Seller:Amazon Video On Demand Rating:38 reviews Sales Rank:23,321
Genre:Action Rating:R (Restricted) Media:Video On Demand Running Time:131 Minutes
Theatrical Release Date:August 27, 1997 Release Date:June 9, 2009 Availability:Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Synopsis:
Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson (Laurence Fishburne) is a Black ex-con who returns to Harlem at the height of its renaissance before World War II. Just out of prison and with no marketable skills, he begins working for Stephanie St. Clair (Cicely Tyson), the queen of Harlem's numbers racket. Bumpy's old friend Illinois Gordon (Chi McBride) is concerned about Bumpy's job, and social worker Francine Hughes (Vanessa L. Williams) suggests he should be doing something more positive with his life. However, Bumpy stays with the numbers game because he claims it's the only profitable business that Blacks control themselves. And profitable it is...enough to get the attention of mob boss "Lucky" Luciano (Andy Garcia), who wants a piece of the action. He assigns his right-hand man "Dutch" Schultz (Tim Roth) to make a deal with Stephanie, but Dutch is far better at murder and mayhem than negotiation.
The Unknown GangsterDecember 17, 1999 9 out of 10 found this review helpful
Hoodlum is based upon the true story of Harlem's most unsung hero. Ellesworth "Bumpy" Johnson was an icon in the Harlems number racket and was a man who helped keep the Italian mobsters from taking over Harlem's underworld sooner than they did. He kept peace between rival Italian gangsters and was well respected by most of them. This man actually lived and Hoodlum portrays an accurate interpretation of his life. I rank it on the same level as the Godfather. It was a well acted and suspensefull movie. It is a must see true story based upon people who actually lived. All gangster film lovers must see this. All people who are interested in the history of Harlem's criminal underworld that kept the people from starving during the Depression must see this movie.
Another Great Fishburne Performance!April 7, 2003 Sal Paradise(Washington, DC) 8 out of 9 found this review helpful
Among other criticisms of this film was that it was a below average gangster flick, well I didn't see it that way. There was a lot of focus on the characters especially Fishburne's character Bumpy Johnson. Of course the movie highlights his rise in Harlem as opposed to Tim Roth's character (can't spell his name). The dialog was well written, I think that people were not ready for a gangster flick set during the era of Lucky Luciano and the Dutchman, involving a significant number of black characters. Yes I think African Americans were doing something during that time period besides wait for Dr.King to have his "dream". Fishburne played a strong character who took his destiny in his own hands and I think that's really what makes this film highly enjoyable to see.
"Get ready for your final thrill"August 4, 2008 Nuisance(Miami) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This movie might not have won any awards or gotten praise by these high brow snobs but its still an excellent piece of work directed by Bill Duke(who stared in Commando, Predator, Exit Wounds, National Security and Busta Rhymes' Dangerous video) with excellent performances from an all-star cast.
Set in the Depression Era of 1930s Harlem, The only way people could make money was through the "Numbers racket which is ran by Stephanie St. Clair(Cicely Tyson) also known as " The Queen". An arrogant and brash gangster called Dutch Schultz wants to take control of the numbers game and ends up bumping heads with Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson(Laurence Fishburne) who is just released from jail. These two get into a series of wars and everything starts to get out of control. Laurence Fishburne as well as Tim Roth were great in this film. Andy Garcia played it mellow as Lucky Luciano but he was better here than he was in 8 Million Ways To Die. There are also some solid performances here by Cicely Tyson, Chi Mcbride(Illinois) and Vanessa Williams(Bumpy's love interest). As far as complaints I have none. Hoodlum is well written and well acted. It pays homage to gangsters but doesnt glorify them. I tip my hat of to Bill Duke for this one. Two thumbs up as high up as they can go.
HoodlumJanuary 1, 2010 Arnita D. Brown(USA) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Tells the story of how Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson helped Madame Stephanie St. Clair keep Dutch Schultz from taking over her Harlem numbers racket. A classic gangsta movie with a good storyline all the way to the finish. I liked the modern-like prohibition type theme to this movie. A different twist to the Al Capone era. Interesting throughout the movie.
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Great gangster movie, one of the bestJanuary 9, 2010 Matt(MS) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Anything that has to do with conspiracies, law breaking, and economics, I'm all for it. lol Great movie. Larry Fishburne is one of the greatest actors ever.
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