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Rating:  - 1 star for DMX
Before viewing this film, I did take into consideration that it was a hip/hop film; hot hip/hop artists at their prime, a notorious music video director and a very upbeat and urban soundtrack to boot did sound pretty promising. However, the film's lackluster script, extremely corny dialogue, over the top editing, and poor narrative by Nas was almost unbearable if not stomach-turning. The only acting that seemed plausible was DMX, (Thats not really saying that much). Instead of releasing this movie theatrically, it easily could of been a 93 minute music video on Mtv. On a positive note, I appreciated the vibrant colors and newly remastered dvd transfer; it incorporated bright greens, saturated blue's and washed out reds. (Jamaica scenes manifest this description the best) the editing coincided well with the soundtrack for the first 20 minutes but quickly deteriorated along with the horrific acting. I wanted to see an actual film, not a eternal music video. I understand Hype Williams wanted to incorporate his music editing elements to the table; however, it suffered in the long run. Now to the acting, Nas as a lead role was hurtful and corny to watch on screen. its not like These hip/hop artists are being asked to portray complex characters, more or less themselves. Nas's poor narration just barely ties the rapid paced and unrelated scenes. Dmx, on the other hand, was the only actor who seemed like maybe he actually did some auditioning before the film; Dmx's deep scratchy voice is powerful and coincides well with his volatile demeanor as well as profession. As far as the incomprehensible-gibberish speaking Jamaican drug lords go, I think Al Pacino did it best with his Cuban accent. Enough said. For hip/hop aficionado's or fans of any of these artists should view this film, however, it should be taken with a grain of salt. But then again, seeing these other 5 star amazon reviews makes me have second thoughts about other people's tastes..
Rating:  - My Boyfriend Loved It!
I was so happy to find this for my boyfriend, I had shopped at several local video stores on search of this DVD, which is my boyfriends favorite movie. It was delivered quickly at a great price and we are very happy.
Rating:  - But Why is it Called Belly?
The American Dream is an appealing myth, no doubt. The idea that anybody can come from anywhere and strike it rich in America sounds great. The problem, as George Carlin put it, is that you have to be asleep to believe in it. So instead of representing opportunity for everybody it has become code for greed at all costs. And that is where "Belly" comes in, an ode to thug live and all the riches that come with it. This urban drama stars DMX (perpetually rapping), Nas, and Method Man and they would have you believe that they earned their cash by selling drugs and pimping as opposed to selling out to record companies. The story barely exists and seemed like a burden for the director who just wanted endless shots of people having sex and smoking drugs. When the plot does poke its head up I picked up on a criminal enterprise that moved shop from Queens to Omaha. Once there the cops get involved and people start getting shot. One couple tries to escape to Africa, but find it easier said than done. And Tommy (DMX) is sent on a mission to kill a minister. But really this film is about selling a lifestyle that doesn't even exist. Come on now, I've known drug dealers in my day, and they didn't live in large gaudy mansions . . . rap stars do. Rather they live in shacks or their parent's basement.
If my response to the film seems lukewarm it is because it is. The directing by Hype Williams isn't that bad. He is able to capture some beautiful images and uses a few creative camera tricks. The lighting never seems quite right, but I'm gonna let that one slide. As a man who has always called for more sex and drugs in films I can hardly complain about their presence here. There people are living life to the fullest and are certainly not being weighed down by bourgeois conventions. All that said this film still fully deserves the big no vote that I am going to give it. As the most nihilistic person I know I am surprised to report that this one really seemed lost. Any image they could flash on the screen that would appeal to the wannabes in the audience was used. The N and F words are used to comedic proportions. Their palaces that represent their gluttony are turned into war zones and destroyed for no good reason. And then, on top of it all, we have to listen to the characters wax philosophical on how leading this life somehow places them on a higher plain than the rest of us. Sorry man, but just because you sell drugs instead of stocks doesn't make you any less slimy than those Wall Street hacks. You're still a businessman. This film is not worth watching. Any social point that is made is made accidentally, and any filmmaking skills the director may have are lost under his love fest for all things gangsta. **1/4
Rating: - Depictive of life in the Ghetto
This movie was great due to the fact that it shows what life really is like in the so-called "Ghetto". It shows the endless crime and reality of the New York Streets. Even though its a fictional work, it depicts fact. Places like East New York Brooklyn, and the South Bronx are constant reminders of the Urban War in the streets--and this movie would be a good portrayel of the "hood life". I recommend this movie to all who want to know what ghetto life is like...check it out.
Rating: - A gun shot in the Belly.
Hype Williams is the greatest music video director of all time.
This, however, does not automatically mean the transition to film is going to be a good one.
The movie is not good. I don't know if it's supposed to be a black Scarface or what, but it's really bad.
Rappers are not known for their Oscar-worthy work, and Nas and DMX are no exception. DMX has charisma, but he needs to work on remembering he's reciting lines, not rapping.
I love T-boz, but she needs to stick to her day job.
Taral Hicks is a good actress, but her talents are wasted here. I don't buy her as a bad girl.
I know The Godfather was an inspiration for Hype, but his attempt to give the movie a dark tint backfired. He made it too dark. Everytime I see the movie, I mistakenly think I'm looking at a bootleg or something.
Hype should start over in film by directing material written by someone else.
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