User Reviews

Judging by the title, I thought this would be pure exploitation junk, but I couldn't have been more wrong. It's an excellent movie about a ghetto teen who is obsessed with avenging his older brother's death in a shoot-out between members of a Latino crime boss' gang. He doesn't have what it takes to kill a man -- in fact, his first attempt almost gets him killed when he finds himself unable to pull the trigger -- so he starts tagging along with a veteran hit-man who shows him the ropes, and in the process gets a lot more than he bargained when he begins to see death close-up.

It's almost like something a young Martin Scorcese might direct today -- there's a MEAN STREETS/TAXI DRIVER/GOODFELLAS vibe to much of this urban gangster story -- but his influence only shows itself overtly in one or two scenes. The violence is shocking, but presented matter-of-factly in a realistic, non-stylized way (no slow-motion, no fancy editing). The entire cast does a great job bringing their characters to life, aided by Christine Conradt's excellent script, and the Crook Brothers (Jeffrey and Joshua), who appear briefly in the film as porn-movie makers, demonstrate much style and skill as directors.

If you like this genre, or even if you don't, GHETTO DAWG 2:OUT OF THE PITS is about as good as it gets.

When I went to the video store and my boyfriend picked up this movie, I rolled my eyes and said another low budget movie, why waste my time and money. But when I watched the movie i was shocked and even amazed to find that it is actually a good movie, the cover or the name of the movie does it no justice as a matter of fact it makes it sound and look lame. The only thing that I wouldn't change about the movie is the ending, it kind of leaves you hanging, yeah we find out what happens to the main character, but what about his girlfriend, did big daddy ever find out about her and if he did, did he ever go after her. It just leave you asking questions.

"Ghetto Dawg 2" is surprisingly just as good as the first one. I can't believe it. This time, Dante (Daniel Outlaw) has to fight for his life when his pitbulls lose in an illegal fight. A hit-man with a cold heart of gold, if that makes any sense, named Jojo (Campbell) helps him, and it turns ugly for all involved.

Paris Campbell as Jojo is fantastic, and reason alone to see this. Outlaw also puts in a decent performance. The writing and directing are top-notch for a DTV effort. Lionsgate has been known to put out urban garbage (State Property 1 & 2, Gang Tapes) so this was a surprise. The dogfights are brutal and so are the killings by Jojo, and it was cool to see this intact and not cut up like a rap music video. Don't roll your eyes at this one. It's actually worth seeing.

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Hands-down the best ghetto movie I've seen in a long time. I didn't have many expectations, given the first movie, but it blew me away. Rent it, pirate it, do what you've got to do to get this movie in your player. The acting is what really carries it away -- Paris Campbell is fantastic, in particular -- I was impressed with just about everyone on screen. The plot is plausible and keeps up a good pace. The dogfights are the only thing that lacked realism for me, as you can pretty much tell that the blood is fake. That being said, the gun play and violence are shockingly realistic. The whole thing is rounded out by a streak of corny humor that somehow works... the movie moves back and forth between the grippingly dramatic and the ridiculously silly, and it doesn't skip a beat. Amazing, really. I can't recommend this one highly enough.

Not my genre however, the Crook Bros. did "Suckerpunch" and I loved it! The draw is: Acting/Casting, their style of cinematography and their overall effect and production. I happen to look at films in different way as most people. I look behind the camera first; we see before we eat. I judge a film by it's look, first.

This is a visual pleasure! It paints a sensitive portrait of a gritty under-belly which, most viewers have no idea exists. Love and beauty can be found anywhere, Especially where it is needed most. Poverty, revenge, power and even love feul this film exploding with raw, young, hot and untapped talent. The young love between 'Dante' the main actor and 'Brynn' some chick on the wrong side, of the wrong side of the law is tender and sweet. There is almost an "urban 'Romeo & Juliet' meets 'Bonnie & Clyde' sensibility" to their dilemma. It was nicely handled and well shot. The majority of the film was shot very well, my problem is in a small portion of the editing (-1 point in rating).

The acting is way above average. I was quite impressed. Especially, the character of Angel. Will Sierra is quite menacing, and completely believable. Why is he not mentioned in the credits? This is where the other point is lost in the rating(-1 point). Do yourself a favor... see this film. Many 'big things to come' from many involved, both behind and in front of the camera. Great job!!!

Don't judge a movie by it's title. I was expecting a no-brain, no-heart, piece of exploitation; the reality-it's a really good film. The story involve Donte, a young black man living in the ghetto who must decide whether to enact revenge on a local gang lord for his brother's death or give up on his brother's memory and get out of town. Strong performances from the cast, especially Paris Campbell and Lou Torres, bring flavor to a good overall story with an ending that will leave you stunned. The direction is confident and direct especially in its depiction of violence. Sudden and brutal are words that come to mind. The shots are well composed and the scores thumps the story along even in the middle where the pace slows somewhat. This is one of the better movies I've seen in the urban action genre. Definitely worth a look.

The choices that people in a violent society have to face is the subject of this movie. The acting is great: Young talent in the main character and truly believable thugs. Packed with stunning and meaningful shots in what could be an uninspiring urban landscape. The story is unpredictable, because you're not sure how the main character is going to get out of his situation or if he will at all. I watched this movie on a tip from a friend who is into this genre (which I'm usually not) but I was not disappointed: it is refreshing and for what could seem like a low-budget movie, it looks great and is entertaining. Not for those sensitive to violence, but little of the violence is gratuitous or exploitative. It shows a rough world that we generally don't acknowledge.

When you first glance at the cover-art, your expectations drop below average. But only moments into the film, you're pulled into this real-life story of reluctant revenge, played out with supreme storytelling ability and highly competent direction. Though this is listed as a drama, it often reaches moments of hilarity, but it's often subtle. (Pay attention to the pornographer's scene, which is actually performed by both Joshua and Jeff of the Crook Brothers.) Each actor obviously poured their soul into their roles, and the Crook Brothers suck you in with their stylized yet unobtrusive shots. Doesn't look like it by the cover and the dumb ass name, huh? Don't be fooled. Go out and rent this raw and stylish ghetto masterpiece right now.

After my divorce,my friends have been trying every thing to cheer me up. I have been depressed for months. I have now watched this movie 9 times. It inspired me to get on with my life and forget that cheating wife ever existed. Thank you creators of Ghetto Dawg 2, you have saved my life.