TrueJoshNight Truly Dreadful Film

Colibel Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

Steineded How sad is this?

Raymond Sierra The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Michael Neumann The memorable debut feature by Matty Rich begins by asking the question: what do you know about being black? The answer is a familiar but powerful display of rage and desperation, set in the same, miserable Red Hook housing project where Rich himself grew up. It's a simple, straightforward film, surprisingly polished given the inexperience behind the camera (the entire cast and crew were hired through newspaper want ads), and remarkable because writer/director/producer Rich was only 19 years old when the film was released. His basic plot, about an angry teenager's reckless plan to escape the cycle of poverty by robbing a local drug lord, is direct and unambiguous, and the outline hasn't been embellished by any visual style. But the understated script and a talented cast transform what could have been a hopeless melodrama into a gripping, heartfelt tragedy (but not entirely grim: a measure of humor is provided by some inspired comic banter).Postcript: at the time I thought the film might have trouble surviving the rush of 1991 summer blockbusters, but Matty Rich was a name to remember: he already showed more confidence and depth of feeling than many veteran directors. Sadly, that potential was never fulfilled: Rich would direct only one more feature before disappearing into undeserved obscurity.

johnnymacbest 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.

Joseph P. Ulibas 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.

pwmoses 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.