Straight Out of Brooklyn (1991)

User Rating:

5.7/10   

Director:

Matty Rich

Writer:

Matty Rich (written by)

Release Date:

June 1991 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Plot Keywords:

Drug Dealing | Tragedy | Gas Station Attendant | Domestic Violence | Poverty

Awards:

3 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

George T. Odom	...	Ray Brown
Ann D. Sanders	...	Frankie Brown
Larry Gilliard Jr.	...	Dennis Brown
Barbara Sanon	...	Carolyn Brown
Reana E. Drummond	...	Shirley
Matty Rich	...	Larry
Mark Malone	...	Kevin
Ali A. Wahhab	...	Luther (as Ali Shahid Abdul Wahhab)
Joseph A. Thomas	...	Saledene
James McFadden	...	James
Dorise Black	...	Ms. Walker
Robert N. Nash	...	Skeet
Fran Sperling	...	Sarah
Billy R.	...	Gas Station Customer
Joseph Pillonia	...	Gas Station Manager

Runtime:

Spain:79 min | USA:91 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

UK:15 | USA:R | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

American Playhouse

Trivia:

The credits list a soundtrack album on Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. Records, but it was never released.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: Principal character's parents' argument clearly indicates that the film was "flipped" to achieve proper eye-line match. Unfortunately, a large wound on the mother's face (from earlier abuse) changes from one side of her face to the other.

Quotes:

Ray Brown: If I find out you've been doing anything in the street, I am going to kick your ass.

Soundtrack:

Get Into It

Earnest, flawed, but respectable debut effort

This film has many flaws, but many strengths as well. Many luminaries in the film industry have openly criticized this film. I feel much of this is unjustified, because a lot was done on a miniscule budget here. There is also a great performance in George T. Odom's portrayal of the fed up father who has been beaten down by racism. Anyone who has grown up in a low income household can relate to that situation. The ending is sad and real. Also especially noteworthy is Harold Wheeler's excellent and despondent musical score.