Death of a Dynasty (2003) User Reviews

Pure Garbage

[FiendishDramaturgy · 1/10 · 22 March 2007]

This was a total waste of film, time, resources, and ... well, never mind, there WAS no talent.

I don't know what this was trying for, except perhaps a rap musical, but it didn't work! This was a totally disgusting display of a serious lack of talent, direction, and vision. It was worse than boring. It was horrid! There IS no dialog, no enjoyment, no point to this "work." Absolutely wretched, and completely disgusting display of new money, no class, and a total lack of taste.

I want my ninety minutes back! *wretches* This bull snot doesn't rate a rating.

the Fiend :.

almost unwatchable

[areyes · 2/10 · 29 March 2010]

I watched this movie as part of the Philadelphia Film Festival a few years back...it was ALMOST unwatchable. I think the only reason people sat through the entire movie was because there was a Q&A session after the film with Dame Dash and Kevin Hart. I don't think anyone even asked about this film...people mentioned the Woodsmen more than this mock-umentary...The only time it was mentioned was because the events in the film actually happened after filming them....

I'm surprised that with this amount of star power in the film, they couldn't make something more of it. It almost looks like a student film that the entire cast improvised. or at least...attempted to improvise.

How should I Say This

[patra511 · 1/10 · 7 February 2008]

The film (Death of A Dynasty) was screening in the same theater where Al Pacino screened his film "Chinese Coffee" for the TFF. The build-up was there. The theater was filled to capacity. Well, the theater was full before the movie began, but by the time the movie ended and the lights came up. PEOPLE disappeared- I'm not being funny... more than 2/3 of the people vacated the theater. This movie was HORRIBLE! Now this is coming from someone who KNOWS Films. To prove it. No film was wasted because it was shot on a Canon XL1 by using the factory electronic lens (instead of a manual lens where the DP could have better control). The actors portraying Jay Z, Damon Dash and Sean "P-Diddy" Combs were all inside jokes where the script was paper-thin. Not having the actual characters who are so well known put the actors in place of having to go over the top in their portrayals of these hip hop icons. Some portions were over exposed (like on the ball court). Did anyone use a monitor or check the F-stop settings? The jump cut editing when Damon Dash was on the phone was trite and frivolous. The Asian girl coming out of nowhere had no back story nor purpose other than screaming "You lookin' at me?" was further proof that this film had no character development. The script was weak because it had no storyline other than a fake story to Dave (who is a parody of "The Source" magazine) which is a non-story in and of itself. Not even the music was worthy of my time. The direction was non-existent and I'm not certain if it's because of the lack of script or vision, but it looked as if someone free-styled every scene and had a guy with a Canon XL1 put it on tape. I found myself anxious and going from wanting this film to succeed desperately to wanting to join the 2/3's leaving en-mass to get the get the hell out of the theater. Nevertheless, I stayed hoping it would get better. It did not. The JMJ cameo and Aaliyah's salute were the ONLY causes for applause in the film. Yet, if you think about it, you do GOOD work for someone you're saluting; not the worse, God-awful thing since Russell's 'Tougher Than Leather' fiasco. I'd have to put this in that category; ego-driven, non talented piece of decadence that is messing it up for REAL talented young filmmakers that could have used that budget and that cast to make something GREAT & FUNNY or at least GOOD.

An inside look(sorta) about Roc A Fella records.

[ThomYorke · 6/10 · 23 August 2005]

This is a mockumentary taking us inside Roc A Fella records. If you are not a fan of rap and don't know much about Jay-Z and Damon Dash, this film will not much appeal to you. But, if you're a fan of rap, as I am, then it's definitely worth a look.

There are some good things in this film. The actors playing Jay and Damon, as they do not play themselves, are very good for this sorta material. And, there are some very funny moments and in jokes, especially if you know a lot about the people in this record label before hand. This is also a very good look at hip hop culture and also a moral tale about selling one's soul for fame or respect.

But, sometimes, the script is sometimes childish, and the main character is really annoying and is obviously a generic poser, but, maybe that's the point.

I would overall have to say for some, this film will seem terrible. But, with a built in crowd, and if you are looking for a few laughs and a different kind of movie, check this one out as a rental sometime.

6 out of 10.