Straight out of Brooklyn

views updated

Straight out of Brooklyn ★★ 1991 (R)

A bleak, nearly hopeless look at a struggling black family in a Brooklyn housing project. The son seeks escape through crime, his father in booze. An up-close and raw look at part of society seldom shown in mainstream film, its undeniable power is sapped by ragged production values and a loose narrative prone to melodrama. Rich (seen in a supporting role) was only 19 years old when he completed this, funded partly by PBS-TV's “American Playhouse.” 91m/C VHS, DVD . George T. Odom, Ann D. Sanders, Larry (Lawrence) Gilliard Jr., Mark Malone, Reana E. Drummond, Barbara Sanon, Matty Rich; D: Matty Rich; W: Matty Rich; C: John Rosnell; M: Harold Wheeler. Ind. Spirit '92: First Feature; Sundance '91: Special Jury Prize.