james allen ( animal ) go to prison for armed robbery for almost a decade while leave behind a legacy a a cold blood killer . but more importantly he leave behind his young son ( terrence howard ) who follow his father footstep . when james return after become enlighten by an old black revolutionary and he attempt to instill his new belief in his son . the conflict between rhames and howard relate to the way many african american perceive themselves and their place in society after century of slavery or oppression . this be a powerful film with a terrific story and superb acting and especially by terrence howard . he give another astound performance that will prove to people why this guy be one of the most underrated actor work today . if you want to see realism portray at it best and check this one out .