Hoodlum
Performance & Direction: Hoodlum Review
Last updated: February 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Hoodlum (1997) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Hoodlum features a noteworthy lineup led by Laurence Fishburne . Supported by the likes of Tim Roth and Vanessa Williams , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Hoodlum
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1997, Hoodlum is a Crime, Drama film directed by Bill Duke. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Laurence Fishburne.
Ending Explained: Hoodlum
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Bill Duke, Hoodlum concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Laurence Fishburne, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Hoodlum reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Hoodlum Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Hoodlum incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film directed by Bill Duke, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Laurence Fishburne's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Hoodlum adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Hoodlum?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Laurence Fishburne or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Hoodlum
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $30.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $23.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Hoodlum Budget
The estimated production budget for Hoodlum is $30.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Hoodlum
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Where to Watch Hoodlum Online?
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Apple TV StoreHoodlum Parents Guide & Age Rating
1997 AdvisoryWondering about Hoodlum age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Hoodlum is 130 minutes (2h 10m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Hoodlum is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1997 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hoodlum worth watching?
Hoodlum is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Hoodlum parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Hoodlum identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Hoodlum?
The total duration of Hoodlum is 130 minutes, which is approximately 2h 10m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
