Quick Movie Reviews
Rating of
3.5/4
Ian - wrote on 09/15/2015
Brutal, bleak and shockingly realistic portrayal of crime and war. The language is dead on. There are many memorable scenes and the bloody action from Vietnam is similar to Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket. It plays like a cross between that movie and Menace 2 Society. If you are searching for a gripping crime drama or a violent, realistic Vietnam movie, you can't go wrong here.
Rating of
2.5/4
FSUNoles27TS - wrote on 02/18/2013
I went into this movie expecting it to be better than Menace II Society and not as good as Boyz in the Hood. For the most part, I was right. It is a better film than Menace, but not as good of a watch. It doesn't even touch Boyz n the Hood. I am shocked that people try to make a comparison of the two. I dunno, this just didn't really do it for me. I love the Genre of film that explores the plight of growing up black in a poor neighborhood. This one was weird. It is worth the watch if you like this type of film. I wasn't a fan of the cast, and the writing was contrived. I see n here that a lot of people have this movie on their Top List, so I think I might be alone. Check it out, or don't.
Rating of
3.5/4
Rich - wrote on 07/27/2012
Dead Presidents is a really well put together movie, and gives you some serious insight into the frustations of the black experience upon returning to America after serving in Vietnam. A twenty year old Larenz Tate shines and a young Terrence Howard makes what I believe is his big screen debut and shows us why he became a Hollywood A-lister. Howard's 'Crash' co-star Keith David is memorable as is a pre 'Rush Hour' Chris Tucker. The casting was absolutely superb. This is definitely worth the rental or if you can buy it on Amazon for five bucks well worth owning and sharing with friends.
Rating of
3/4
Unknown - wrote on 03/31/2012
I generally don't like the Hughes brother's films, but I liked this one. I thought this was going to be another heist film, but it's actually not. Only the climax involves any stealing of money. The rest of the film is a violent and uncompromising look at politics and racism during the Vietnam War era, from the black perspective. It's a harsh movie, with no sterotypes and a good amount of drama.
