18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Definitely worth seeing, February 19, 2004
Blue Hill Avenue is the story of 4 friends growing up in Roxbury (Boston). They start with peddling marijuana in high school, and end up as hard core crack dealers. Tristan (played by Allen Payne) is the star of the movie and the leader of the gang.
Throughout the movie, Tristan's family confronts him his dealing. During a particularly painful family incident, Tristan's father approaches Tristan and asks how could he end up a dealer when he came from such a good famliy. Tristan is at a loss for an explanation, and responds to his dad, "Because I'm good at it".
The film includes lots of action, perhaps a bit more violence than was really necessary for the story line. Blue Hill Avenue dares to show how a young man from a decent upbringing can get caught up in the wrong crowd, and how it impacts an otherwise decent family. Towards the end of the movie, Tristan acknowledges that his friends will be the end of him.
Blue Hill Avenue was actually filmed in Canada, in Saint John, New Brunswick. I live in Boston and was impressed how much the location passed for Boston, a good choice on the producer's part.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must See Kind of Movie!, March 20, 2004
This was a great movie (writing/directing/producing). Allen Payne is a wonderful actor and he really gave a stellar performance in Bluehill Avenue. The real treat though was the awesome performances of the supporting cast of up and coming unknowns (Characters of E-Bone, Money and Simon). I have already seen the actors who played Money and Simon appear in other movies. Clarence Williams III always adds distinct flavor to any role he plays. Those of you who are 1970s movie buffs will recognize the character who plays Uncle Rob from one of the Blacula flicks from back in the day. Even though I am not elaborating on the rest of the supporting cast, they are all great (even the teens).
The movie was not predictable, which I appreciated. It did however remind me just a bit of "Jason's Lyric" and "New Jack City". Ingredients that made up the story consist of friendship, loyalty, love, betrayal, trust, self analysis, greed and power. The soundtrack was also enjoyable. The characters were very believable and definitely unforgetable. If you enjoy it or just want to know more...check out the website for more info on cast and behind the scenes at bluehillavenue.com.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie!!!!!, October 7, 2004
The best "urban" drama I've seen since "New Jack City"
I bought it about 6 months ago and I've watched it at least 6 times since. Love it! It's a very violent movie but a story such as this one can't be sugar coated. This happens everyday somewhere in America.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No