Customer Reviews

Hurricane Streets [VHS]

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

OK class, let's review: successful screenplays usually have at least three things in common - a beginning, middle and end. Within this basic framework, we are supposed to be introduced to the main character, observe his or her conflict and, hopefully, learn how he or she resolves it. Unfortunately, Hurricane Streets starts out at the end, has too many characters and fails to resolve much of anything.

Written and directed by newcomer Morgan J. Freeman (not the famous actor), this film traces the descent of an inner-city youth gang into increasingly serious crime. We first meet this group of 5 disenfranchised adolescent boys in their headquarters -- a glorified sewer hole -- where they regularly reconnoiter to inventory their stolen merchandise and plan their next petty heist. Up till now, the group's leader, a boy named Marcus (Brendan Sexton III), has been wisely steering them away from high profile crime. Then one of the boys suggests they go after some real money. This perfectly acceptable plot could have been the basis for a decent, if not cliché story.

The problem is, there is no real story. Instead, the film loiters too much around its central character, Marcus. We eavesdrop on Marcus' relationship with his parentally-abused girl friend, monitor his visits with his incarcerated mother and wonder why this angry, fatherless kid hasn't completely gone off on someone. Meanwhile, the gang keeps on swearing and posturing its way through a number of theft and sewer-hole sequences until an unexpected tragedy occurs. This "stagy" event is strictly deus ex machina (theater talk for introducing an obvious, last-minute plot device), but it does have a devastating effect on the gang. Unfortunately, by this point we are basically to numb to care.

Director Freeman does know kids however, and has a good ear for dialogue. And, despite a somewhat unstructured, unresolved story, manages to elicit some poignant moments from his young actors whose performances, overall, are quite good. If nothing else, we see how painfully vulnerable these kids are -- despite their bluff facades. Given a more disciplined screenplay, we might even have cared.

This is the best movie ever. It shows how teens think and speak. I think it is very realistic. And of course the cast fit in perfectly. I LOVE Carlo Alban!

this movie was astonishing, and defently one of the best i'd ever seen. I never expected the ending to happen the way it did. this movie is a must see.

This movie is the best. It portrays real life street occurances and does not sugar coat the trajedy in everyday life. It also shows how all people have a sweet and caring side to them and how the "bad boys" are not all that bad on the inside. You must see this movie!!!!!!!!! My only regret is that I can't find it to buy anywhere.

I love this movie. I really, really do. I'm not very easy to please with films and almost always find something wrong with them. For some reason I saw it at blockbuster and decided to rent it, now it's all I talk about.

The first time I sat down to watch this movie I had no idea what I was about to see. I don't think I moved or said a word until the movie was over. This has to be one of the most powerful movie I have ever seen. I take my hat off to the writter and director Morgan J. Freeman for an outstanding film.

I saw this movie three times, and every time I see it, it amazes me. Brendan Sexton was amazing, and this movie portrays teenage life to the fullest. Anyone who likes real movies should see this chilling tale of innercity life.

After watching this film I was shaken with an excitement I rarely feel after watching a film of the '90's. Morgan J. Freeman is a brilliant screenwighter and director. I look foreward to seeing his brilliance make him one of the most respected filmakers of the next millenium.

This was a good film...one of my favorite with Brendan Sexton III. He is so fine, he needs more play...He can play a good teenage theif!

This has to be my favorite movie of all time. I have never seen a film so truer to life. It portrays exactly what a 15-year-old's life is like. I should know because i am 15. I recommend it very very much.