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Hoodlum (1997)

tomatometer

86

Average Rating: 7.2/10
Critic Reviews: 7
Fresh: 6 | Rotten: 1

No consensus yet.

audience

61

liked it
Average Rating: 3.3/5
User Ratings: 9,696

My Rating

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

R,

Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

Chris Brancato

May 15, 2001

905 Corporation

Watch It Now

Cast

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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.

January 1, 2000
USA Today
Top Critic IconTop Critic

This slow-going, talky film is in a constant struggle to hold the audience's interest.

February 14, 2009 Full Review Source: TheMovieReport.com
TheMovieReport.com

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.

November 1, 2002
Flipside Movie Emporium

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.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Film Journal International
Film Journal International

Audience Reviews for Hoodlum

Not bad, a great cast but Roth steals the show with some great lines. He's like Elmer Fudd turned bad!
October 1, 2009
SirPant

Super Reviewer

A really good gangster flick with a top notch cast. Each and every one of them pulled it off. The flick came off a little predictable but entertaining none the less.
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.
March 19, 2009
superclerk25

Super Reviewer

    1. Dutch Schultz: Sometimes you win, sometimes you fuckin' loose.
    – Submitted by Keith N (2 years ago)

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