Blue Hill - Nasce uma Gangue

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 can not believe so few people have seen this movie. It is a terrific film. It has all the action, intrigue, double and triple crosses, and tragedy anyone could ask for. The plot and its development is a work of art. It is first class. The characters are so real and the depth of their portrayals goes well beyond most crime films, including the Godfathers. This is a film you must see if you every watched a single episode of The Sopranos, and liked it.

"Blue Hill Avenue" is the story of the rise of Tristan (Payne) from ghetto kid to drug kingpin. An attempt to show the how a kid can be strung out on money while his turf gets strung out on narcotics makes this flick old news. Production value, cast, and camera are low end but acceptable. Where this film really fails is in the script/story. For example...a girl doesn't want anything to do with Tristan because he's a "dealer" but changes her mind when he gives her some cheesy bling. "Blue Hill Avenue" is an old story, offers nothing new, reeks of indiness, runs too long (at 2 hrs), and has characters who look like they stepped right out of a....well, a bad movie. (C+)

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.

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.