The memorable debut feature by Matty Rich begins by asking the question: what do you know about being black? The answer is a familiar but powerful display of rage and desperation, set in the same, miserable Red Hook housing project where Rich himself grew up. It's a simple, straightforward film, surprisingly polished given the inexperience behind the camera (the entire cast and crew were hired through newspaper want ads), and remarkable because writer/director/producer Rich was only 19 years old when the film was released. His basic plot, about an angry teenager's reckless plan to escape the cycle of poverty by robbing a local drug lord, is direct and unambiguous, and the outline hasn't been embellished by any visual style. But the understated script and a talented cast transform what could have been a hopeless melodrama into a gripping, heartfelt tragedy (but not entirely grim: a measure of humor is provided by some inspired comic banter).Postcript: at the time I thought the film might have trouble surviving the rush of 1991 summer blockbusters, but Matty Rich was a name to remember: he already showed more confidence and depth of feeling than many veteran directors. Sadly, that potential was never fulfilled: Rich would direct only one more feature before disappearing into undeserved obscurity.

When I was little I remember seeing this movie on tape that my older brother once had and I enjoyed for what it was entirely but having just saw it I felt it that Matty Rich's first movie was a fairly decent movie, not as good as "BoyZ In The Hood" or "Menace To Society" directed by more talented people who know their material inside and out. The acting is decent but to me it got really emotional near the end of the movie. Overall, this film is not hard-hitting per Se, but it shows that desperation can sometimes lead to "success" however a dark cloud hangs over the victims that comes along with it. Not Matty Rich's best work, but it's a solid film for what it is so there's no crime in not seeing it at least once.

Consider the plight of Dennis Brown. He is living in the projects at Red Hook, Brooklyn, at the time when violence, drugs and despair was rampant among the poor, mostly black residents of that crime infected area. Dennis shows he is a young man of a certain intelligence, who is going nowhere because instead of thinking about getting an education and beating the poverty, he has decided to solve his problems in a different fashion, he will rob the drug lord that has business in the same housing complex.Dennis' father Ray, is a man that feels beaten by the system. He is also a man who has defeated himself and his family by drinking heavily. Alcoholism is making him take all his frustrations against his loving wife, Frankie. He beats her every time he is too drunk to think clearly, as he rants and raves. Dennis, and his sister Carolyn, are helpless in defending their mother, who, like all victims, will not do anything to help herself and stays by her man.Dennis' life has a positive side in the love he shares with Shirley, the young waitress. Shirley understands she wants no part of what Dennis tells her he is about to do, but she is helpless in trying to stop him from ruining his life and that of his family's. Everything conspires against Dennis in the end."Straight Out of Brooklyn", directed by Matty Rich, who also has a key part in it, shows a talented man who tells it like he saw it. The film has some awkward moments, but in general Mr. Rich achieved a great coup by casting an ensemble team to give life to his characters. Best of all, the amazing Larry Gilliard Jr., who as Dennis shows a range of emotions others, more accomplished actors, would have problems portraying. George T. Odon, Ann Sanders, Barbara Sanon, play the other members of the Brown family with assurance. Reana Drummond is another surprise who gives life to Shirley and makes us like her.The film is a vivid account of what life is like for people caught in a desperate situations caused by the environment and the lack of opportunities and the way they were dealt a bad hand by fate.

Straight Out of Brookyln is a film similar to Boyz N The Hood, excpet it's set in New York. The film about three friends is very moving and deep and it's shame it didn't get a wider release. Matty Rich proved his talent with this film as a director, it's a shame that he didn't have the success he deserves.