How I Learned to Fly

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How I Learned to Fly

Released Dec 1, 2023

1h 44m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

71%

Tomatometer

7 Reviews

93%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Two African-American teenage brothers suddenly find themselves on their own after being mysteriously abandoned by their parents. Deeply haunted by the mental and physical abuse inflicted by their father (Wu-Tang Clan's Cliff "Method Man" Smith), elder brother Daniel (Marcus Scribner, ABC's Black-ish) is determined to prevent their lives from falling apart. He maintains a daily routine, works as a dishwasher and does his best to keep a roof over their heads. Younger brother Eli (Lonnie Chavis, NBC's This Is Us) struggles to cope with the absence of his mother, leaving her voicemail messages in search of answers. Embarking on a journey of survival and self-discovery, they uncover moments of beauty, newfound meaning and enduring love that strengthen their bond despite the uncertain road ahead. Featuring supporting performances by Cedric the Entertainer and Michele Selene Ang, How I Learned to Fly is a poignant story of determination and resilience in the face of profound adversity.

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Tina Kakadelis

Beyond the Cinerama Dome

How I Learned to Fly reminds us that humans aren’t meant to go it alone. That the easiest thing a person can do is to offer help and the bravest thing a person can do is accept that help.

Feb 24, 2024

Full Review

Matthew Roe

Film Threat

This narrative structure (or lack thereof) ends up as both a profound positive and a somewhat detractive negative for How I Learned to Fly.

Rated: 7/10

Dec 12, 2023

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Julian Roman

MovieWeb

How I Learned to Fly is a heartbreaking journey through poverty and helplessness. The film's message has merit and illustrates serious societal failures, but unfortunately veers into sluggish melodrama.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 5, 2023

Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Common Sense Media

Gentle and deeply compassionate, this drama manages to depict harsh realities without being harsh itself, focusing on hope and change.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 3, 2023

Full Review

Avi Offer

NYC Movie Guru

A wise, tender and heartfelt emotional journey. It embraces the message behind Pablo Neruda's poem, "They can cut all of the flowers, but they can't stop the spring from coming."

Dec 1, 2023

Full Review

Mark Dujsik

Mark Reviews Movies

It's a fine line between drama and melodrama, and How I Learned to Fly crosses it a few too many times to ignore.

Rated: 2.5/4

Dec 1, 2023

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Valerie G

I absolutely loved this movie! Excellent acting by all, especially Method Man. Took a little long to expose what happened to the parents and never really hinted about the issue with Eli...STILL GREAT!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/09/25

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Jtred t

Absolutely beautiful and touching. I'm so glad I clicked on this to watch. I recommend this highly.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/29/25

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Bayne T

critics will always critic the way they critic, the film is worth a watch, at least once in ones lifetime

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/04/24

Full Review

S. H

Love was truly evident in this film on numerous occasions, and it brought tears to my eyes!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/03/24

Full Review

Kasina B

Sad sad sad at first I am at the middle of the movie now so I will keep you posted on results

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/23/24

Full Review

Deanna S

This is the absolute BEST MOVIE I have seen in YEARS!!! I recommend this to any and everyone!!! The acting, storyline, emotion… hands down realistic movie… I cried throughout this movie as it reminded me of my humanity… it also triggered memories from my childhood which touched home for me… but in a good way… the essence and message carried a specific spirit that resinate solely… BEAUTIFUL MOVIE!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/11/24

Full Review

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Simon Steuri

Director

Marcus Scribner

Actor

Lonnie Chavis

Actor

Method Man

Actor

Cedric the Entertainer

Actor

Michele Selene Ang

Actor

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How I Learned to Fly: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Two African-American teenage brothers suddenly find themselves on their own after being mysteriously abandoned by their parents. Deeply haunted by the mental and physical abuse inflicted by their father (Wu-Tang Clan's Cliff "Method Man" Smith), elder brother Daniel (Marcus Scribner, ABC's Black-ish) is determined to prevent their lives from falling apart. He maintains a daily routine, works as a dishwasher and does his best to keep a roof over their heads. Younger brother Eli (Lonnie Chavis, NBC's This Is Us) struggles to cope with the absence of his mother, leaving her voicemail messages in search of answers. Embarking on a journey of survival and self-discovery, they uncover moments of beauty, newfound meaning and enduring love that strengthen their bond despite the uncertain road ahead. Featuring supporting performances by Cedric the Entertainer and Michele Selene Ang, How I Learned to Fly is a poignant story of determination and resilience in the face of profound adversity.

Director: Simon Steuri
Producer: Eric Binns, Oliver Ridge, Andrew Harvey, Jewerl Ross
Screenwriter: Lonnie Chavis, Simon Steuri
Distributor: Film Movement
Production Co: Silent R Management
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 1, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 20, 2024
Runtime: 1h 44m

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