It's no wonder Caught Up only garnered haphazard theatrical release in 1998. Director Darin Scott, who is credited with screenplay nods for Tales from the Hood and Sprung, tosses everything--including the kitchen sink--int... more »o this noir rip-off that borrows liberally from Chinatown and Bound but lacks the intelligent gravity and grace of the former and the stylish, tongue-in-cheek fun of the latter. Starring Bokeem Woodbine as Darryl, an ex-con who wants to go straight but who keeps finding himself in unlucky circumstances, Caught Up has laughable dialogue and terrible bug-eyed over-emoting that tries to pass for acting and wastes the laconic beauty of One False Move costar Cynda Williams, who plays a femme fatale named Vanessa Dietrich (honest!). Vanessa wraps Darryl around her little finger and embroils him in a voodoo-esque drug plot that will have the viewer rolling on the floor in disbelief. Had Caught Up played its convoluted plot for laughs, it may have at least been a camp parody on the genre, but as it is, it doesn't avoid a single cinematic cliché. The DVD comes with a slew of music videos, the radio and TV spot, as well as a director's commentary track. But don't be fooled by all the goodies--they're simply a smokescreen to nudge the audience into thinking the film is important and worthy. Caught Up is a goofy mess of contradictions and implausibility. --Paula Nechak« less
bigjohnt@txucom.net | Laura Timpson, Texas United States | 08/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is truly amazing how someone can be 'Caught Up' in someone else's stupidity and Woodine should have realized that after getting out of prison. But instead, he continues to be caught up in lust, love and money. This was a GREAT movie all the way through. Rent it, buy it, just see it!!!!"
Excellent film-noir!
bigjohnt@txucom.net | 08/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This one is a film lovers treat! Hip updating of classic film-noir for a modern urban audience, with a sly comic undertone. Cinematically illiterate types will find it flying over their heads, but if you've seen more than a couple of noirs, or if you like mystery and suspense, it's a real winner!"
If you like wasting your time...
bigjohnt@txucom.net | 05/13/1999
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Then this movie is for you! I rented this movie hoping to see entertaining performances from Tony Todd, Bokeem Woodbine, and Michael Duncan (Bear from Armageddon) and my god, did I regret it! Tony Todd has a limited role, Woodbine can't carry a movie as a lead, and Duncan was in the movie oh, about...1 second! Very disappointed with this one!!"
Must By As Cynda Williams is from my Hometown
quickness2 | 07/12/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I thought it was a very very good suspenseful movie that was a bit biazarre at times but still a good watch. I am very proud of Cynda's performance and, I am amazed at her rapid growth as an actress. Good Flick..........."
A REALLY HORRIBLE MOVIE
Prof | Bama, Baby!!! | 02/20/2002
(1 out of 5 stars)
"This might be the most terrible movie ever made. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy."