Blue Hill Avenue

After watching the movie three times, I have concluded to give this movie a B+. The movie is obviously an independent film, it was filmed by UrbanWorks Entertainment. For the past year I have been thoroughly interested in new line independent films. They depict a realistic view of life from an inside source. You are the visitor in the movie seeing things from their eye.

Blue Hill Ave. gave a very hardcore/gangsta look at life in the ninety's for young people of color. Yet it showed that this was a way of life and they are just as real as anyone else. For instance, one scene showed Tristan and his family at the dinner table eating together. Father, mother, sister and son. In today's light everyone seems to think that there is no family institution in the urban area. Though that may be true, Tristan came from a solid background and still made his choice. This was about money it's evils. How did they die in the end? Over the money. That's what runs the drug ring in this country and in the film. The part with the young woman and himself wasn't cheesy but more simple. That was how it began for them. And for anyone who knows, thats the way they did it back then. It was all so real, and the young men who played them were four very talented young men. Not because they were playing gangstas and using profane language but because they were able to bring the liveliness of what the director was trying to portray. I enjoyed them most in the movie.

In conclusion, I loved the movie. Maybe I am biased because I came from a similar background yet I was able to make a choice to succeed. And when people watch this movie they will make a choice too.

Had the opportunity to see this movie at a free screening. So, that being said that I saw this for free, I thought the movie was okay. It was somewhat predictable, but still worth while. It's basically a movie about 4 childhood friends who get caught up in the drug game. They started off small time marijuana dealers and grow up to be the biggest coke dealers on Blue Hill Avenue.

The movie starts at the end, and then flashes back to their childhood. And it progresses on from childhood, back to where the movie started, and on from there. It's almost a typical drug/gangster movie. Except, the ending lacks character development and it doesn't explain why things happened the way they did. Also, there are scenes in the movie which are supposed to be serious, but somehow, they are hilarious.

And, for some reason, although I have my complaints about this movie, it's a good movie to have discussions about. I wish I could've taken more people with me to this screening, because I found myself talking about this movie days after I watched it.

So, even with its' flaws, when and if this movie ever comes to a theater near you, go see it, you'll at least laugh at the silliness that happens throughout!

And the actors really did a great job! It was great seeing Brandon Hammond (Ahmad from the movie Soul Food) in this movie, he did a great job.

The producers, directors, actors, everyone relating to this film have all been robbed of their Oscars!! This film provided me with everything I love to see in a movie. The storyline was superb, the plot, the twists, everything and everyone was excellent. So why have this film not leveled the scales with New Jack City, Sopranos, American Gangster, The Godfather or any other gangster movie out there? What does it take, because as far as I am concerned, this movie has all of that and more. So why have so few people viewed this film? I guess sometimes a movie falls under the radar and this is definitely THAT MOVIE. I loved the dialogue, the deliverance and the acting. Wow!!! Allen Payne, you've been robbed.

I believe that there is an industry-wide conspiracy to deny theatrical access for independent films, particularly those with multi-cultural casts and themes. Blue Hill Ave. reinforces this suspicion in my mind. Of course, I've seen better movies, but I've certainly seen much worse movies in theatrical release and I cannot believe that Blue Hill Ave. could not merit at least a moderate theatrical release on about 500 screens. I would have certainly paid $8 to see this film rather than to see "Soul Plane", "You Got Served", "Baby's Daddy", etc. Perhaps the Justice Dept. needs to step up their investigation into the anti-competitive practices of the mega conglomerate-owned film production and distribution entities. This was supposed to have been resolved in U.S. v Patamount back in 1948! Anyway, I digress. I though Craig Ross, Jr. and his cast and crew did an exceptional job with this film, especially on such a low budget!

If films like Cappuccino (an earlier quality film from this same writer/director) and Blue Hill Ave. can't make it to theaters and the previously mentioned vapid works are able to, why should intelligent Black folks pay $8. at the theater? I hope Mr. Ross' investors were able to profit on this one!

I am an avid Allen Payne fan, and I do not see enough of his work. Thank you so much for casting him. The character he played was quite well suited to his debonair persona. I also enjoyed the other actors as well. They all portrayed serious life and death issues with sincerity. This cast really fit together perfectly. I must say that none of the actors were difficult to watch, and the director made me see his whole intention. I will probably rent it again to show some folks whom I believe could appreciate the quality that has been displayed in Blue Hill Avenue. The actors who played Tristan's friends were excellent and of course Allen Payne was OUTSTANDING as always. More Allen Payne please.