Original subtitles

[Instrumental Music]

Tony! Tony!

What's going on Lisa?

Devin! Devin, get in here, baby.

Mom, I swear it wasn't me.

Uh oh, what'd the boy do now?

Keep your belt on Tony.

Yeah Dad, I'm almost grown.

Almost grown. That means I might only have one good ass whoopin' left.

Devin got a letter from Howard!

Howard who?

I got a letter from Dwight Howard?

What that crybaby want?

Howard University!

Ah, yeah. I remember my first college rejection letter.

How do you know it's gonna be a rejection letter?

Open it then smart-ass.

Dear Devin...

That's how it starts.

Go ahead baby, go ahead, go ahead.

Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that

you have admission to Howard University!

Yeah, sorry brother. You know sometimes...

Wait a minute...

Congratula... give me that!

Oh my goodness! My baby is going to college!

Oh man! I always knew you'd get in.

But Dad you just said-

Hey, quiet boy, you're brilliant, you're a Stallworth!

I would not expect anything less!

Is it me... or did you not go to college?

I went to the school of hard-knocks and I busted my hump so that you can get in.

Aren't you excited honey?

I mean, yeah, it's aight.

It's "aight"?

College is, is kind of a big deal!

I know, mom, but can we wait to hear from all the other

colleges I applied to before I decide?

Whaaat, look at him. Okay, that's my son. Haha!

Weighing his options. Playing the field. [Laughing]

Who are we kidding Lisa, I've seen his GPA. He ain't getting into no more schools.

We need to accept this before they send out a retraction letter.

Tony!

*Woke up and my wife said to me

*The bill collectors won't let me be

*Kids keep talking back to me

*Family Time

*Family Time, Family Time, Family Time

[Instrumental Music] [Door bell]

Well if you did your own laundry, you would know where your stuff is Tony.

[ Screams ] Shauna Wilbourne!

Hey Lisa...

Look at you! You look just like you did before.

Come on in girl. You look beautiful.

Aww, oh, Lisa this is nice.

Thank you so much for letting me crash here.

Oh girl, please. You know we go back like rocking chairs.

[Laughing]

I can't wait to see how big your kids got.

Oh, you know what, you'll see Devin. He's preparing for college.

- Wow! - But Ebony's away on some school retreat-

Come on Lisa stop playing! I need some clean drawers!

Tony! We have company.

Oh hey! You must be Shauna. I've heard so much about you.

And this must be Dennis.

Who the hell is Dennis, Lisa?

I'm joking. I heard so much about you, too, Tony.

Ah, well, can you help her with her bags?

That's quite alright. They train us to handle our own bags.

Oh, that's right. You're in the Army.

Uh... it's the Marines, actually.

Okay. What's the difference?

The Marines are who you call on when it's something the Army can't handle.

Oh, well can you handle taking a seat?

Gettin' relaxed?

Yeah, take a load off. Any friend of Lisa's is a friend of mine.

Stay as long as you like. But if you're on some secret mission

or something, then you need to let us in on it, you hear?

Well can you go on a little secret mission and find those drawers you was looking for?

Copy that!

Lisa, the truth is I am on a secret mission.

(Whispering) What? Really?

On a secret mission to crack this bottle

of wine open and kick it with my girl!

You crazy!

- Awe I missed you! Girl, it's not? - It's not that good.

- Well, then why'd you bring it? - It's cheap.

[Instrumental Music]

Hey Devin.

I know, I know, I'm not supposed to be in the man cave. I'll leave.

No, no, no. Keep playing your video game.

See this is the man cave. And now that you're a man, this is our space.

Our space? Dad, what's going on?

Nothing. I just want to let you know that I'm very proud

that you got four acceptance letters already.

And I'm just curious as to which way you were leaning.

I don't know, I haven't thought much about it.

Why?

No reason. No, no reason at all. You know, I'm just curious. It's your future.

You know, not like I'm going so it don't really matter to me.

What game is this?

- This one- - Whatchu think about Howard?

To keep it all the way 100 with you?

I don't think he should have left Orlando.

He wasn't worthy of the purple and gold.

I'm talking about Howard University, son.

Oh, what about it?

I think that might be the right choice for you.

You know, I'm sure these other schools are fine,

but Howard has some good programs.

So does San Diego.

Yeah but Howard has more-

Black people? You're so obvious, dad. I know you want me to go to an HBCU.

What? Who, me? What's wrong with an HBCU?

And what's wrong with a non-HBCU?

Nothing. I just want you to be exposed to your own culture.

Dad, I live in a household with black parents, a black sister,

and a whole bunch of black folks that show up here unannounced.

I think I'm exposed to my culture.

Yeah that's a good point. It's a good point.

Look, I'm not trying to sway your decision...

but look when you go to orientation and you see all them sisters

walking across campus looking like Clydesdales, you gonna thank me.

Dad, don't worry. I'm not leaning towards a black college or a white college.

What you thinking about, the University of Mexico?

Actually I'm not thinking about going to college at all.

I'm sorry, could you run that by me again?

Dad, I said I'm-

Wait, wait one second. (CALLS OUT) LISA!

Momma gonna want to hear this. (CALLS OUT) LISA!

What? What is it Tony? We're down there looking at our old yearbook.

Uh yeah, this is a little bit more important.

Why don't you come on down here for a second.

Devin, ah, could you repeat what you just said?

What is it? What? What is it, Devin?

Mom, Dad, I do realize college is very important.

But I also realize that it's not for everybody.

Not for everybody who didn't get accepted.

What are you talking about Devin? What are you trying to say?

Could you put that video game down while we're talking please?

Actually the video game is a big part of it.

I don't think I want to go to college and

I want to become a professional video game player.

[Both Yell] What?

Oh hell no! You are not going to be sitting around

playing video games all your damn life.

Your black ass will be getting a job.

Dad! Video games can be a real job!

Don't you realize how much money people are making playing E-Sports?

The video game industry is a billion dollar industry!

Well until you bring in a billion dollar check, your black ass will be going to college.

What happened to everything we've always talked about Devin?

You being a doctor or a lawyer?

Those are all things you wanted for me.

Boy has a point there, Lisa.

As irresponsible as he is, I wouldn't want him operating on me.

Ok. Well, isn't that the point of college? To try different

things to figure out what you wanna do?

But if I know I don't want to go, why take up the space of somebody who does?

Oh, now you want to be morally responsible?

Where's that attitude when it's time to take out the trash and do the dishes?

Okay, alright you know what?

I know it's a really stressful time honey, why don't you just think

about everything you're saying right now and then we can just

we can talk about it later, okay?

Alright.

Yeah, we'll talk later. It's a good point. Mm-hmm.

Sure thing you relax. But um...

No more video games until that time.

[Controller Cord Rips And Smacks The Floor]

So you just gonna break the thing?

[Instrumental Music]

[Instrumental Music]

Tony, will you come to bed already?

Oh, I can't sleep Lisa.

That boy gets accepted to four universities,

which is an amazing feat as it is, and he doesn't even want to go.

Well you didin't go and you turned out fine.

Yeah, yeah, yeah but I had hustle. The boy lacks street smarts, Lisa.

Well, what do you want him to be, the leader of a gang?

Well at least being a leader of a gang, he'd have

organizational skills, hustle, and commitment.

Well if that's all you want from him, we may as well ship him off to the military.

You know what, that's not a bad idea.

Are you crazy? You lost your mind?

I'm not sending my son to the military.

Of course not. But how 'bout we give him a glimpse of that life?

What are you talking about Tony?

We'll have him sit down with Shauna.

She'll start sharing all her little awful war stories,

scare that boy straight to Howard.

Or Oregon. Or San Diego.

Or Howard.

Goodnight.

[Scoffs]

[Instrumental Music]

Hey!

Look at you, Devin. All grown up.

Ah-ow!

I can't believe Lisa has a high school senior on her hands.

Yeah, I'm just glad school's over soon.

What do you mean, over? It's just getting started.

You're about to be a big college man.

I see what this is. Mom and dad put you up to talking to me.

Yeah. Sort of. But listen, when I was your age, I felt exactly like you do.

I know, I know. And then you went to college with my mom

and it was the best decision of your life, blah blah blah.

No, I went to high school with your mom. I didn't go to college after high school.

You didn't?

No, I didn't think it was for me.

I went to school later in my 20's and I loved it then.

What made you decide to go then?

Well, after you serve for a while, they pay for your college.

And what I loved the most about it--

Wait.

What do you mean, they, they pay for your college?

Well when you enlist in the military, free education is part of the deal.

There's some other cool perks, too.

Like what?

I mean you travel the world, you meet a lot of people, and you learn new languages-

Did you ever get to fire a weapon?

Every one they had. In training, you have to.

Dang, the military sounds hella cool.

Well, there's also the other side of it. You have to-

Wait... did you ever get to play video games?

I mean yeah, there's a lot of downtime.

I hear you, Miss Shauna.

I think I'm gonna join the military.

Oh! Devin! No, that's not what I meant!

I was just trying to tell you.. . Oh boy.

[Instrumental Music]

[Lisa] You told my son to join the Army?!

Actually, it's the Marines, but I didn't tell him to join.

Well, what did you tell him, hmm? Inquiring minds wanna know.

I just told him about my personal experience and

the next thing I know, the boy's ready to go enlist.

Well you need to go undo whatever it is you did

because there's no way my son is going off to war.

There's a lot of military careers besides the front line, Lisa.

Oh, oh look Lisa, she's doing it again.

What, you trying to get us to join now?

Yeah, I guess you were on a secret mission. To recruit my son.

Well, it's not gonna work, Shauna. My son is going to an HBCU.

Or San Diego or Oregon.

Whatever, Lisa.

You know, I had no interest in recruiting your son,

but at this point, I'm starting to get offended.

What's wrong with being in the military? I've made a great career out of it.

Okay. We did not mean to offend you. I'm sure the military is a great choice

for some people, it's just not a good choice for Devin.

How do you know?

Well, he's expressed great interest in being a video gamer.

That's also not the right choice for Devin.

But how do you know? I think you two are a little too involved in this.

Too involved? He's our son!

Okay, okay, let me put it to you another way. Do you remember being 17?

Hell yeah, I remember that.

All I could think about was hot cars, and fine-ass women

Woman... one fine-ass woman.

And during that time, did you want your parents making all your decisions for you?

Well no, I really didn't. I wanted to be a Laker's girl but

my dad wasn't having it. Just wasn't having it.

That's cause your daddy remembers them Wilt Chamberlain Laker's.

Listen, I don't have a horse in this race. I'm just saying, as an outsider looking in,

you've made yourself heard. Now maybe you should just let him make his own decision.

Yeah, and maybe he'll decide to go to an HBCU.

Or San Diego. Or Oregon.

Alright look, I just always saw him going to an HBCU.

Following in the footsteps of Martin Luther King, Spike Lee, and Puff Daddy.

Yeah, and I always saw him as a brain surgeon or a hot shot attorney like Johnny Cochran.

Well, maybe he'll be one of those things. But it's gotta be his choice.

Maybe he'll choose an HBCU.

Or San Diego. Or Oregon.

[Instrumental Music]

[Instrumental Music]

Hey Devin.

Oh hey, dad. What's going on?

Oh not much, just wanted to have a quick conversation with you.

I've been doing some thinking and... maybe you're right.

You don't want to be a lawyer or a doctor.

Exactly. It sounds like a whole bunch of boring work.

Yeah, yeah, but besides all that money you make? Who needs that?

Uh, dad, money's not everything.

Really? If it isn't everything, then why you always hit me up for some?

Ah, I only hit you up to spend your money.

I hit you up so you can drive me to the mall so I can spend your money,

and I hit you up for your bank account numbers so I can get more money.

Okay, alright, alright, we're getting off the point here.

What's the point?

The point is, there are other careers other than just a doctor and a lawyer.

Yeah, like a video game player or the military.

Yeah, yeah, thats true but, um, how about a mechanic? Huh?

Eh? Spend all day working on cars? You like cars right?

I think I would like a car more if you would buy me one.

Okay, that's not going to happen.

How about a teacher. Now that is a very noble career son!

The children are our future!

Uh, Dad you really want me to teach some kids some stuff?

That's a good point.

Oh! How about this... professional athlete? Ah?

That ship sailed a long time ago.

How about at least a referee?

I think I'd be too easy to bribe.

Fair point.

Oh! How 'bout you just go into construction like your old man, huh?

Eh, no offense dad, but that sounds like a whole lot of work.

And the military ain't a whole lot of work?

At least you can fire a gun.

- You can fire a nail gun. - Mmm...

Hey, what are you guys talking about?

Nothing. Just Dad trying to sell me on some careers.

No, no. Not sell.

I'm just having a conversation with the boy.

Tony, you need to stop pressuring Devin.

Here baby, I made you a sandwich.

Thanks, mom.

Mm-oh! And oops...

looks like I just happened to leave this brochure about how to become a fireman

laying right there, you see?

Really? Really? You want our boy to be a firefighter?

If that just so happens to be what he wants to do, then yeah!

I mean after all, they are heroes.

Can you imagine?

Devin tryin' to save us if this house was burning down or something?

He wheezes just goin' down the stairs.

Whatever. Please, they sleep most of the day, Tony.

How often are there fires anyway, Tony? Seriously?

If this place was on fire would you want Devin, to come rescue us?

I'm telling you there's rarely any fires.

Answer the question.

[Both talking]

Look what you did Tony!

-Me? -You chased Devin away.

You know what, I know just the person to handle this.

Hey Dad, how's it going? You think you could come by the house,

a little bit later? We have a situation.

Appreciate it. Watch this.

[Instrumental Music]

Hey Devin.

'Sup, dad?

Oh, not much, just wanted to have a quick conversation with ya.

I've been doing some thinking, and you know what,

you're right.

Right?

I'm never right.

What's going on, dad?

I think that the military might be the right move for you.

Especially the way you blowing these guys' heads off in this video game.

I just want to let you know, that's what you decide, you have my total support.

Really, dad?

Absolutely.

Besides, I think any job is better than sitting around on your ass

playing video games all day.

Good 'Cause I already went and saw a recruiter.

A recruiter? Did you sign anything?

No, of course not.

I can't sign until I turn 18.

Oh thank God.

I, I mean cool, cool, that's cool, cool.

[Door bell]

I wonder who that could be.

Dad! What a pleasant surprise.

Boy, what the hell you talking about?

- You told me to- Ah, ah, ah!

Hey uh, Devin, put the game down and say hi to your grandpa.

Hey, grandpa.

Well, how's it going, Devin?

I'm good.

Good? You mean great.

Tell him about how many schools you got accepted to.

Not that many. Just four.

Oh, that's great, I'm glad to hear it.

MM-hmm. One of them is Howard, dad.

Oh, well he doesn't need to be going to an HBCU.

Why not?

He gets enough of the black experience around here.

Dad, whose side are you on?

I'm on the side of both of you.

Which school are going to boy?

Mm, this is gonna be good. Tell him.

Actually, I'm not going to college. I'm going to the military.

What do you think of that, dad? Huh?

I think that's great.

Exactly! What? Huh? You think it's what?

Yeah, it'll make a man out of him!

[Gasps] Dad, what're you sayin'?

See, Grandpa get's it.

I'ma do great in the military.

Yes, you will. The military builds character.

And I get to see the world, and-

And you get to learn discipline.

Gettin' up at 5 A.M., running drills.

5am? What part of the game is that?

You'e seen the commercials.

They do more before 8 A.M. than most people do all day.

But I thought that was 'cause they're in a different time zone.

Yeah, this boy'll get into shape fast.

Nothing like carrying a backpack up the side of a

steep mountain weighing 50 pounds.

- Mm-hmm. - Like that? - Just like that!

Mm-hmm. And what if you get stationed in the Middle East? Oh man, that's

easy 110, 150, 60 degrees.

Ah but listen, it's not all bad.

You don't have but a couple of years to do, unless...

Unless what?

You know.

You've seen them war movies.

But I like my legs.

Man your legs are a small price to pay for being a hero.

And what you need your legs for anyway?

You'll get shipped home early, then you can sit

around all day on your ass, playing video games.

Well, what I was saying is that I was thinking about going into the military,

but I think I should let all my other options play out, you know.

'Cause college isn't that bad of an idea either.

Nah, the military'll pay for your college.

- He needs to sign up tomorrow. - Mm-hmm.

See but I can't because I'm not 18.

That's fine, I'll sign as your legal guardian.

And then the day after your 18th birthday, you'll ship out.

Ship out where?

Wherever the country needs you.

Nothing like bonding with your best friend in a ditch,

waiting for the enemy to strike.

Uh, mom?

Yeah, I- I'm coming, right away! Right away!

I didn't hear nothing.

Dad, you're getting old and your hearing's going bad.

Mom needs me. I'll be right there mom.

[Chuckling]

That worked great.

Yes and it worked on you.

Hey!

[Instrumental Music]

How much longer you gonna do, Shauna?

Well I got four more years and then I'm looking at a fat

retirement check and free benefits for life.

Mm! I'll toast to that.

[All] HooRah!

[Laughing]

Alright, alright. At ease, at ease.

Mom, Dad, can I holla at ya'll for a moment?

What's on your mind, soldier?

Um yeah, about that.

I don't think the military is for me.

- No offense. - Oh, none taken.

Come on! The punches! Stand down.

[Laughing]

Really, Devin?

Yeah I think I should just explore my options in college.

Hmm, College...

Sounds like a very smart choice.

Now listen, if you wanna go to San Diego,

Oregon, you have my full support.

Actually, I was thinking Howard.

Cancel the DNA test, that is my son.

-Stop. -So proud.

Why the sudden change, honey?

I went on Howard's website and they have a great video game design program.

Did you know they teach more than just Black History classes?

Uh yeah, it's an accredited university, son.

You know what, Devin?

I took the military as my career path, but

I think you're gonna be really happy at Howard.

Yeah, I think so, too.

Oh, my little boy is going to college!

Whoo! I need to grab another bottle.

I need the little girl's room.

[Chuckling]

Alright, now that your mama's gone, you can tell me the truth.

You went online and saw them

homecoming photo's from Howard, didn't you?

- You better know it. - I know it!

Nothing but dime-pieces!

You gonna be swimming in that!

- You already know! - You gonna have a good time.

You gonna have a good time.

You want some wine? You ain 't that old. Take off.

[Instrumental Music]