Straight Out of Brooklyn (1991)
A Special Jury Award winner at the Sundance Film Festival, this drama stars a then-19-year-old Matty Rich (who also wrote and directed it). Rich plays Larry, a troubled teen living in the rough Red Hook section of Brooklyn who decides he wants out and turns to crime to fund his escape. But his plan involves scamming the neighborhood's biggest drug kingpin, a heist that's dangerous at best.
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Truly Dreadful Film
There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.
When I was little I remember seeing this movie on tape that my older brother once had and I enjoyed for what it was entirely but having just saw it I felt it that Matty Rich's first movie was a fairly decent movie, not as good as "BoyZ In The Hood" or "Menace To Society" directed by more talented people who know their material inside and out. The acting is decent but to me it got really emotional near the end of the movie. Overall, this film is not hard-hitting per Se, but it shows that desperation can sometimes lead to "success" however a dark cloud hangs over the victims that comes along with it. Not Matty Rich's best work, but it's a solid film for what it is so there's no crime in not seeing it at least once.
Straight Out of Brooklyn (1991) was a great debut film for Matty Rich (who also co-stars as well). This low budget movie is about the poverty and desperate situation that people live in around the Redhook housing district. One person is a young man named Dennis, he's tired of seeing the effects of racism, drugs and poverty that plague his family and those around him. He decides to make some money fast so he could improve his family's current condition. His family is sadly affected as well. Pop's is under the strong influence of alcohol and his mother is the victim of his violent out bursts. The mother refuses to seek help or stand up to his physical and verbal abuse. When he's not tying one on, Pop's is a great guy. Can Dennis escape the depressing life of Redhook or will he become just another statistic?Matty Rich made a strong showing with his hard hitting debut but suffered from the dreaded sophomore jinx. His next film The Inkwell wasn't bad but it couldn't stand up to his first. Maybe he'll come back into the mix and make another movie that'll be as great as Straight Out of Brooklyn. Don't give up Mr. Rich.Highly recommended.
Straight Out of Brookyln is a film similar to Boyz N The Hood, excpet it's set in New York. The film about three friends is very moving and deep and it's shame it didn't get a wider release. Matty Rich proved his talent with this film as a director, it's a shame that he didn't have the success he deserves.
This film has many flaws, but many strengths as well. Many luminaries in the film industry have openly criticized this film. I feel much of this is unjustified, because a lot was done on a miniscule budget here. There is also a great performance in George T. Odom's portrayal of the fed up father who has been beaten down by racism. Anyone who has grown up in a low income household can relate to that situation. The ending is sad and real. Also especially noteworthy is Harold Wheeler's excellent and despondent musical score.