Hoodlum (1997)
Average Rating: 5.6/10
Reviews Counted: 20
Fresh: 9 | Rotten: 11
No consensus yet.
Average Rating: 7.2/10
Critic Reviews: 7
Fresh: 6 | Rotten: 1
No consensus yet.
liked it
Average Rating: 3.3/5
User Ratings: 9,696
Movie Info
The white-run Mafia and the black-run numbers game meet head on with explosive impact in this period crime thriller. Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson (Laurence Fishburne) is an African-American ex-con who, after a stay in prison, returns to Harlem at the height of its renaissance before World War II. Looking for work, Bumpy becomes a lieutenant for Stephanie St. Clair (Cicely Tyson), the queen of Harlem's numbers racket. Bumpy's old friend Illinois Gordon (Chi McBride) gently expresses his concern
Aug 27, 1997 Wide
May 15, 2001
905 Corporation
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Cast
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Laurence Fishburne
Ellsworth (Bumpy) Johns... -
Tim Roth
Dutch Schultz -
Vanessa L. Williams
Francine Hughes -
Andy Garcia
Lucky Luciano -
Cicely Tyson
(Queen) Stephanie St. C... -
Chi McBride
Illinois Gordon -
Clarence Williams III
Bub Hewlett -
Richard Bradford
Capt. Jerrod Foley -
William Atherton
Thomas Dewey -
Loretta Devine
Pigfoot Mary -
Queen Latifah
Sulie -
Paul Benjamin
Whispers -
Mike Starr
Albert Salke -
Beau Starr
Jules Salke -
Joe Guzaldo
Bo Weinberg -
Ed O'Ross
Lulu Rosenkrantz -
J.W. Smith
Calvin -
Eddie Bo Smith Jr.
Tee-Ninchy -
John Toles-Bey
Vallie
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Hoodlum Trailer & Photos
All Critics (36) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (9) | Rotten (11) | DVD (3)
The Sting-like ending with its crosses and double-crosses could have been better handled, but there are plenty of other payoffs.
Top CriticThis slow-going, talky film is in a constant struggle to hold the audience's interest.
It contains nothing of any lingering interest. On the other hand, Laurence Fishburne may be the only man on the planet who makes that mustache look good.
A collection of elements rather than a distinct story, the film takes what should have been a fresh perspective on the genre and paints by numbers.
Audience Reviews for Hoodlum
Super Reviewer
I really enjoyed Tim Roth in this flick. Every time he plays the villain he manages to put forth that right amount of ooze that makes you hate him but makes you love to watch him work as well.
Fishburne comes off cool and collected though all the movie even when pushed to the edge.
The twist plan at the end wasn't much of a plan but it got the job done. I would have liked to see Fishburne take the matter into his own hands but this will do just fine.
Recommended for any gangster flick fans.
Super Reviewer
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- Dutch Schultz: Sometimes you win, sometimes you fuckin' loose.
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Movie: ID: 14577 Title: Hoodlum Release Date: 1997-08-27 00:00:00.0 MPAA: 4 Status: 1
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