Ghetto Dawg 2

The choices that people in a violent society have to face is the subject of this movie. The acting is great: Young talent in the main character and truly believable thugs. Packed with stunning and meaningful shots in what could be an uninspiring urban landscape. The story is unpredictable, because you're not sure how the main character is going to get out of his situation or if he will at all. I watched this movie on a tip from a friend who is into this genre (which I'm usually not) but I was not disappointed: it is refreshing and for what could seem like a low-budget movie, it looks great and is entertaining. Not for those sensitive to violence, but little of the violence is gratuitous or exploitative. It shows a rough world that we generally don't acknowledge.

Judging by the title, I thought this would be pure exploitation junk, but I couldn't have been more wrong. It's an excellent movie about a ghetto teen who is obsessed with avenging his older brother's death in a shoot-out between members of a Latino crime boss' gang. He doesn't have what it takes to kill a man -- in fact, his first attempt almost gets him killed when he finds himself unable to pull the trigger -- so he starts tagging along with a veteran hit-man who shows him the ropes, and in the process gets a lot more than he bargained when he begins to see death close-up.

It's almost like something a young Martin Scorcese might direct today -- there's a MEAN STREETS/TAXI DRIVER/GOODFELLAS vibe to much of this urban gangster story -- but his influence only shows itself overtly in one or two scenes. The violence is shocking, but presented matter-of-factly in a realistic, non-stylized way (no slow-motion, no fancy editing). The entire cast does a great job bringing their characters to life, aided by Christine Conradt's excellent script, and the Crook Brothers (Jeffrey and Joshua), who appear briefly in the film as porn-movie makers, demonstrate much style and skill as directors.

If you like this genre, or even if you don't, GHETTO DAWG 2:OUT OF THE PITS is about as good as it gets.

After my divorce,my friends have been trying every thing to cheer me up. I have been depressed for months. I have now watched this movie 9 times. It inspired me to get on with my life and forget that cheating wife ever existed. Thank you creators of Ghetto Dawg 2, you have saved my life.

Not my genre however, the Crook Bros. did "Suckerpunch" and I loved it! The draw is: Acting/Casting, their style of cinematography and their overall effect and production. I happen to look at films in different way as most people. I look behind the camera first; we see before we eat. I judge a film by it's look, first.

This is a visual pleasure! It paints a sensitive portrait of a gritty under-belly which, most viewers have no idea exists. Love and beauty can be found anywhere, Especially where it is needed most. Poverty, revenge, power and even love feul this film exploding with raw, young, hot and untapped talent. The young love between 'Dante' the main actor and 'Brynn' some chick on the wrong side, of the wrong side of the law is tender and sweet. There is almost an "urban 'Romeo & Juliet' meets 'Bonnie & Clyde' sensibility" to their dilemma. It was nicely handled and well shot. The majority of the film was shot very well, my problem is in a small portion of the editing (-1 point in rating).

The acting is way above average. I was quite impressed. Especially, the character of Angel. Will Sierra is quite menacing, and completely believable. Why is he not mentioned in the credits? This is where the other point is lost in the rating(-1 point). Do yourself a favor... see this film. Many 'big things to come' from many involved, both behind and in front of the camera. Great job!!!

When you first glance at the cover-art, your expectations drop below average. But only moments into the film, you're pulled into this real-life story of reluctant revenge, played out with supreme storytelling ability and highly competent direction. Though this is listed as a drama, it often reaches moments of hilarity, but it's often subtle. (Pay attention to the pornographer's scene, which is actually performed by both Joshua and Jeff of the Crook Brothers.) Each actor obviously poured their soul into their roles, and the Crook Brothers suck you in with their stylized yet unobtrusive shots. Doesn't look like it by the cover and the dumb ass name, huh? Don't be fooled. Go out and rent this raw and stylish ghetto masterpiece right now.