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Dead Presidents

Dead Presidents

List Price: $14.99
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Rating: 3 stars
Summary: OK MOVIE
Review: i rember watching this movie as a little kid with my older brother, i liked it, i mean who doesent like bank robeing movies? Well i guess thats it, if u like this kind of movie go out and get it, because it is a really well done movie, and i think any one would love it, so PEACE OUT, KEEP IT GANSTA.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: One of the Best Vietnam/Heist Movies Around
Review: As far as Vietnam movies go, only "Full Metal Jacket" surpasses this film; as far as heist movies go, this is the best available.

This surpasses other anti-Vietnam films because it isn't so woefully complaintive. Unlike "Born on the Fourth of July", the protagonist doesn't weep about the injustices in such a pathetic way. Unlike "Deer Hunter", more time is spent showing actual action in Vietnam. While the injustices against veterans and African Americans is arguably the focal point, it is handled in a different fashion, with less the tiresome display of Tom Cruise and less the "thousand-yard stare" of Christopher Walken (which, while both may have merit, simply don't match up).

The heist scene is incredibly orchestrated. An artfully laid out plan is brilliantly executed and accompanied by great music by Danny Elfman. I don't want to spoil the scene, so let it suffice to say that there is nothing like it in any other movie that I've seen.

Perhaps best of all is the unconventional, not-so-Hollywood ending that one simply must see.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: I finally caught on to this movie
Review: You know it actually took me awhile to see how great this movie really was?
I saw it opening weekend in '95 and I LIKED it back then but I LOVE it now.
I honestly was first under the impression that this movie would be about
a "Heist" (like Ocean's Eleven) but it spended ALOT of time in the war.
I mean the theme and title of "Dead Presidents" means getting paid, getting
money, but it spent too much time on the war...this was my opinion back in 1995
opening weekend. Today in 2003 I see the movie in a totally different light.
Everything was somewhat balanced out though I still feel like they should have devoted more time to the Heist part.
Larenz Tate did a fantastic job with the portrayal of Anthony Curtis
I felt his frustration and confusion, but I wondered why didn't he call out for help from his parents?
or his "Squeaky clean" older brother? He didn't make any attempts to contact his recruiters,the army,
nothing, he just took the situation for what it was and fell into a deep depression, which made him drink, and angry half the time
as well as forced him to his final bad choice to heist the federal money truck with money to be destroyed.
The Heist was brought to HIM, he wasn't really with it but everyone was forcing him in (he didn't come up with the idea...he actually declined the thought)
It seemed the biggest "Blight" for Anthony Curtis (Tate's character) was not knowing.
And that's what I got from the movie in terms of lesson's (though it may have not been intended)
A movie like this you've got to take it for what it is, it wasn't meant to be a "SMASH" Blockbuster hit at the box
offices, mainly because (in which it is sad to say) Black filmakers and black oriented movies don't get the credit or
exposure that they deserve and this is due to all those "Ghetto-Fab" "Hood flick" "shoot 'em up" movies that made it worse.
Apple Pie America just assumes that every black filmaker is going to make a movie like this (You can't deny that you were hoping the Hughes Bros came with Menace II Society 2) or John Singleton with Boyz in the hood 2...instead he hits you with the Ghetto love story.
Overall I appreciate this movie more now than I did back then...Kirby is one of my favorite characters too...he was so smoove! with 1 leg at that!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: This movie is a classic
Review: Even tho alot of u people out there may not agree with my overall opinion,but this movie is a masterpiece.From the music,the plot,the characters,ect.This movie is worth watching,because its like those types of movies that dont get played to much in cable tv.So check it out and and feel free to write ur opinions.In conclusion:this is one of my favorite movies ever.its worth buying or renting.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Recommended Only If You Can't Wait For A Better Edition
Review: And by better edition, I mean a DVD with at least a few extras on it like the Dead Presidents video "Walk On By" by soulmeister Isaac Hayes (which precedes the movie on the VHS edition), as well as behind-the-scenes, or commentary from the cast and crew. I've bought "bare bone" DVDs before, so I'm not saying don't buy this DVD because there aren't extras on it. For me, it's just that having a video tape of the movie with at least the video on it, then buying a DVD (in essence, an upgrade) without the video or any other extras is crazy.

The Hughes Brothers' Dead Presidents was one of the cooler films from 1995. After the success of their debut movie Menace II Society from 1993, I remember wondering (with anticipation) how the Hughes would follow-up with their next film. Then the trailers starting running, showing the cast and choice scenes with the menacing makeup, backed by a soundtrack featuring a collection of soul classics. Incidently, the Dead Presidents soundtrack took on a life of its own as well, proving so successful a second volume was released. The movie itself is just too cool for words. The Brothers have a style unto themselves, though they admit to prominent influences as inspiration. You have to give it up to their choice cast as well - Larenz Tate , Chris Tucker, Freddy Rodriguez (Six Feet Under), N'Bushe Wright (Blade), Keith David (The Thing), Bokeem Woodbine (Caught Up), Clifton Gonzalez Gonzalez (187), and several other familiars.

Most people will credit Chris Tucker more because he provides the "in your face" funny-funny, but Larenz Tate owns this film. Tate, whom I equate with other great actor Don Cheadle, turns out another great performance with the greatest of ease and likeability. Even when he pistol-whips a bank guard, Tate makes you feel for his character even if you don't exactly agree with his choices and actions because you know what motivated the action. The best thing about a Hughes Brothers movie is there is never a boring moment. The plot, direction and performances will hold your attention, while the music, set design, threads, and conscienceness will have you waxing nostalgia...or bombarding your parents with a curious interest depending on where you're at in age. If you can overlook the lack of extras, I highly recommend the disc - or rather the movie.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: ANOTHER HUGHES BROTHER GEM
Review: SET IN LATE-60S NEW YORK, A YOUNG MAN [LARENZ TATE] WHO JUST GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL GOES INTO THE ARMY TO FIGHT IN VIETNAM. WHEN HE GETS BACK, THE EFFECTS OF THE WAR DEEPLY CHANGE HIM AND HIS FRIENDS. WARNING; LIKE ''MENACE II SOCIETY'', THIS IS EXTREMELY PROFANE AND VIOLENT. VERY GOOD FILM WITH A VERY DARK TWIST. KEITH DAVID DOES A WONDERFUL JOB AS KIRBY, THE ONE LEGGED MAN WHO'S A VETERAN IN CRIME AND CHRIS TUCKER OFFERS A FUNNY PERFORMANCE AS A BOY WHO GETS HOOKED ON DRUGS DURING THE WAR AND NEVER RECOVERS. IT EVEN HAS PLENTY OF GOOD MUSIC FROM THE LATE 60S AND EARLY 70S PERIOD. STICKY FINGAZ FROM ONYX MAKES AN APPEARANCE IN THIS MOVIE. ANOTHER GEM FROM THE ACCLAIMED HUGHES BROTHERS.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: haven't seen menace II society but...
Review: Ever since I saw this movie I can't stop thinking about it. I missed the begining of it, but I can't wait to see it now. I thoroughly appreciate the soundtrack and the transformation between the times. I thought it was a beautiful film and was very pleased. I wish I hadn't waited so long to see it.After reading all these reviews I would like to rent menace to society.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Unemployed Actors
Review: Ok, what exactly was the point/plot of this movie? It never really went anywhere, besides showing the misfortune of a student/war veteran/bank robber. Larenz Tate's acting wasn't bad, and Chris Tucker dragged out as many measly laughs as this movie could muster, but that was it. There were some good battle scenes in Vietnam, and Tate's butcher shop nightmare was pretty freaky.

But the rest of the movie seemed to justify that if you're poor, it's morally acceptable to be led by a neocommunist in ruthlessly murdering the working class to steal their money. Heaven forbid Tate go out and get another job. No, his only way out is via armed robbery and second degree murder. Well, I'm glad he gets caught at the end, and I hope his bus ride to prison brings him year upon reflecting year of pillow-biting repentance.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Good but...
Review: What does this movie have to do with dead presidents? I thought this was about Lincoln, Kennedy, Nixon etc. Addenda: That armored car heist scene is pretty cool.

But if you really want to see some racially motivated violence, check out "Panther".

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: This movie is great, cuz I'm in it!
Review: Purchase this movie to see me! The best extra in the world! LOL. I can be seen in the graduation party scene dancing. All jokes aside, this movie is great. Larenz Tate, as always, put on a powerful performance and the Hughes Brothers did a great job directing it. So, buy it and don't forget to look for me :)


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