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In Too Deep (1999) WARNING - SPOILERS BELOW.
The Digest The movie starts off with Officer Jeff Coles (Omar Epps) lecturing to a group of rookies about what it's like undercover. Through flash backs we learn what his life had been like while he was undercover as "Jay Reid". Jay Reid was trying to infiltrate the biggest "Drug Empire" in the state. This drug empire is run by "God", (L.L. Cool J) a ruthless, vicious, and foul mouth gangster. "God" rules with a iron fist, but he takes care of "his people" he feeds, employs and supports them. He'll pay their bills and rent as long as they let him use their apartment as an "office". You cross him and the punishment will be swift and fierce. No one has ever been able to infiltrate his empire until Jeff/Jay came along. The Dish Let me start off by saying that this is not my type of movie. I enjoyed these kinds of flicks when I was 19 (all of 6 months ago *grin*) But we must support OUR films. I also happen to like Omar Epps and L.L. owed me a theatrical apology for his participation in Deep Blue Sea, so I went to see it. The movie has plot holes (what movie doesn't?) and draaaags at certain points. But it was very interesting watching Jeff as he is completely consumed by Jay that at some point he losses Jeff altogether. He goes from a respectful young cop to a foul-mouth, misogynistic, violent thug. I had a few issues with this movie. For one, it didn't know which way it wanted to go. 1 minute they are showing "God" cutting out a tongue, the next minute he is feeding the entire neighborhood for Thanksgiving. They were trying to show that "God" could be human too. In doing so, they didn't allow the movie to flow. Nia Long didn't need to be in the movie. Period. She is the obligatory girl next door/back home that keeps Jeff sane, but they never allowed her character to develop so it's almost as if she was spliced in as an after thought. Pam Grier didn't need to be in there either. It's almost as if the writer or director owed her a favor so they made her character at the last minute. Of course almost every other word is the "n" word - which you already know, bothers me to no end. I surprised myself by liking this movie. It is not going to win any Oscars, but it's good. Not great mind you, but good. I was relieved that I didn't figure out what was going to happen to the characters. These gangster movies are usually so predictable. If nothing else, this movie gives you a lot of food for thought. The Directive This is not a "must see" but it's not an "avoid like the plague" either. DIVA RANT: This is a Rated R movie. LEAVE THE KIDS AT HOME. I'm more than upset with the fact that there were children at this movie. This is just plain irresponsible. Folks, this needs to stop. I have been to predominately "white" movies that are rated "R" and there is not a child in sight. Do we care so little for our children that we wish to expose them to this stuff? Come on! There is no reason for a 4 year old child (and there were several of them) to be seeing an act of sodomy, hearing women referred to as bitches and hoes, men being called punks and "N", gun violence, sex... It's rated "R" for a reason. Y'all need to learn how to get baby-sitters and guess what? If you can't find a baby-sitter, stay home! Use better judgment. Love your children by letting them be children.
ANOTHER DIVA RANT: I'll be the first to admit things have gotten a little better for blacks in Hollywood, from my stand point anyway. I'm seeing more and more people on the big screen who look like me. BUT BUT BUT (there is always a BUT) I'm so tired of seeing black men being pigeon-holed into roles where they are either the cop or the criminal. Of course there are notable exceptions. But it seems to me that the majority of “black” films are about drug dealers and booty calls. It's hard because I want to support our films, but I'm tired of seeing trash. I want another "Eve's Bayou".Why are we still making "New Jack City" 10 years later? Use the feedback form below to send your comments to The Diva
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More 3 Black Chicks...™ review(s) for this week: (movies released on 8/27/99): |
The Diva's reviews:
"The 13th Warrior" | "In Deep" | "Dudley Do Right"
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