
All right?

I've given our tithes!

I've even given our last.

Darius!

Where's our blessing?

When is it going to
turn around for us?

What?

Hush, baby. You're
scaring the kids.

What is your problem?

They say that my license is
expired and my insurance is

going to run out in two days.

Now, how do we
make it then, huh? How?

Darius! God can help us.

No. No, no.

I am not going to the church.

They can help us.

The church can help us, Darius.

No. I'm going to
get us out of this.

I'll get us out of this.

See, it's your pride.

No.

It's your pride!

Do not preach to
me right now, okay?

Can I be mad one time?

What about me getting upset?

All right!

What about me?

Okay, Darius! Okay.

I'm upset! I want to be upset!

I'm trying to do
the right thing!

Let's go!

Ah!

All right.

So this book... cucumbers,
watermelons.

How is that supposed
to go in the book?

I got it.

David. What are you doing here?

Mr. Allen, I came back to
give you your book back

from class.

I finished it and everything.

You can keep it.

Okay.

How is the job coming?

It's okay. I still miss your
class and my friends.

Your dad says when you
earn enough money

you can come back.

I hate that it has
to be like that.

Mr. Allen, he's not
letting me come back.

What do you mean he's
not letting you come back?

He says that I'm trying to
be better than him, that if we

(still lived in Mexico [car
honks) That I would have been

working since the age of ten.

Mr. Allen, he takes my money
from my glasses and uses it

to pay bills.

Look, I don't want to
get your dad in trouble.

Can you please talk to him?

I just want to go back to class.

My hands are tied.

I remember Tanya saying
something about you

can probably get
me some glasses.

Look, I wish I could.

I can't anymore.

I'm sorry.

It's okay, Mr. Allen.

Thanks anyway.

I have to go.

David?

I don't need it anymore.

Now I understand.

♪ It's so hard to maintain...

♪ I still won't complain...

♪ Because hard times
could be worse...

♪ That's why I keep god first...

♪ I'm so tired of
chasing wind...

♪ It don't prosper in the end...

♪ Once I'm gone up to glory...

♪ Tell my story...

♪ My story...

♪ Just a check away from
being on the street...

♪ Trying to stay on my feet...

♪ And keep something on the
table for my kids to eat

♪ trying to figure how these
ends gonna meet...

♪ The stress has got my
goatee graying...

♪ You know what I'm saying...

♪ Just another statistic, I
can't be in a jail cell...

♪ Leaving my girl in the free
when it looks like to me

♪ more brothers are
struggling with this...

♪ The mamas are left
raising the kids...

♪ Okay, it ain't easy...

♪ To keep a job when they're
laying off weekly...

♪ You ain't gotta believe me...

♪ Just look at the times...

♪ Living on nickels and dimes...

♪ But me, while I'm here I'm
going to stay on a mission

♪ until my family is in a
better position...

♪ Not complaining about the
present condition...

♪ But lord knows we've seen
some harder roads...

♪ Yeah...

♪ I still walk a plank...

♪ Because hard times
could be worse...

♪ That's why I keep god first...

♪ I'm so tired of
chasing wind...

♪ It don't prosper in the end...

♪ Once I'm gone...

Mr. Allen, you
don't give up, do you?

I need you back in my class.

Why?

Do you get some kind of raise
if you have a full classroom?

No.

Marcus, you're smart,
articulate and I'm always

shocked when I don't hear
ebonics come out of

your mouth.

Why? Because his mother
speaks bad English?

This has nothing to do with
you and the mistakes you made.

This is about giving Marcus a
chance to grow and reach his

full potential.

Help me understand why
this is so important to you.

I used to live
in a place like this.

My dad got some money and
moved us out of the hood.

My mom taught fifth grade
English and she instilled in

us that the only way change
can happen is not to run but

by building it and
cultivating it from within.

That's always stuck with me.

I like you, Mr. Allen.

I don't know why,
but I like you.

I like you too, miss Taylor.

What's say we get Marcus
back in school together?

One better.

Let's keep Marcus
in school together.

Thank you.

Thank you.

See you in class.

See ya.

♪ Oh, how I love Jesus...

♪ Oh, how I love Jesus...

Ooh.

Oh, baby.

I know.

Yeah.

One hour of sleep, okay?

No more.

You haven't slept in three days.

You need some sleep.

I can stay up.

One hour of sleep.

Promise me.

I got this.

One hour.

Pinky swear.

What's happening?

Y'all feel that?

What's happening, mommy?

Darius

wake up!

Aah!

Darius!

Wake up!

Darius!

Darius!

Let me go!

Let me go!

Darius!

Let him have it!

He's taking our stuff!

Mama!

Get in the car!

Mommy!

Mommy, no!

Mommy!

No!

Daddy!

Come on. I can't do
this by myself.

Come on.

I can't do this by myself.

Jesus, please.

Mommy!

Mom!

They said I stink.

They said I didn't get
the job because I stunk.

Baby, you are a strong
black beautiful women.

If they can't see that,
that's their problem.

I love you.

Daddy, daddy!

Wake up.

Hey, now.

Who's tickling now?

Mommy said get up.

Tell mommy give
daddy five more minutes.

But she said wake up.

Wake up!

Five minutes.

Wake up.

Okay. Okay.

All right.

Oh.

Ah!

What's for breakfast?

I don't know.

All right. Come on now.

I told you I could wake him.

Yes, you did.

Hello.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Would you like
cereal or a muffin?

Sweetheart, can you
pass daddy a muffin?

Sure.

How about some orange juice?

I'd love some.

Thank you.

Hey daddy?

Yes.

Can you drive me to school?

What's wrong with your bicycle?

Okay. Of course I can
drive you to school.

Uh-huh.

Right.

Silly.

You know, I was thinking
maybe I can help with you the

bachelor program.

Seriously?

What have you done with my wife?

Yes, seriously.

Starting with my firm.

Really?

All right then.

Thank you.

You know, after you give.
What's his name, David?

Give him the glasses today,
maybe we can go on a picnic or

to the movies.

Okay. Sounds good to me.

It's a date.

Okay.

Beautiful dress.

How did you get this?

I'm James Evans, remember?

Yes, you are.

Wake up, kiddos.

Hey, wake up.

Thank you, baby.

Eat up.

Sweetie, did you get
this out of the trash can?

Just for you.

Let's see what you got here.

What is this?

Smells good to me, baby.

Honey, it looks burned.

Well, then eat the bread.

It's hard.

That's okay.

Mr. Gomez.

Mr. Allen.

Mr. Allen.

What are you doing here?

I'm here to get
you back in class.

Thank you.

I told you, man.

We can't afford new frames.

Thanks but for coming by,
but we don't take charity.

Mr. Gomez...

Mr. Gomez, it's not charity.

I got the voucher
from city hall.

That sounds like charity to me.

It's not. Your pride is
misplaced.

I just want to get
your son back in class.

Isn't that what we both want?

See you in class.

♪ As a voice cries out
in the silence...

♪ Searching for a heart
that live love him...

♪ Longing for a child...

Hey, mom.

Come on in. Sit down.

Are you hungry?

No. I'll just take some milk.

Did Josey already
talk to you, mom?

She told me something.

I need to hear it from you.

Drink your milk.

Mom, I don't know
why god is punishing me.

I feel like I'm losing
the respect of my family.

That's nonsense.

Drink your milk.

God loves you and
so does your family.

I don't know what to do.

It's hard being a man, knowing
the right thing to do.

So what am I supposed to do?

That's your problem.

You're trying to fix things.

Let go and let god.

I don't even know
what that means, mama.

I'm living on the street.

I can't even take
care of my family.

You're just like your father.

Too much pride.

So much pride until
it's blinding you.

Let go and let god means you
just believe, and you walk in

it every day until it happens.

I wish it was that easy, mama.

I didn't say it
was gonna be easy.

There's no easy button.

You just have to believe
and keep believing

until it happens.

I'd rather have the easy button.

There is no easy button.

Do I have to come over there
and knock some sense into your

hard head?

No. Where do I start?

By apologizing to your family.

I can do that.

♪ More of you, all of you...

♪ Wants it all today...

♪ Oh, oh, oh...

♪ All of you, more of you...

♪ Wants it all today,
today, today...

♪ He wants it all today...

♪ He wants it all today...

♪ So give it all today...

♪ There's a voice that cries
out in the silence...

♪ Searching for a heart
that will love him...

♪ Longing for a child that will
give him their all...

♪ Give all...

♪ He wants it all...

Hey.

Hey.

I got something I need to
say to everybody, but I don't

want you to say anything
before I'm finished,

all right?

All right.

First, this is from mama ida.

Look at that smile.

Okay.

Kendra, I told you not to fall
into a pity party but then I

fell into one myself.

If I want to preach it,
I got to practice it, right?

Right.

I'm very sorry for my
behavior these past few days.

If I got you all beside
me, I swear I'll never

stop fighting.

Baby, we ain't going anywhere.

We love you, daddy.

We love you, daddy.

Thank you, honey.

Love you, too.

Welcome back, James Evans.

Glad to be back.

Don't worry about them.

They're just mean.

Did you get a chance to read
rich dad, poor dad last night?

Yeah. Why does Mr. Allen give
us those books anyway?

Because he's a nerd.

But he did give David
his new glasses.

I think he really tries to help.

I don't think
anyone can help me.

Wait until I show you the
mindless behavior video and

dickey has a new song.

It's all right, but I know
how much you like him.

I think he's cute.

He's fine.

Michael?

What do you have
to say for yourself?

No. No. You look at me.

I believed in you and you're
the one that's stealing

the lunches.

Talk to me or we're going
straight to the principal.

Let's go.

No.

What's gotten into you?

Let's go!

Please don't take me!

My mommy and daddy are
going to go to jail!

What did you say?

We are living in our car and
we don't have a lot to eat.

The police are going
to take them to jail.

Why would they take
your mommy and daddy?

Because we are homeless and
we don't have a lot to eat.

I have to tell the authorities.

Please!

Baby, I have to.

What's going on here?

I see you caught your culprit.

No. No. He just fell.

Well, get him to
the nurses office then.

Thank you.

You can't steal
lunches anymore, okay?

Okay.

Promise?

Promise.

I'll bring you some
snacks until your dad gets

on his feet.

Okay. Thank you.

Can anyone tell me the
principle elements of the

book, rich dad poor dad?

No!

All right.

Miss blackmon, you
will stay after class.

Class dismissed.

I'm sorry.

I'm not happy with you
sleeping in my class.

What's going on?

I don't know.

You were one of my
smartest students.

And now your grades
are starting to slip.

And to add insult to
injury, you're sleeping

in my class.

I'm sorry, Mr. Allen.
I'll do better. I promise.

Okay. Write a 150 word
statement of why you will not

sleep in my class.

After you finish,
I'll take you home.

I want to speak to your parents.

Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Where's Kendra?

I don't know.

She wasn't outside my school.

I thought she had came on.

Maybe she's at the car, man.

Come on.

Darius, this is Mr. Allen,
Kendra's homeroom teacher.

Call me Kevin.

Is Kendra in trouble?

Can we talk in private?

So how long has your family
been living in your car?

Six months.

Are you going to turn us in?

By law I'm obligated,
but I really like Kendra.

She's smart and was one
of my prize students.

I don't want to
lose my family, man.

It's funny.

We're supposed to be in the
land of milk and honey, right?

Not from where I sit.

I'm hiding in America just
to keep my family together.

All I have are vouchers for
books, glasses, shoes

and some boots.

Did you say boots?

I know it's like putting a
band aid on a gun shot wound.

You said boots?

Yeah. Yeah.

Boots. Glasses. Books. Shoes.

Huh.

Jesus, thank you!

Baby! Baby, we got boots!

We got boots! We got boots!
We got boots!

We got boots!

We got boots!

We got boots!

Oh!

Boots.

It's funny something so
simple can mean so much.

Now I can finally get that job.

I truly understand what let
go and let god really means.

For me it means getting out of
your own way so good things

can happen.

Go. Have fun.

America, I think the
blackmon family is going to be

all right.

♪ Yeah...

♪ Oh...

♪ Oh, oh...

♪ Let me hear you say
hallelujah...

♪ You are big in me...

♪ Sing it again, hallelujah...

♪ Hallelujah...

♪ Hallelujah...

♪ You are big in me...

♪ Sing this...

♪ My identity is in you...

♪ Oh, my identity is in you...

♪ My identity is in
you, oh god...

♪ Oh, who I really am...

♪ Who I really is in you...

♪ Oh, yeah...

♪ Yeah, yes it is...

♪ Oh, hallelujah...

♪ Oh, oh, oh...

♪ Mmm...

♪ Hallelujah, hallelujah...

♪ Oh, hallelujah...

♪ You are big in me...

♪ Hallelujah,
hallelujah, yeah...

♪ Oh, hallelujah...

♪ You are big in me...

♪ Because you are my source
and myself esteem...

♪ He's my everything...

♪ Yeah, I'm in you, oh god...

♪ Sing it again, my source...

♪ Yeah, I know myself esteem...

♪ He's my everything...

♪ So I'll sing hallelujah...

♪ Hallelujah, you are
big in me...

♪ You're big in me, yeah...

♪ Oh...

♪ Hallelujah...

♪ You are big in me...

♪ This is my favorite part...

♪ All my fears and inhibitions
fade away...

♪ When I recognize...

♪ Sing it out...

♪ All my fears and inhibitions
fade away...

♪ Yes, they are...

♪ Ooh...

♪ Fade away...

♪ They're gonna fade away...

♪ Fade away...