- 1991movierewind
Episode #99: Hangin' with the Homeboys
Listen to Episode 99 of the Podcast here while you enjoy the show notes.
SUMMARY - In Hangin' with the Homeboys, four friends get together for their weekly night out in the South Bronx. As the night progresses, things continue to go wrong that impact their ability to find a good time. With all of these troubles building on each other, they also find themselves confronting each other with some uncomfortable truths.
Screenplay by Joseph B. Vasquez; Directed by Joseph B. Vasquez; and released in theaters nationwide on April 5, 1991
FILM DISCUSSION
We start with several quick introductions to our four leads, each with a scene that helps to define their personality and goals easily.
Despite that, we never fully get a background as to how they all became friends or how they're connected. Considering the age differences between them, it would be interesting.
There are plenty of conversations here where its clear that they don't really get along completely and that helps to set up some very real moments.
This movie is interesting in how it handles some of it's more serious topics, specifically race.
Also dealing with the police. It seems that in all of these cases, humor is used primarily to diffuse. It's making a statement without actually stating anything.
There is a lot that happens in this short night but all of it is quickly paced and non of it is outlandish or absurd.
Even the car accident is mostly believable and doesn't just work as a device to move to a new location. Everything is organic, and that's rare.
It's tough to really say who the lead character ultimately is, but we're going with the guy that has two "love" stories.
Although one involves an unrequited crush and some projections of feelings upon her.
There are some sitcom-like moments, but overall the script and acting are solid, making for an interesting night out with the homeboys.
Awards Talk: At Sundance, it won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize. At the Independent Spirit Awards, it was nominated for Best Music, Screenplay, Supporting Female Actress (Mary B. Ward), Male Lead Actor (Doug E. Doug), Director, Feature.
TRUE CRIME & POP CULTURE
This week we don't have any true crime to talk about so we jump right into TV.
Here's what you may have been watching on TV on April 5, 1991
It's been a while since we've talked about a largely forgotten show. Here we discuss "The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage"
For music, we're talking about the Hangin’ with the Homeboys Soundtrack
RANKINGS & RATINGS
Nikki 1-5 star scale - 3 out of 5
Jon 0-4 star scale - 3 out of 4
Would you watch it again? - There are several deep conversations in here, but it is all presented through a fast-paced, fun series of events. The acting is fantastic and we were fascinated to see where the night was going to take the four leads. We both would certainly watch it again as we'd get that same sense of adventure each time.
If you want to watch Hangin' with the Homeboys, as of this recording in February 2023, it’s available on Digital Rental, VHS, DVD. Check your local listings.
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