Dead Presidents (1995)

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1. 

   Siskoid

   I've yet to see a Hughes Brothers film I can get entirely behind, though Dead Presidents often comes close. Its selling point (according to the poster, title, synopsis, etc.), a daring heist/robbery, doesn't even make up a quarter of the film, so based on that, we may get a little impatient as the directors start the story way early and end it a bit too late. Turns out, this is something of a 70s-style crime picture, as loose as any Scorsese or Coppola in that decade, but it feels more like a Spike Lee joint. It might not have worked if I didn't like the character of Anthony so much and wanted to stay in his world, whether that's his youth in the Bronx, his tours in Vietnam, or his unhappy return to the States. Ironically, it's around the time of the robbery that I start to lose interest. The film's structure is a little off, but I still respect how it mirrors a certain black experience, transitioning from the promise of the Civil Rights Movement through the catalyst of Vietnam, and to the desperate early 70s of the Black Panthers, and no fair shakes available for minorities, veterans, and so on. 2 years 8 months ago
2. 

   Toljus

   I thought this was very good, and it was interesting seeing a few lesser-known folks turn up in supporting roles. Good pacing, characters and soundtrack, although anyone expecting a heist movie would have been disappointed - it really only comes together in the final act, and it's over pretty quickly. That said, this is a 90s gem with standout performances from the main cast. 1 year 1 month ago
3. 

   traistboar

   In addition to being a fine film itself, the soundtrack is great. 2 years 2 months ago

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