Dove Approved for ages 12+.

STEPS is a powerful, poignant movie with a great message that should not be missed by the gritty methods in which it pushes it forward.

The movie tells the story of a man who is left traumatized after an armed robbery. He becomes an alcoholic and after losing his fiancee, his job, his status, he turns homeless. After spending 14 years on the streets, he befriends a local pastor, cleans himself up, and starts working as a home-help aide. The person who he eventually has to take care of is the same man who once robbed him, the one who sparked his downfall.

Star athlete Shaquille O'Neal is one of the five executive producers for the movie, which also includes Denzel Washington's wife, Pauletta Pearson Washington, as an actress.

Black films allow us to see ourselves as everything and anything. However, some titles, like the newly released “Steps” starring Walter Fauntleroy, cast their ambition beyond reflection, and attempt to help us understand our unique human struggles.

“Steps” is set in Jersey City, New Jersey and tells the story of Brian, played by actor Rob Morgan — a man who has it all but becomes addicted to alcohol after a traumatizing armed robbery by the hand of local hustler, Taj, played by Walter Fauntleroy. Brian’s addiction robs him of his love, his livelihood, his social status, and eventually his home. “Steps” follow’s Brian’s journey to sobriety and Taj’s journey to humility and redemption through a second, unlikely chance meeting.

STEPS’ cast and crew are mostly from Jersey City and neighboring towns on this and the other side of the Hudson. The film’s directors are Jay Rodriguez and Rock Davis of Itchy House Productions based in New Jersey, and producer Michael Baumgartner who is funding the project, is Harris’s long-time Jersey City friend.

“Because of my relationships and contacts, I’m doing three films this year and all with major stars,” Harris says.

One of those relationships helped Harris make STEPS. Producer Michael Baumgartner, who has known Harris for many years, decided to back Harris’ film because, frankly, he recognized Harris’ talent