Sugar Hill

Released: 1993

Reviewed: 11.23.09
Star rating: 3 out of 5

Wesley Snipes (Roemello), Khandi Alexander (Ella), Clarence Williams III (AR Skuggs), Abe Vigoda (Gus), Michael Wright (Raynathan), Ernie Hudson (Lolly), Theresa Randle (Melissa).

Roemello and Raynathan have lived the tough life, watching their mother die by overdose then becoming dealers of the same drug that killed her and made their father useless. But with new dealers moving in, and a new girlfriend, Roemello is ready to quit and settle down into a different type of life. But it doesn't seem that life is going to let that happen.

This one starts with a bit of background and character development before sliding into the plot. Good action and drama keep the film moving along but since we have probably already guessed at some of the things that will happen it seems to move more slowly than it is. Although the plot does have a point the film goes to great pains to show the hard lives that several of the characters have taken in life. With guns, drugs, sex, love, and violence this one has a little bit of everything for everyone.

Acting was pretty good by everyone. Snipes did a decent job with his role as usual. Wright was great as the crime focused violent younger brother. Williams was excellent as the drugged out dad while Randle did well as the love interest in the film. Even Vigoda did a nice job as a crime boss. No great performances here but good solid acting all around.

Camera work, sets, and background were all nicely done with good detail. Sound and dialogue were pretty good as was the soundtrack.

Overall a nice little crime drama if you enjoy the genre. No big revelations or surprises here, just a nitty gritty story that is told pretty well. Explicit drug use, violence, and plenty of foul language so save this for older teens and above.