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prydwen
Reviews
Federal Protection (2002)
Mafioso Movie
Although this movie was not particularily "meaty", I would have to say it was quite entertaining. Firstly, Armand Assante's performance as mafioso can never go wrong. His cocky, charismatic portrayal of an ex-mobster in the witness protection program is definitely alluring.
The redheaded neighbor recognizes and falls for him, you feel happy for her as she's in dead-end marriage, and the chemistry between her and Armand is apparent! (I kept thinking . . . if only that could happen to me).
Like I said, it's not filled with the extreme gritty substance of "Gotti", but it is fun and even has some Pulp-Fiction-like dark-comedic scenes -- that, and Armand's performance along with the sexual chemistry make this - I feel - a very worthwhile watch!
Shaft (2000)
Really great and intricate story line. The acting was brilliant!
The story line of Shaft, I felt, was really unique. Samuel Jackson was great but I give the credit to Walter Wade Jr. (played by Christian Bale) and Peoples Hernadez (played by Jeffrey Wright). Those two characters would have never met but due to circumstance they met and developed a relationship that was utterly intriguing.
I must say, Jeffrey Wright really blew me away. You couldn't help but feel utterly appalled by his character "Peoples" and at the same time you become fascinated, almost mezmerized, by him that you hate yourself for being so intrigued.
I was surprised when watching him on the DVD interview to see he had absolutely no accent and is actually african-american (maybe only half), apparently John Singleton said he almost stole the movie and I certainly can see why.
I have watched this movie over & over again and enjoy everytime just because of the superior acting.
I discovered that Jeffrey Wright is very well educated and when he did "Shaft" he hardly had any acting credits to his name - now I notice he's a busy boy and I really look forward to seeing him in upcoming movies and hope he does very well for himself!