Episode 32 : New Jack City

NEW JACK CITY (1991) raised the stakes for gangster films and put a spotlight on the rise of crack in inner cities. Cutting edge and concise, this film is a fast-paced crime thriller that is still relevant almost 30 years after its release.

▶️ (02:07) When a high-time crime lord rises to power and introduces crack to the surrounding city, a few rouge cops vow to take down the gangster-led drug ring destroying their community.
Discussions include: The real-life inspiration behind NEW JACK CITY, how a first-time director, authentic actors and crisp storytelling came together for a truly larger-than-life movie, the film’s strong attitude towards drugs and gang life, resulting in an awareness of a powerful moral voice. Breakout roles for the cast will be discussed, as well as a NEW JACK CITY comparison to SCARFACE (1983) — breaking down the main characters, drug usage and the music in both films. *Starring Wesley Snipes, Allen Payne, Ice-T, Chris Rock, Mario Van Peebles, Judd Nelson, Bill Cobbs. Directed by Mario Van Peebles.*

▶️ (37:20) **PICKS OF THE WEEK**

Lindsay’s Pick — DEMOLITION MAN (1993): After being cryogenically frozen in 1996, a 20th century criminal mastermind and risk-taking cop are reanimated only to find a very controlled society within a crime-free world and inept police force in this satirical, dystopian popcorn flick. *Starring Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, Sandra Bullock, Benjamin Bratt, Denis Leary, Bill Cobbs. Directed by Marco Brambilla.*

Justin’s Pick — BAADASSSSS! (2003):
In this behind-the-scenes, unapologetic, brash docudrama, Mario Van Peebles portrays his father, Melvin Van Peebles, during the fascinating and challenging production of his father’s film, SWEET SWEETBACK’S BAADASSSSS SONG (1971). *Starring: Mario Van Peebles, David Alan Grier Nia Long, Rainn Wilson, Terry Crews. Directed by: Mario Van Peebles.*

▶️ (53:12) MURRAYMOMENT:
One difficult period in Billy’s life was the death of his friend, John Belushi. In this MurrayMoment, we’ll dive into Billy’s feelings about John’s drug addiction and how he was able to forever eulogize him in THE RAZOR’S EDGE (1984).

▶️ NEXT UP: RE-ANIMATOR (1985)!!
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