Nick Zak Reviews

Hangin' with the Homeboys (1991)

Vasquez's lost jewel

[10/10 · 8 September 2001]

I have to agree with Jason's review, Hangin' with the Homeboys is an excellent and extremely funny film.

It is very reminiscent of Spike Lee's early movies in that it has a very personal feel. I noticed that in the end credits Vasquez appears to send a 'shout out' to friends he grew up with who I assume he had lost contact with. I suspect that Vasquez based a number of the characters and incidents in this film on his neighbourhood pals.

The strength of the film is that despite the fact that Vasquez deals with some very important issues, he balances everything perfectly with great expertise. This is not just a comedy (although it is extremely funny), it is also a very intelligent and thought provoking film and it is clear that Vasquez would have had a bright future.

The acting is excellent and despite this being a loud and brash film at times, there are some very subtle moments that will result in you remembering moments from this film weeks later.

This film deserves to be seen and enjoyed by more people.

Mixed Blood (1984)

This is a funny movie.

[10/10 · 8 September 2001]

First up, Mixed Blood is no Citizen Kane (Personally, I think Citizen Kane is highly overrated, but you get my point). However, it is a very enjoyable, funny and entertaining. The acting on occasion is poor but in a strange way this adds to the sense of realism. Richard Ulacia is a dreadful actor but due to the fact that he is playing a retarded mummy's boy means that he is perfect for this role!

Marilia Pera is excellent as Rita La Punta (she starred in Central Station) and whilst she shows sincere motherly love for all her 'adopted' drug running boys, she still manages to exude a real air of menace for her rivals drug dealers.

There are some very funny scenes in this film. I suspect most of them were intentional, although some are not. However, be warned if you like Merchant and Ivory films you will not find any humour in this film! If you hate Merchant and Ivory films, you should have a rib tickling time.

On a more serious note, one of the plot lines involves NYC's finest helping the drug dealers eliminate their rivals. In the light of the Larry Davis case (where Larry, a teenager, was allegedly employed by South Bronx police officers to sell drugs) and the fact that, in retrospect, this film was shot in the same year, you really do get a sense of gritty realism.

The musical score is excellent and matches the style and look of the film perfectly. The fine use of latin classics from Hector Lavoe and Willie Colon will have you shimmying in your seat.

If you like Scarface and Carlito's Way, rent this film on a Saturday night (when there is nothing much on TV) and you will not be disappointed.

Subway Riders (1981)

Possibly the worst film ever?

[1/10 · 8 September 2001]

I have watched many movies and this has to be the worst film I have ever seen.

Please do not make the mistake of assuming that this will be entertaining B-movie stuff. Subway Rider's sole claim to fame is that it created a new category of film – Zzzzzzz-movies. Guaranteed to cure insomnia.

Most of the film is shot at night and it is almost impossible to work out what is going on (this film may have worked better on radio!). The cinematographer must have had his lighting rig stolen on the first day of shooting. (I personally suspect, that after reading the script, the cinematographer pawned the lighting equipment so that he could buy enough drink to get him through the 3 days of filming!)

It is no coincidence that 'Driller Killer' was filmed one year before Subway Rider was shot. If Abel Ferrara is not going to hell for wasting our time with Driller Killer, then he is surely going to be fanning hell's flames with his film stock, for inspiring Amos Poe to make Subway Rider.

`Hep cats' may check out this film because it stars underground saxophonist John Lurie. Trust me, they will get everything they deserve! In the film, John Lurie shoots people after luring them to deserted areas with his music playing. After hearing him play the saxophone it is clear that, given time, justice would have been served and a member of the public would have beaten him to the draw.

If you are still thinking of watching this movie please do not ignore the fact that it stars Robbie Coltrane. Subway Rider was Robbie's third film and, despite starring in 'The Pope Must Die', his career never recovered from its downward trajectory.