King of Mob Exploitation...by Gonzo84

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March 19, 2009: I really enjoyed this Utlra-Violent feature and this is coming from a person who started loving films strictly through mafia genre features (Godfather, Goodfellas). I've only seen two other Ferrara films (Bad Luitenant, Dangerous Game), so like those features, I was expecting his style and grittiness to come through ten-fold in this film. Nicholas St. John, a long time writer and collaborater with Director Abel Ferrara doesn't disappoint us with this epic. I would say that this is Ferrara's most entertaining piece from the other films that i've seen, mostly since it's more of a story rather than just a destruction or fall of a mad character. Christopher Walken is at his peak with this film, he has that sense of bringing you in to love him even though he's a ruthless monster in the film. It was like this role was written specifically for him. If you liked his role of the Mafia Don in "True Romance," this, in my mind, is more like a companion to that character. I also thought that Lawrence Fishborne did a fantastic job, by the trailer, he doesn't look very realistic, but more out-played and too over-the-top, but as the viewer watches the film, you are kind of lost within his insane cherades. It was hard to go from him playing the strong and upright "Furious Styles" in "Boyz from the Hood" to the complete opposite "Jimmy Jump," in this film. Even the rest of the all-star cast did a great job. David Caruso, whom I'm not a fan of, especially with his stardom in his recently horrible CSI show, he did a great job, along with Wesley Snipes, since this was one of his first major roles on film. Imdb.com has announced that Abel Ferrara is working on a new film with Michael Pitt (Dreamers, Funny Games) to star in a prequel of King Of New York...I can only imagine what this will be like. All in all, if you like Mafia flicks that are edgey, dark, gritty, and especially tense, then this film is for you. It's been a while since I've found a good Mob film and this one doesn't disappoint.

This review was written about the DVD Wide Screen edition.

I Also Recommend: Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Goodfellas, True Romance.

King of Krapby Anonymous

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July 15, 2003: My boyfriend loves this movie but I disagree. as I matter of fact as a lover of crime cinema, I was offended. The King of New York reflects the unfettered determination of the mainstrean motion picture world to utilize every stereotype that the media has ever conjured up about the ghettos of the urban jungle. At best this is an obsculative view of what happens when small time white crime gets a conscience. As usual we are not surprised that the first to die are the indigenous street punks that follow blindy behind a ''saviour'' that has no regards for their welfare. The main character was in simpliest terms, ''weak.'' His personna did not exemplify gansta or businessman, just ''white man with no business'' in Manhattan. It was amazing to see that so many well known actors actually read for start up roles in this Scarface knock-off. We can tell who wrote, produced and directed this madness.

This review was written about the DVD Wide Screen edition.