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Hoodlum (1997)

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All Critics
Top Critics

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.

audience

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Average Rating: 3.3/5
User Ratings: 9,424

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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, 2 hr. 10 min.

Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

Directed By: Bill Duke

Written By: Chris Brancato

In Theaters: Aug 27, 1997 Wide

On DVD: May 15, 2001

905 Corporation

Hoodlum Trailer & Photos

Cast

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

Critic Reviews for Hoodlum

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 Comment

USA Today

Top 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

| Comment

Michael Dequina

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 Comment

Rob Vaux

Flipside Movie Emporium

More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Hoodlum

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

October 1, 2009

Anthony Lawrie

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

March 19, 2009