Life Is Hot in Cracktown

2009

Life Is Hot in Cracktown

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

50%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 6

54%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 2,144

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Life Is Hot in Cracktown Photos

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Movie Info

Based on writer/director Buddy Giovinazzo's novel of the same name, Life Is Hot in Cracktown explores how crack cocaine infiltrated the streets of urban America by following the journeys of four people whose lives are on a tragic collision course. Pre-op transsexual Marybeth (Kerry Washington) is working as a prostitute in order to save enough money to make her transformation complete. She lives with her lover, Benny, a small-time burglar, whom she hopes to marry after her final operation. Meanwhile, Manny (Victor Rasuk) is busy pulling double shifts while his wife, Concetta (Shannyn Sossamon), cares for their sickly infant son in their run-down apartment. By night Manny works at a 24-hour bodega frequented by junkies, drug dealers, and prostitutes, and by day keeps the peace as a security guard at a welfare hotel. One of the residents at that hotel is Willy, a ten-year-old boy who lives with his mother (Illeana Douglas) and her abusive boyfriend. Willy begs for money on the street so he and Susie can get some fast food. But it's dangerous out there, because volatile gangster Romeo (Evan Ross) is still searching the streets for his brother's killer, and he won't hesitate to terrorize anyone unfortunate enough to cross his warpath. Lara Flynn Boyle, Brandon Routh, Desmond Harrington, and RZA co-star.
  • Rating:
    R (for strong violence, rape, drug content throughout, graphic sexuality, nudity and pervasive language)
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Directed By:
    Buddy Giovinazzo
  • Written By:
    Buddy Giovinazzo
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Lightning Media

Cast

Kerry Washington
as Marybeth
Victor Rasuk
as Manny
Evan Ross
as Romeo
Brandon Routh
as Sizemore
Shannyn Sossamon
as Concetta
Vondie Curtis-Hall
as Dixon
Illeana Douglas
as Mommy
Desmond Harrington
as Benny
Lara Flynn Boyle
as Betty McBain
RZA
as Sammy
Thomas Ian Nicholas
as Chad Wesley
Carly Pope
as Stacy
Stephanie Lugo
as Debbie
Maurice Blake
as Brazil
Omar Regan
as Cremont
Tony Plana
as Lou
Melissa Wilfley
as Fay
Ten Travis
as Ceasar
Amber Elena Franklin
as Melody
Marci Canipe
as Melody's Mom
Ridge Canipe
as Willy
Ariel Winter
as Suzie
Edoardo Ballerini
as Chas
Richard Portnow
as Guy From 4K
Shawn McGill
as Tiny Pinta
Zooka Jonathan Silva
as Kenny Carter
Mark Webber
as Ridley
Jeremy West
as Mr. Rutherford
Hope Olaide Wilson
as Girl in Closet
Sara Pickett
as Joy
Jeffrey Lorenzo
as Soby
Quddus
as Terrance
Paul Mabon
as Marybeth's Father
Katija Pevec
as Becky
Bryan Becker
as Pepperton
Luke LaFontaine
as The Beret
Joseph Rye
as Dr. Clark
James Saxenmeyer
as Robber
Carmine Giovinazzo
as Junkie
Adriano Aragon
as Cop #1
Jamie Rae
as Pregnant Woman at Party
Pierson Blaetz
as Customer
View All

Critic Reviews for Life Is Hot in Cracktown

All Critics (6) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (3) | Rotten (3)

  • While Giovinazzo's crude approach undercuts his occasional stab at gravitas, Cracktown's cast keeps things in the ballpark of relatable humanity.

    July 1, 2009 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Glenn Whipp

    Los Angeles Times
    Top Critic

  • There are no positive characters in Cracktown. No voice of reason; just the reality of dire circumstances, which cannot be tied up in a pretty Hollywood bow.

    July 2, 2009 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…

    Clay Cane

    BET.com

  • One part Crash and one part Menace II Society.

    June 26, 2009 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Tim Cogshell

    Boxoffice Magazine

  • Aside from tremendous performances given by Washington and Rasuk, the bleakness in 'Cracktown' doesn't offer a solution that leaves a positive outlook on life.

    June 26, 2009 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…

    Wilson Morales

    BlackFilm.com

  • About as credible as a middle school production of Death of a Salesman. The unspectacular storylines plod along, dragged down by lackluster performances and sloppy direction.

    June 25, 2009 | Rating: 1.5/5 | Full Review…

    Geoff Berkshire

    Metromix.com

  • Life goes far past the boiling point for most of the characters in this hilariously overwrought ghetto soap opera from cult writer-director Buddy Giovinazzo.

    June 25, 2009 | Full Review…

    Scott Foundas

    L.A. Weekly
View All Critic Reviews (6)

Audience Reviews for Life Is Hot in Cracktown

  • Aug 29, 2011
    This is garbage. There's no reason to follow the lives of a single character involved, they're all one-dimensional losers. The writer doesn't convey anything more than an outsider's glimpse into the subject matter. This movie relies on nothing more than shock value, and it's about as subtle as a sledgehammer. All that's on display is a bunch of idiots abusing themselves, children, women, and the elderly. This is void of any artistic value, avoid.
    Jason C Super Reviewer
  • Jan 11, 2010
    If theres an area like Cracktown, I hope to never see it.
    Brody M Super Reviewer
  • Sep 05, 2009
    Buddy G is back, and he's as downbeat as ever. The opening scene tells you, right off the bat, that this is gonna be ugly, and it doesn't disappoint. People looking for some kind of positive, hopeful message best steer clear. There's no hope to be found in this one. Don't let the "beautiful" cast throw you off. This movie is about as gritty as urban dramas can get.
    Shane D Super Reviewer
  • Aug 29, 2009
    The great Buddy Giovinazzo returns after a painfully long hiatus with this fantastically titled masterpiece. It's as if Abel Ferrara and Robert Altman joined forces, only with that nihilistic Buddy touch. Each separate story is compelling with great performances all around (I especially like that Desmond Harrington kid. Great actor). The audience really cares about most of the characters, and knowing Buddy is writing their stories, truly fears for their safety. Highly recommended for those who love gritty, depressing and downbeat stories.
    Christopher B Super Reviewer
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