Ghetto Dawg 2

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.

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.

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.

"Ghetto Dawg 2" is surprisingly just as good as the first one. I can't believe it. This time, Dante (Daniel Outlaw) has to fight for his life when his pitbulls lose in an illegal fight. A hit-man with a cold heart of gold, if that makes any sense, named Jojo (Campbell) helps him, and it turns ugly for all involved.

Paris Campbell as Jojo is fantastic, and reason alone to see this. Outlaw also puts in a decent performance. The writing and directing are top-notch for a DTV effort. Lionsgate has been known to put out urban garbage (State Property 1 & 2, Gang Tapes) so this was a surprise. The dogfights are brutal and so are the killings by Jojo, and it was cool to see this intact and not cut up like a rap music video. Don't roll your eyes at this one. It's actually worth seeing.

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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.