Dead Presidents 7/10

[Gangsternumber1]

This is another feature from the hughes brothers about life on the streets only this times in the 70s both directors get to show of that they can also produce some good war scenes which take place half way through the movie although i didnt think it was as good as Menace 2 society (8/10) i found it very entertaining.

On the streets,Cash is called "dead presidents".And thats what down on his luck Vietnam Veteran Anthony Curtis is desperate for when he returns home from the war he finds himself drawn into a life of crime.Enlisting the aid of his friends, Anthony plans the ultimate heist a daring daylight robbery of an armoured car filled with unmarked bills.If successful,he`ll never have to worry about money again.


This movie features a heist yes but the whole movie isnt about the heist its not until the last 30 minutes where the heist comes into play so dont be expecting a full on heist movie this movie is about many things war, drugs, crime, love and loss the movie also features Chris Tucker in an early role which is also funny but he also features a chilling end.

Check this movie out if you are looking for a Drama dont be expecting a full out action film cause its not like that it may have some action scenes but its not an action film also dont be expecting another Menace ii society cause it aint that either but it is an entertaining movie.

[BloodiedCelticVengeance]

This flick really clicked with me. The Hughes Bros. did an excellent job recreating the era. It's a great character study...Anthony, Kirby, Skippy, Cutty. These roles were all splendidly played.
The heist is actually the climax here.The bulk of the movie concentrates on developing Anthony and his various surroundings, triumphs, disappointments, and his final act of desperation.This is a natural, if not cliched, progression...and I thought the Hughes' carried it off pretty well.
Anthony starts off idealistically enough, though his work for Kirby is shady. An enthusiastic Marine, he is hardened and subsequently jaded by the horrors of the war. His relationship with Juanita is compromised, and he shuts down emotionally while in 'Nam, even ignoring the fact that Juanita gave birth to his daughter. As he tells Skippy "The only way I can stay alive here is to forget about home".
Anthony returns home to rather bleak prospects, and no one seems to care that he is a veteran, genuinely indicative of the general apathy swirling around the USA circa early 70's.
This all culminates in the planning and eventual botching of the heist. The scene around the card table, as they are planning the heist, is genius. I especially like how the Hughes Bros. had everyone emerge from shadows as their agenda was put forth. It leant an air of uncertainty and impending doom to the whole affair. Kirby(the EXCELLENT Keith David) gives one of the best lines in this scene. The crew is debating whether or not to bring in another person, and Delilah (Juanita's radical, Black Panther sister) suggests that they bring someone from her organization. Kirby's response: "Nah, I don't want any of them revolutionary niggers"...the Hughes' took a stance here. They recognized those militant factions, and paid respect to their cause, but did not go out of their way to praise or glorify them. I think the one aspect of this flick that most impressed me was the Hughes' refusal to portray any of these people as helpless. They may be construed as victims(depending on your socio-political stance), but, never in the pitiful sense. This is a study in choices, and how a good man can easily be coerced into betraying all that he thought was righteous.
Cleon is the perfect example. A preacher's son who freaks out in 'Nam, and comes home to tend to his flock...yet participating in the heist. Choices...choices...choices.
Larenz Tate was perfect as Anthony, giving a classic, smoldering, understated slow burn to Anthony's increasing apathy and ennui.
Keith David, though, was phenomanal. Kirby is one of my favorite all-time characters. This was a meaty role, and David was outstanding. Kirby was a no nonsense, no bullshit hustler. He knew he was doomed, but he kept on plugging, eternally looking to "get over".Fucking brilliant, funny, poignant, uncompromising character...masterfully bought to life by David. Kick ass.
Chris Tucker was good as well. A bit to over the top in his ghetto shit for my taste, but, the Hughes knew those characters better than I do, so, who gives a fuck. But Tucker was the tragic-comic here. His story was the most destructive.Solid.
The only character who sucked was Joe. That little fuckin' PR was a dumb ass.
All in all, a very fine flick, one which makes my top 15 of the 90's. Great performances, excellent directing, fine writing, great plot.

A solid 8/10.