Joey Medina Serves Up Change on ‘‘Arthur Ave.’’

If the walls of a Bronx bar could talk, what would they say? Would they whisper stories of old-school loyalty and unspoken codes? Or would they, like Joey Medina’s ''Arthur Ave.'', crack open a bottle of change and pour us a new perspective?

Set in the smoky embrace of a traditional Italian-American watering hole, this short film serves up a culture clash with a side of unexpected warmth. When a gay couple unknowingly steps into what seems like the wrong place, tensions rise, fists clench, and prejudices bubble to the surface. But just when you think you’ve got this dish figured out, Medina seasons it with an unexpected twist—a boss who doesn’t play by the usual rules. Rather than serve up hostility, he extends a hand, flipping the script on what we think we know about masculinity, respect, and power.

From a technical standpoint, ''Arthur Ave''. crafts its atmosphere with a well-chosen color palette that bathes the Bronx bar in warm, nostalgic hues, reinforcing its old-school charm.

The warm yet moody lighting drapes the bar in nostalgia, while the camera work, though sometimes static, gives us an intimate front-row seat to the drama. The casting is pitch-perfect, each character bringing authenticity without veering into caricature. The soundtrack? A delicious mix that complements the flavors of the film’s old-school-meets-new-school energy.

Sure, the sound design could be crisper, and one might crave a bit more dynamism in the shot composition. But does that take away from the film’s heart? Not a chance. Arthur Ave. isn’t trying to be a grand opera—it’s a slice of life, a quiet but important reminder that respect isn’t about who you love, but how you treat others.

So, the real question is how often do we let our assumptions dictate our actions?

We’d love to see the direction take a stronger lead in storytelling, using dynamic camera work and visual cues to reveal new layers of the narrative rather than relying heavily on dialogue—an approach that could elevate Arthur Ave. from a compelling short to a gripping, character-driven series with rich potential for deeper exploration of its themes and conflicts.