Dead Presidents (1995)

A Vietnam vet adjusts to life after the war while trying to support his family, but the chance of a better life may involve crime and bloodshed.

Directors:

Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes

Writers:

Allen Hughes (story), Albert Hughes (story),

Stars:

Larenz Tate, Keith David, Chris Tucker

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Larenz Tate	...	Anthony Curtis
Keith David	...	Kirby
Chris Tucker	...	Skip
Freddy Rodríguez	...	Jose
Rose Jackson	...	Juanita Benson
N'Bushe Wright	...	Delilah Benson
Alvaleta Guess	...	Mrs. Benson
James Pickens Jr.	...	Mr. Curtis
Jenifer Lewis	...	Mrs. Curtis
Clifton Powell	...	Cutty
Elizabeth Rodriguez	...	Marisol
Terrence Howard	...	Cowboy (as Terrence Dashon Howard)
Ryan Williams	...	Young Revolutionary
Larry McCoy	...	Nicky
Rodney Winfield	...	Mr. Warren

Storyline

This action film, directed by the Hughes brothers, depicts a heist of old bills, retired from circulation and destined by the government to be "money to burn." However, more broadly, it addresses the issues of Black Americans' involvement in the Vietnam War and their subsequent disillusionment with progress in social issues and civil rights back home in the United States, during the 1960's.

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Plot Keywords:

vietnam | heist | 1960s | money | vietnam war | 

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Taglines:

They'll risk everything for the ultimate score.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong graphic violence, language, a sex scene and some drug use

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 October 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Alta Jogada

Filming Locations:

Mount Vernon, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$24,200,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Caravan Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Underworld Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Though not specifically stated, Curtis, Cleon and Skip belonged to a unit in the 1st Marine Recon Battalion. This is confirmed late in the movie when Cleon is seen wearing a patch with the 1st Marine Recon Battalion insignia on it.

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Goofs

A 1973-1975 Ford F-350 Utility Truck can be seen in the background of the Spring 1969 scenes.

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Quotes

Kirby: Everyone in this town knows I've only got one leg. And that motherfucker grabbed the wrong one.

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Connections

Spoofed in Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996)

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Soundtracks

"Never Gonna Give You Up"
Written by Kenny Gamble (as Kenneth Gamble), Leon Huff & Jerry Butler
Performed by Jerry Butler
Courtesy of Mercury Records
By Arrangement With Polygram Special Markets

User Reviews

delivers big for the right fans

Gripping, poignant story about a young black man growing up in the 1960's Bronx whose parents groom him to follow in the footsteps of his college-bound older brother. He has his own plans however, and enlists in the Marine Corps where he survives four years of brutal warfare in Vietnam. He returns home to try and make a new life for himself, but a struggling economy and lack of formal education gradually draw him into a life of crime. An effective portrayal of black involvement in Vietnam, with good performances, powerful scenes, and shockingly graphic violence. Tate is commanding in the lead, and Tucker is a real surprise as his drug-addicted pal. Not for all tastes, but well-crafted and well-made. ***