Plot: 7 (Slow ending)
Diction: 6 (Not always clever)
Character: 7 (Engaging)
Extension: 6 (Distinctive but sometimes dry)
Spectacle: 9 (Excellent art direction)
Overall: 7.0
In my view, Belly represents the best of black cinema in the 1990's. In many ways, it is also the Goodfellas of the 1990's, personifying gangsterhood in another cultural light. The scenes are shot with great attention to color and form, using the music of some of the cast members to drive the action. While the final message of Belly is a positive one, this movie is no less brutal than some of its less artful cousins.
I also can't help but be taken in by some of the unique touches in this film: The Kansas City gangster with the huge Mary Tyler Moore flip, the white-felted pocket-billiards table, or the spectacular hit scene at the beginning of the movie-- not to mention an obligatory salute to Allah. My personal admiration goes to "Power" Grant for scoring a role as a character named "Knowledge".
In my view, Belly represents the best of black cinema in the 1990's. In many ways, it is also the Goodfellas of the 1990's, personifying gangsterhood in another cultural light. The scenes are shot with great attention to color and form, using the music of some of the cast members to drive the action. While the final message of Belly is a positive one, this movie is no less brutal than some of its less artful cousins.
I also can't help but be taken in by some of the unique touches in this film: The Kansas City gangster with the huge Mary Tyler Moore flip, the white-felted pocket-billiards table, or the spectacular hit scene at the beginning of the movie-- not to mention an obligatory salute to Allah. My personal admiration goes to "Power" Grant for scoring a role as a character named "Knowledge".