Customer Reviews

Third World Cop [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this video because it had some of the same actors as "Dancehall Queen" and boy did I get my monies worth! I like that Paul Campbell, the bad guy in "Dancehall Queen", is the hero in "Third World Cop". I enjoyed the interplay of action, drama, and comedy. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed "Dancehall Queen" and does not mind some non-graphic violence.

This is a great movie, especially if you like "Dancehall Queen". Paul Campbell does a great job as Capone and Carl Bradshaw is excellent as usual as the crime boss. While the story is somewhat generic it is still well worth watching.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to succeed as a cop in a Third World country like Jamaica, writer/director Chris Browne has a simple answer for you -- be as ruthless as the criminals. But despite the charisma of lead actor Paul Campbell ("Dancehall Queen"), it's hard to root for a lawman with an itchier trigger finger than all the bad guys in the film combined. Consequently, his childhood friend, Ratty (Mark Danvers), a dancehall promoter by day/gunrunner by night comes across as the better man simply because he's that much less violent. Of course, it's possible that we're meant to see Ratty's importing and distribution of weaponry as the *means* by which gunfire continues to fill the air of Kingston Town as loudly and as insistently as dancehall. But never fear! Campbell's Capone, like De Niro before him, proceeds to "wipe the scum off the streets" until there's no scum left to wipe. And that may very well make him a successful cop...but at what cost? That will have to wait for another movie. Nonetheless, fans of Carribean culture will probably want to check out what has become the most successful Jamaican film of all time (despite camera work that often makes it looks like a home movie). Music by Sly and Robbie and featuring an appearance by veteran actor, Carl Bradshaw ("The Harder They Come") as Ratty's boss, The Don.

This movie was strongly recommended to me, but it unfortunately turned out to be a serious disappointment. Paul Campbell overacts in his role as a "shoot first, ask questions later" cop, working too hard to play the tough guy a la Steven Seagal of the 90's. Carl Bradshaw (who made his film debut as Jose in "The Harder They Come") doesn't do much better as crime boss One Hand.

The shootouts are laughable, the special effects are painfully bad, and the film looks as though it was shot entirely with a camcorder. This movie was Chris Browne's first attempt at writing and directing, and not surprisingly his last attempt at filmmaking. The only reason I can give this film two stars instead of one is because of the soundtrack, courtesy of artists like Sly & Robbie, Beenie Man and Red Dragon.

I do appreciate the fact that this was meant to be a gritty movie, and that the Director intentionally shot in Dungle. Beyond that, as a fan of urban film, I have no idea why this movie has such a following. My suggestion is to rent it before you buy it.

if you love dancehall this movie has a bit of a surprise for you. ninjaman, elephantman, nitty kutchie, boom dandemite, harry toddler, and cutty ranks all have roles in this movie; which is a cop versus gun dealer type flick. the dvd is full screen and shot in cheap video format, but it still shines despite these flaws. the soundtrack is very good despite containing no tracks from the aforementioned artists. i wonder if this is what ninjaman has been doing lately, because he does have quite a substantial role in this flick, and doesn't do bad at all at the acting thing....

A one-of-a-kind movie that must be added to your "Jamaican" collection. It is authentic, unique and superb in content and quality! I give extreme credits to all the outstanding Jamaican actors who, without a doubt, outdid themselves. I sincerely hope this movie gives each of them the credit they deserve and that this is the beginning of a prospective future. Above all, great respect to Paul Campbell and Carl Bradshaw for their outstanding performances.

Chris Browne's film had my attention right away. Not only is it a great story in the tradition of John Woo, Brothers on the opsite sides of the law but has the same grim ending of all great Woo Films. THe DanceHall Sound Track really keeps the film pumping. The use of video in this film really makes me believe that films can be shot on video and have the same impact as somthing shot on 35mm. This film is really worth your time. Chris Browne Rules as a director and I hope he gets another film here in the states

A Jamaican "Dirty Harry" is the quickest way to sum up this movie, and that is a complement.

Paul Campbell plays Capone, a tough cop who has just been transferred to Kingston to help get a handle on the crime scene there. His first assignment has him going back to his hometown on the trail of some stolen guns. As fate would have it he runs into his buddies from childhood including his best friend, Ratty. Unfortunately Ratty turns out to be the right hand man for the local crime boss.

The picture quality of this DVD is excellent as it was shot using digital cameras which makes the transition to DVD a perfect match. I wish it had been shot as a widescreen feature instead of full-frame, but I can certainly understand them not making that decision.

BTW, during the scene where Capone is using a laptop computer, be sure to notice the names of the folders on the desktop! - moviesforguys.com

Massive, this movie totally eclipsed "Harder They Come" one of Jamaica's finest. This action packed film highlights the struggle of a Jamaican cop who has to returned to his former stompping only to discover his brethren from his youth is on the wrong side of the law. A gripping tale of blood, guts, and a traditional yard style humour, seen.

The DVD was excellent and sound was but the box was alitle bit damaged but it didn't damage the DVD. Just a shame really as I bought that for someone for Christmas. Apart from that I am really happy with your service.