Ghetto Dawg 2

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.

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.

Wanted to sit thru 'Ghetto Dawg', but its lack of availability left me with the sequel. Right away I saw it was a standalone follow-up that neither kept the story or characters from the original, but remained a piece on crime, the streets and all that entails. 'Out of the Pits' isn't horrible, but squarely planted in predictable territory and not as good as some say.

Donte (Daniel Outlaw) loses his older brother to gang violence. Wanting revenge against the man Angel (Will Sierra) that killed him running very profitable yet illegal dogfights, but unable to do it himself. Hitman Jojo (Paris Campbell) can't neither as Angel is protected by Big Daddy (Lou Torres). So Donte goes to work for Jojo, but does he have what it takes to murder or will he get out before it's too late?

Predictable plotting and a lack of believability sink things here. Donte makes missteps that in real life would get him dead. Jojo is supposed to be a stone cold efficient killer, but his actions say otherwise. Too many scenes of ladies allowing themselves to be mistreated who feint shock after the fact. A wiggity wack character arch for the mom of the two sons at the heart of the tale.

An emphasis on dog fighting per the title, box cover is mostly for show. A lame attempt at marketing. That said if you can't get enough tales of the streets, crime fantasies then 'Ghetto Dawg 2: Out of the Pits' might satisfy. Characters, story aren't top tier, but unlike other low budget dtv trips I've sat through recently it's shot well and the acting is decent.

Don't judge a movie by it's title. I was expecting a no-brain, no-heart, piece of exploitation; the reality-it's a really good film. The story involve Donte, a young black man living in the ghetto who must decide whether to enact revenge on a local gang lord for his brother's death or give up on his brother's memory and get out of town. Strong performances from the cast, especially Paris Campbell and Lou Torres, bring flavor to a good overall story with an ending that will leave you stunned. The direction is confident and direct especially in its depiction of violence. Sudden and brutal are words that come to mind. The shots are well composed and the scores thumps the story along even in the middle where the pace slows somewhat. This is one of the better movies I've seen in the urban action genre. Definitely worth a look.

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!!!