Gang Related (1997)

While Screenwriter and Producer Jim Kouf is not really known for stepping behind the camera himself, he does so here. It is wise that he does too. The man behind work like "Operation Dumbo Drop," "Stakeout," and "The Hidden," among others, brings the right amount of irony, surprise, grit and humor to this film. His only real problem is casting James Belushi in a role that he just can't handle, although he tries like hell.

To talk too much about Kouf's piece gives away to many of the surprises that he has in store for us in the course of the plot. The most wonderful thing about the piece is it's ability to turn corners we don't see coming and to take us to places we never thought we would go within the context of the plot. Now, this is not a wild ride, twisty turny plot, but rather an intrinsic look at a situation that wryly takes us down a winding road to a conclusion that is both unusual and well scripted.

The cast is filled with unique actors who help the piece. The late Tupac Shakur surprises us yet again with his ability to be hard and soft. His man caught in a downward spiral touches us and really makes us think about the feeling and the emotion of the piece. Lela Rochon ("Waiting to Exhale") is also a great find for us here. Caught in the same downward trend as Shakur, she reacts only slightly differently than he. And her demure yet (somehow) forceful leading lady keeps us further in tune with the plot.

It would be possible to go on for days about the cast. And with actors like Gary Cole, James Earl Jones, David Paymer, Wendy Crewson, and Kool Moe Dee in the piece, you can see why. Each one of them works to make the piece remarkable. And most of them have at least one moment of quality dialogue to utter. But of everyone here, no one has more capacity to make us take note than Dennis Quaid. He takes a secondary role in the piece to help create an ensemble quiltwork of great acting that makes the piece work, even with Belushi in the lead.

Unfortunately, this great cast also makes it obvious that Belushi is out of his league here. It's kind of sad when one thinks how much more remarkable this piece could be with a better actor as the lead. I understand why Kouf went with Belushi. He needs an actor who can portray both the serious and the comic aspects of the role. But Belushi just doesn't cut it in some of the scenes. He hams it up just a little too much in one then tries much too hard in the next. Maybe if he would only relax a little.

Still "Gang Related" is a remarkable film. Belushi performs adequately enough to keep us into the film and his supporting cast shine at every turn. But the real star here is Kouf's script. (His direction is only slightly above adequate). Kouf keeps us going until the very last scene. We are engrossed in the story and amused as often as surprised. Kouf weaves a magical story of intrigue and suspense that keeps us on the edge of our seat.

Note:

Music by Mickey Hart.

Dedicated to "The Memory of Tupac Shakur." He was shot 13 days after filming ended.

At one time the film was to be called "Criminal Intent."

There were sparks on the set between Belushi and Shakur when the rapper was late to several rehersals. They also squabbled over how many takes to do with Belushi liking many and Shakur as few as possible.

(Review written in 1997)

Report Card

Script: A+

Acting: B+

Cinematography\Lighting: C

Special Effects\Make Up: B

Music: A

Final Grade: B+