Watch Straight Out of Brooklyn

Straight Out of Brooklyn is a powerful and emotional drama film that comes from the iconic director Matty Rich. The movie tells the story of a young man named Dennis Brown who is growing up in the projects of Brooklyn, New York during the 1980s. He and his family are struggling to make ends meet, living in poverty, and dealing with the everyday violence that surrounds them.

Dennis is a smart and ambitious young man who dreams of getting out of the projects and making something of himself. He's a hard worker and a straight-A student, but he's also deeply troubled by the conditions he's living in. His father is an unemployed alcoholic, his mother is struggling with her own demons, and his brother is constantly getting into trouble with the law.

As the film unfolds, we see Dennis grappling with his desire to leave the projects and make a better life for himself, while also feeling a deep sense of loyalty and responsibility to his family. He's torn between his dreams and his sense of obligation, and as the pressures of poverty and violence continue to mount, he begins to feel like he's running out of options.

The film is shot in a gritty and realistic style, with a raw and unflinching portrayal of life in the projects. The performances are all top-notch, particularly George T. Odom as Dennis, who brings a quiet intensity and vulnerability to the role. Ann D. Sanders is also excellent as Dennis's mother, conveying both strength and vulnerability in equal measure.

Lawrence Gilliard Jr. rounds out the cast as Dennis's troubled brother, and his performance is particularly heart-wrenching. Gilliard Jr. manages to convey the sense of hopelessness and desperation that can drive young men to make bad decisions, while also showing us his character's innate goodness and potential.

The film is not easy viewing, dealing as it does with difficult subject matter including poverty, violence, and addiction. However, it's also a deeply compassionate and humanistic film, exploring the complexities of life in the projects with sensitivity and depth.

Ultimately, Straight Out of Brooklyn is a powerful and affecting drama that is well worth seeking out. It's a film that shines a light on an often-overlooked corner of American life, and does so with honesty, compassion, and a deep respect for its characters and their struggles.