Hangin' with the Homeboys (1991)

Two African-Americans and two Puerto-Ricans (though one pretends to be Italian) go out on the town on a Friday night. They will be forced to get to know each other, and even worst, learn to... See full summary »

Director:

Joseph B. Vasquez

Writer:

Joseph B. Vasquez

Stars:

Doug E. Doug, Mario Joyner, John Leguizamo

2 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Doug E. Doug	...	Willie Stevens
Mario Joyner	...	Tom McNeal
John Leguizamo	...	Johnny
Nestor Serrano	...	Vinny / Fernando
Kimberly Russell	...	Vanessa
Mary B. Ward	...	Luna
Reggie Montgomery	...	Rasta
Christine Claravall	...	Daria
Rose Jackson	...	Lila
Steven Randazzo	...	Pedro
Marisol R. Reyes	...	Sara
Victor L. Cook	...	Louie-Louie
LaTanya Richardson	...	Caseworker
Clayton Prince	...	Frederick
Ellis Williams	...	Bobby

Storyline

Two African-Americans and two Puerto-Ricans (though one pretends to be Italian) go out on the town on a Friday night. They will be forced to get to know each other, and even worst, learn to like each other as friends.

---

Plot Keywords:

african american | puerto rican | bronx new york city | one night | blacks versus italians | 

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language and a strong sex scene

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 April 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Az utcák királyai

Filming Locations:

Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,900,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$532,933 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Juno Pix, New Line Cinema

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Did You Know?

Trivia

Chris Rock was considered for the part of Willie.

---

Goofs

During the car crash, the hood of Tommy's car pops up before he hits the wall.

---

Quotes

Tom McNeal: Fuck fun. I want some pussy.

---

Connections

Referenced in Cinefile: Made in the USA (1993)

---

Soundtracks

"Hangin' with the Homeboys and Dr. Feelgood"
Performed by 2 Live Crew (as The 2 Live Crew) and Triple XXX
Courtesy of Luke Records
Produced by Luther Campbell (as L. Campbell), Brother Marquis (as M. Ross),
Mr. Mixx (as D. Hobbs), Fresh Kid Ice (as C. Wong Won)
Written by Luther Campbell (as L. Campbell), Brother Marquis (as M. Ross), Mr. Mixx (as D. Hobbs),
Fresh Kid Ice (as C. Wong Won), Nikki Sixx & Mick Mars

User Reviews

It's funny AND it makes you think...the ultimate combo!

To me, this movie seems less of a "comedy which makes you think", and more of a powerfully in depth character study, which is always making you laugh. But enough pigeon-holing.

This movie is all characters. The key element, for mine, is the symmetry between them. Four guys. Two black guys, two Hispanic. Two with (pathetic) jobs, two without. Two with more than women on their minds, two without. Because the symmetrical dynamic is always switching, we are always privy to meaningful dialogue, and witness powerful confrontations. That is, the director doesn't just make his point in the first 30 minutes, but is always reevaluating his characters, and their struggles.

Each viewer will no doubt have a favourite character, and his journey will be of most interest and focus. The beauty of this movie, however, is that none of the characters are developed at the expense of another. All are richly detailed, and, if you are like me, your focal character may change with every viewing.

None of the characters are overly likeable; we are always confronted with scenes which really demonstrate their failings and shortcomings. Herein lies the strength of the film. Unlike so many other "cool" and "wacky" comedies, these characters have real depth, and we can't. as honest viewers, think any one of the characters are summed up by the words "cool" or "wacky" or any other simplistic assessment that can easily be applied to characters in so many other movies (and fairly, too). They are all distinct in many ways. The most notable example is each character's technique in dealing with the inherent racism of their society. The most fascinating character here is Vinnie, as he chooses rather than confronting this difficult problem, to deny it even applies to him: "He thinks he's Italian".

My only request when seeing this movie, is not to fall into the trap of missing an appreciation of its depth. Sure, it's got a "cool" title, they just cruise around doing cool stuff ("Jose sent me" is such a good idea!), and they say cool one liners. But beyond that, the characters are at once frustrating and liberating, enjoyable and unlikeable, but most of all, they are all very human, very real.