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| Dvdivas
was founded by John Gabbard in 2000. It's purpose has been and
remains to be to provide you, the entertainment community with
the latest dvds and movie reviews. It will continue to be your
link to the most popular dvd movies. |
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“Carlito’s
way-Rise to Power”
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Reviewed
by: |
Wayne
A. Klein |
| Genre: |
Drama |
| Video: |
1.85:1 Anamorphic
Widescreen |
| Audio: |
Dolby Digital
5.1 |
| Languages |
English |
| Subtitles |
English,
Spanish, French |
| Length |
100 minutes
|
| Rating |
R |
| Release Date |
9/27/05
|
| Studio |
Universal
Home Video |
| Commentary:
|
None |
| Documentaries:
|
None |
| Featurettes:
|
“Bringin’ the ‘Hood to
Life”, “The Making of Carlito’s Way: Rise to Power”, “Got Your
Back: Carlito’s Brothers in Time”, “Set Tour with Earl” |
| Filmography/Biography:
|
None |
|
Interviews: |
None |
| Trailers/TV
Spots: |
None |
| Alternate/Deleted
Scenes: |
Deleted scenes
|
| Music
Video: |
None |
| Other:
|
None |
| Cast
and Crew: |
Jay Hernandez, Sean Combs, Luis
Guzman, Jaclyn DeSantis, Mtume Gant, Burt Young
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| Written
By: |
Michael Bregman
based on the novel “Carlito’s Way” by Edwin Torres |
| Produced
By: |
Martin and
Michael Bregman |
| Directed
By: |
Martin Bregman
|
| Music:
|
Joe Delia
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| The
Review: |
A good example of my rule about
sequels (or prequels) not being equal (most of the time),
“Carlito’s Way: Rise to Power” lives up to its title at least
when it comes to the plot. We discover how Carlito (Jay Hernandez)
uses a drug operation to acquire power and influence in the
community of crime. He butts heads with the Mafia led by Artie
(Burt Young). The film is marginal entertainment at best.
Fans of De Palma’s film will be disappointed and the plot
is stale and recycled. Hernandez tackles the role Pacino originally
played with gusto but even some strong casting (Mario Van
Pebbles, Michael Kelly and Mtume Grant) can’t overcome the
weak screenplay by Michael Bregman (who also directed).
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| Image
and Sound: |
A very nice transfer for “Rise to
Power”. Colors are bright and vivid while the image quality
is exceptionally sharp. “Rise to Power” looks better than
releases of many older titles which is sad given the poor
quality of the film. The 5.1 Dolby Digital surround mix makes
excellent use of the format with extensive sound effects bounced
around from one speaker to the next. Dialogue comes across
crisp and clear.
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| The
Extras: |
“Bringin’ the hood to Life” provides
a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the challenges of making
a prequel to Brian De Palma’s popular film are discussed by
the cat and crew. “The Making of ‘Carlito’s Way: Rise to Power’”
focuses on the production of the film and includes outtakes.
“Got Your back: Carlito’s Brothers in Time” discusses the
most important trio of characters in the film Carlito, Rocco
and Earl and how the three friends formed their own “brotherhood”
to support their “business”. Finally there’s a set tour with
actor Mario Van Peebles (who plays Earl in the film). We also
get a number of deleted scene to round out the extras for
the film.
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| Commentary:
|
No commentary
track. |
| Final
Words: |
“Rise to Power” isn’t a bad film
just routine. Aimed at the 20+ year old male audience, “Rise
to Power” plays like any basic made for cable movie. Fans
interested in a moving high powered action drama will be disappointed.
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