Jacked Up

I've always been a fan of these low-budget, direct-to-video, B-movies. Independent films, such as this one, are usually a nice break from the shallow crap Hollywood churns out each year. However, the production quality is usually on par with a sleazy porno flick. But I was none-the-less shocked when I caught 2001's "Jacked" on Black Starz last night. Watching it, I knew not to take it seriously.

A gang-banger kills a policeman by accident. He returns to make nice with the family of the cop, and eventually falls for the daughter. All while being pursued by his murderous, Coke-addicted friends.

The truth is that they have a really interesting plot, which unfortunately isn't as polished as the characters. From the on-set, you get the immediate vibe that the entire film was rushed, and this shows in some of the editing and in the Broadway-like camera style -- that takes place mostly in a suburban house of the Barnes' family. But this is excused because it gives a truly realistic mood to an insane story. And, as I chuckled after viewing it, some of the gunshots by Zach(Bizzy Bone) are unintentionally hilarious. To be honest, his character as the villain is by far the one thing which brings parts of the story downhill, yet gives some humor for B-movie appeal. Watching him on camera (where he is high 90% of the time, and then pointlessly shooting thugs for the rest) gives you the distinctive image of Drexl Spivey from True Romance. And the end fate for his character seems choppy at best; could have been way more climactic, or at least had made more sense.

Now, for the good points, I was honestly surprised by Alexis Fields in this movie. Coming fresh from her years as a child-actor, she truly has great acting range, and holds the crazy gangster storyline in touch with the tragic love story, which is the focal-point. And her portrayal is the single memorable thing left in my mind the next day. Not many actors can both make a viewer feel sympathy and want for her to never find out the truth of her father's murder. Needless to say, I knew there would be extreme tearing from her in the ending. The mother offers a solid supporting role from "Friday" actress Anna Maria Horsfield, as the hooker/mom. While the brother is just dead weight in what is a neglected role. Also, I liked RonReaco Lee as the lead character, Dre. While you can see he is intimidated with some of the dramatics, he still gives a delicate character moral's, which make you feel emotion for his conflict in the sad ending.

But the best element here is third-time director Timothy Wayne Folsome -- who takes a Film Noir film, and weaves in some inventive camera shots and semi-predictable, but effective plot twists. He is someone that could very well create a future masterpiece if given proper filming time, and a reasonable budget.

Overall, good movie. But just doesn't live up to what it could have with some plot changes, and a more polished script. Still, worth watching on a bored afternoon.

***/*****

Remember who gave you your first start it seems to me you forgot that because most people who use people connections. Just remember uninvited guest!!

You can never expect much from a low budget feature. I didn't expect much when I first saw this movie. But time and time again, I'm reminded not to judge a book by its cover.

The script wasn't amazing, but it'll still surprise you. The acting was great with the exception of a few characters. Anna Maria Horsford, a veteran actor, was probably the best actor in the entire movie. Close behind would be Bizzy Bone and Alexis Fields. Everyone fit into their roles perfectly. Then comes the star, RonReaco Lee. He is also a great actor, but I don't think his all of his talent was showcased in this movie. At some points in the movie, he seemed out of his element. Some scenes just didn't seem believable. But.. With the exception of those scenes, he's on the road to a fruitful acting career.

Overall, it's a heart-wrenching movie. You usually don't find your emotions coming out while watching other low-budget flicks, but you will here. If you're lucky enough to find it on DVD, it's worth the money. It blew me away in my first viewing, and it somehow continues to today.

This movie could have been good, but, it had a horrible plot! As you can read from the description, you know what happens, but seeing it is even more heart-wrenching! The way things went about progressing throughout the movie, just worsened the plot!

It was, however, refreshing seeing so many singers (2 of the guys from Next) and Bizzy Bone in well-scripted roles. Their roles fit them perfectly. As a matter of fact, everyone's roles fit them, the story just shouldn't have been how it was. If this movie ever goes to the theaters, they'll have to make alot of changes. But, from the viewing I attended, I'm pretty sure it will go straight to video or BET. No matter the case, I would recommend watching it, because it was funny, although in places it shouldn't have been funny. And it'll have you talking about it, whether good or bad!

Wow, this is a must see for anyone. For what it was, it was a VERY good movie to see. Brings twists and turns, no way you can get lost in the plot. It really moved me personally. All of the actors did a superb job playing their parts! Bravo!