Majorthebys Charming and brutal
FirstWitch A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.
Mabel Munoz Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?
Leoni Haney Yes, absolutely, there is fun to be had, as well as many, many things to go boom, all amid an atmospheric urban jungle.
Chrysanthepop 'Empire' is a film that had a lot of potential but due to the bad writing, several plot holes and weak direction, the film fails. I mean, is Victor Rosa really that stupid to not put anything on paper when making a business agreement with a stranger, which involves so much money? Was Jack really stupid enough to give his mother's telephone number to Victor and to continue using the same name? The ending (well, most of the film actually) is downright predictable.John Leguizamo tries his best to bring out the main character but it suffers due to the bad writing. His voice-over starts well but as the film proceeds towards the end, the monologues/dialogues get worse. The actor is no doubt talented and one couldn't have done more with such a role. Yet, his acting shines in several scenes. Newcomer Cotto does well even though she merely plays the 'typical' girlfriend who's against his 'job'. Sarsgaard and Rosselini (miscast) are wasted and Richards adds some comic relief. The characters of the Caucasians were very much caricatures.On the whole, it still wasn't a completely terrible flick. Just one that could have been way better. For me, it was John Leguizamo's acting that made it worth the watch.
pacieterra-1 If one knows the excellent performance history, (film, Broadway, and television), of John Leguizamo, then his producing credit will prepare one for a very tight, well-scripted and directed, small film. Several of the actors are known for other roles, but the real standout is newcomer, Delilah Cotto. Sonia Braga, a fine South American actress, is given little to do, and Denise Richards needs to develop more intensity. (Her final scene is, unintentionally, hilarious.) The settings and scenery are realistic and nicely photographed, adding gravitas to Leguizamo's picaresque search for transformation. This is a good, solid story that should have had more publicity and distribution.
Optimo Although I am a fan of the leading cast, I may not have seen it if not for the fact that I grew up with Carlos Leon-the now famous, or rather, infamous "donor" of Madonna's (and his) first child, who plays Hector, and as a rival drug dealer gets it between the eyes.It's hard to suspend your disbelief when you know the guy, but even so, it worked for me-and for that reason. As a former city slicker, graffiti artist, general street punk, and now screenplay writer wannabe, I understand why critics and here alike, took a stab it the flick. It was obviously low budget-but that isn't a bad thing, and it was well executed for the budget. Reyes gets my full respect for writing it-and for a new kid on the block, hit the street running. Sure, it's been done in one way or another, but most things have. The key to a film like this is that it's always new to some degree because every thug that strives to get out of the ghetto is still a different person, even if he goes about it in a way that isn't entirely unique. I went to Music and Art High School in Harlem, and being half Cuban and half white put me at odds with some ballbusters there. I know what a subway smells like in the heat of the summer as the stench of urine makes it's way up my nose, and what a loaded gun feels like to my face. I've puffed blunts before the was commercially known. This is why I give The Writer/Director 2 thumbs up. Because I also Grew up on the upper west side with my father in a doorman building, lurking in the streets uptown was my choice for thrill seeking. I can see why some mainstream white audience took potshots at this film, but they don't REALLY know the score. As someone who has some REAL stories to get out there myself, I hope to follow along the REAL VIBE. Sure, I know that I've got to be original and throw a few twists, but films like this will always have stereotypes because they do exist. It's cliché' cause it's true. My films will have a couple of strong stereotypes ... of course, and that's OK, it's about the struggle of the character, and the process of bringing it out in a way that does NOT require suspended disbelief. Keep it real.
cedrickroberts The reviews for this movie were not great, but I saw this movie and liked it. That is the problem with some professional movie critics. For them a movie is not a rewarding experience unless it is a truly original idea that is artsy and different. For me, and many of my friends, I want to eat popcorn and be entertained. I tend to ask myself key questions; was the plot interesting?, did I fall asleep during the movie?, what did I think of the acting and the actors?. how did the movie look(locations, how was it shot/filmed)?. If the answer to these questions is atleast marginally favorable, chances are I liked the movie. It's only when I begin to compare the movie to its' brethren or other movies of the same ilk that my opinion deviates from average to above average. No film that I reluctantly it I marginally enjoyed would receive a below average rating. This is not the greatest film of all time, and its' filled with cliches and predictable plot twists, however it I did enjoy it; and the beautiful Ms. Delilah Cotto.
