Hoodlum: Laurence Fishburne's Powerful Crime Drama

This review will explore the classic crime drama Hoodlum, starring Laurence Fishburne. Directed by Bill Duke, this film is an exciting and engaging look at the life of a gangster in 1930s Harlem. The story follows Bumpy Johnson (Fishburne) as he attempts to rise to power in a city rife with violence and lawlessness. Through its thrilling narrative, Hoodlum offers a timely exploration of morality and justice.

The cast of Hoodlum is filled with talent, featuring performances from Tim Roth, Vanessa Williams, Andy Garcia, Cicely Tyson, and more. Fishburne’s performance is particularly impressive, as he conveys the complexity of Bumpy’s character with ease. Overall, the acting is excellent, making Hoodlum an absorbing and dramatic film.

In addition to its outstanding cast, the production design of Hoodlum is superb. The filmmakers have gone to great lengths to recreate 1930s Harlem in all its gritty glory. The sets are detailed and authentic, while the cinematography captures the dark atmosphere of the setting perfectly.

Overall, Hoodlum is a gripping crime drama that is sure to keep viewers engaged. With its stellar cast and production design, this movie offers an exciting watch that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Read on for a closer look at what makes this film so unique.

Table of Contents

Hoodlum Review

Hoodlum tells the story of Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, the spiritual leader of Harlem’s criminal underworld during the prohibition era. Directed by John Singleton, it stars Laurence Fishburne as Bumpy and introduces Vanessa Williams as his wife.

Key Features:
1. Starring Laurence Fishburne and introducing Vanessa Williams
2. Directed by John Singleton
3. Set in Harlem’s criminal underworld during the prohibition era
4. An epic crime drama that follows the life of infamous gangster Bumpy Johnson
5. A gripping tale of crime, loyalty and redemption

Hoodlum is an epic crime drama that follows the life of infamous gangster Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson (Laurence Fishburne). Set in Harlem’s criminal underworld during the prohibition era, this movie takes you on a thrilling ride with Bumpy and his wife (Vanessa Williams) as they try to protect their turf from outside forces who threaten to take it away from them. Directed by John Singleton (Boyz N The Hood) and featuring an incredible cast of characters, Hoodlum is a gripping tale of crime, loyalty and redemption. If you’re looking for a hard-hitting drama about one of America’s most notorious criminals, then Hoodlum is for you!

Product Details

Title	Starring	Release Date
Hoodlum	Laurence Fishburne, Tim Roth, Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams, Andy Garcia	August 28, 1998
Director	Writer(s)	Genre
Bill Duke	George Gallo, Steven E. de Souza	Crime/Drama/Mystery/Thriller
Plot Summary
The film is set in 1930s Harlem and follows a power struggle between crime lord Bumpy Johnson and a gangster known as Dutch Schultz.
Runtime
115 minutes (1 hour 55 minutes)
Rating
R (for strong violence, language, some sexuality and drug content)

Hoodlum Pros and Cons

Hoodlum: A Professional and Funny Review

1. Pros: Hoodlum is a classic crime drama directed by Oscar winner Bill Duke and starring Laurence Fishburne, Tim Roth, and Vanessa Williams. The film offers an emotionally gripping story with amazing cinematography, solid acting performances, and thrilling action sequences.

2. Cons: Hoodlum has some slow-paced moments that can be off-putting for viewers expecting nonstop action. Additionally, the film’s historical accuracy leaves something to be desired.

3. On the whole, Hoodlum is an intense drama with a great cast of actors and a unique visual style. It’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout its running time! Despite its minor flaws, it’s a must-watch for any fan of crime dramas or Laurence Fishburne.

Who are They for

Hoodlum, starring Laurence Fishburne, is a thrilling crime drama that follows the epic story of the rise and fall of a Harlem mobster. The movie follows Bumpy Johnson (Fishburne) as he rises to power in New York City’s underworld, only to have his empire threatened by Dutch Schultz (Tim Roth).

The movie is filled with intense action and suspense as it explores the gritty world of organized crime and corruption. Fishburne turns in a remarkable performance as the powerful gangster, and his chemistry with Roth makes for some truly compelling scenes. There’s also great music from renowned composer Mark Isham featured throughout the film.

The cast of Hoodlum also includes Vanessa Williams, Jeffrey Wright, Andy Garcia, Cicely Tyson and Wesley Snipes. Director Bill Duke expertly captures the mood and atmosphere of 1930s Harlem while exploring themes of loyalty and betrayal. This is a classic gangster tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

My Experience for Hoodlum

I was always fascinated by crime movies and stories, so when I heard about the movie Hoodlum, I knew it was going to be something special. And it didn’t disappoint!

The movie, starring Laurence Fishburne, tells the story of Bumpy Johnson, a powerful gangster in 1930s Harlem. He’s played brilliantly by Fishburne, who captures Johnson’s strong will and determination to stay on top of the criminal underworld.

But Bumpy isn’t alone in his fight against rival gangs. His right-hand man Dutch Schultz (played by Tim Roth) is an equally formidable presence. Together they battle forces both inside and outside the law in this gripping tale.

The direction is excellent and there are some truly stunning scenes that capture the atmosphere of 1930s Harlem perfectly. The cinematography is also fantastic – you really get a feel for how dangerous life was in these areas at the time.

If you’re looking for a great crime drama with plenty of action and suspense, then Hoodlum is definitely worth checking out.

What I don’t Like

1. Plot is too complex and hard to follow.
2. Lack of character development.
3. Slow pace at times.
4. Poorly written dialogue.
5. Contrived plot twists.
6. Unsatisfying ending.
7. Overuse of violence and profanity.

How to Use Hoodlum to Enhance Your Movie-Watching Experience

Do you want to make your movie-watching experience more enjoyable? Look no further than Hoodlum, starring Laurence Fishburne, which is now available on Amazon! This riveting crime drama follows the story of Bumpy Johnson, a Harlem gangster in the 1930s. With its intense action sequences and strong performances from an all-star cast, Hoodlum is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.

To get the most out of your viewing experience, here are some tips for how to use Hoodlum to enhance your movie-watching experience:

Turn off any distractions – Put away any devices that might draw away your attention from the film. Focus on the story and be fully immersed in its world.

Watch with friends or family – Watching a movie with people you know can make it more enjoyable. Discussing characters and plot points can lead to lively conversations.

Take breaks during long movies – Taking breaks can help you stay focused and attentive throughout the entire film.

Make sure you have snacks – Snacks are essential for any good movie-watching session! Make sure you have plenty of popcorn and other treats ready before you start.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your experience watching Hoodlum will be even more engaging and memorable!

Questions about Hoodlum

What is Hoodlum?

Hoodlum is a 1997 American crime drama film directed by Bill Duke and starring Laurence Fishburne, Tim Roth, Vanessa Williams, and Cicely Tyson. The film depicts the criminal activities of a gangster in 1920s Harlem.

What genre is Hoodlum?

Hoodlum is a crime drama that follows the life of a gangster in 1920s Harlem.

Who stars in Hoodlum?

Hoodlum stars Laurence Fishburne, Tim Roth, Vanessa Williams, and Cicely Tyson.

Does Hoodlum have any awards?

Yes! Hoodlum was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture and won two awards at the 1998 Acapulco Black Film Festival: Best Actor (Laurence Fishburne) and Best Director (Bill Duke).

Ray Cooley

I'm a movie enthusiast with a passion for discovering the latest and greatest films. I love to watch movies with friends, discuss them online, and share my thoughts about them in reviews. The only thing I enjoy more than watching a great film is telling others why it's so special!