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Movies / On DVD / Life is Hot in Cracktown
Life is Hot in Cracktown

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Life is Hot in Cracktown (2009)

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Reviews Counted:6

Fresh:3

Rotten:3

Average Rating:5.1/10

Runtime: 3 hrs 24 mins

Genre: Action/Adventure

Synopsis: Based on Buddy Giovinazzo’s best-selling novel, Life is Hot in Cracktown shows the gritty, hard realities of a neighborhood, as well as the struggling, proud people who try to survive them... Based on Buddy Giovinazzo’s best-selling novel, Life is Hot in Cracktown shows the gritty, hard realities of a neighborhood, as well as the struggling, proud people who try to survive them everyday.

Marybeth (Kerry Washington) is a pre-op transsexual working as a prostitute and living with her lover, Benny, a small time burglar. In spite of their lines of work, they live a somewhat normal life as a married couple. Marybeth works the streets in the hopes of saving enough money for her final sex change operation, so then she and Benny can be married.

Manny (Victor Rasuk) works two jobs: the late shift in an all night bodega surrounded by young junkies, drug dealers and prostitutes, and as a security guard in a Welfare hotel. At home his wife, Concetta (Shannyn Sossamon), takes care of his sick infant son and makes their grimy rundown apartment as much of a home as she can.

Willy, ten years old, lives in the Welfare hotel with his sister, mother (Illeana Douglas) and her violent boyfriend. Willy begs on the street so he and Susie can buy some fast food to eat.

Romeo (Evan Ross), a street tough, roams the streets with his gang. Upset over the murder of his younger brother, and feeling partially responsible for not being there during the shooting, he terrorizes anyone who comes in his path.

These four stories come together in a powerful climax of love and salvation, showing that despite the obstacles of life in the inner-city, humanity and hope can still prevail. --© Lightning Entertainment [More]

Starring: Kerry Washington, Victor Rasuk, Evan Ross, Desmond Harrington

Starring: Kerry Washington, Victor Rasuk, Evan Ross, Desmond Harrington, Shannyn Sossamon, Edoardo Ballerini, Mark Webber, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Brandon Routh, RZA, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tony Plana, Carmine Giovinazzo, Richard Portnow, Illeana Douglas, Lara Flynn Boyle

Director: Buddy Giovinazzo

Director: Buddy Giovinazzo
Screenwriter: Buddy Giovinazzo
Producer: William D. Fisch, Larry Rattner
Studio: Lightning Entertainment

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Reviews for Life is Hot in Cracktown

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1 - 8 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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tomato
B+

Clay Cane

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.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jul., 02 2009 09:36 AM

BET.com

N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jul., 02 2009 03:15 AM

Hollywood Reporter

tomato
3/5

Glenn Whipp

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

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jul., 01 2009 11:56 AM

Los Angeles Times

tomato
3/5

Tim Cogshell

One part Crash and one part Menace II Society.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jun., 26 2009 04:36 PM

Boxoffice Magazine

splat
2/4

Wilson Morales

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.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jun., 26 2009 04:41 AM

BlackFilm.com

N/R

Justin Chang

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jun., 26 2009 03:15 AM

Variety

splat
1.5/5

Geoff Berkshire

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.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jun., 25 2009 02:29 PM

Metromix.com

splat

Scott Foundas

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.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jun., 25 2009 10:42 AM

L.A. Weekly

 
 
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May 25, 2009: Trailer & Poster review Opens in new window
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March 12, 2008: Pics of Kerry Washington, Shannyn Sossamon, and Brandon Routh Opens in new window
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