Ghetto Dawg 2

When I went to the video store and my boyfriend picked up this movie, I rolled my eyes and said another low budget movie, why waste my time and money. But when I watched the movie i was shocked and even amazed to find that it is actually a good movie, the cover or the name of the movie does it no justice as a matter of fact it makes it sound and look lame. The only thing that I wouldn't change about the movie is the ending, it kind of leaves you hanging, yeah we find out what happens to the main character, but what about his girlfriend, did big daddy ever find out about her and if he did, did he ever go after her. It just leave you asking questions.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!