Through the streets of Camden comes to you front and center as the stories of crime, passion and pleasure fill the screen. From the writer of Her Little Secret and the Documentary "Can't Forget New Jersey", brings to you a new mini series on living and "working" in the most dangerous town in America, CAMDEN. Thomas Black, brings to light the struggles of living in Camden and how to adapt to this town with drugs, murders and gangs of all shapes, creeds and race. Thomas isn't the only creative mind behind this new and exciting series. Creator Denny Brown and Director/producer Derrick Hammond has created an excellent piece of artwork shining a light on one of the most dangerous city in the United States of America. The cast of characters range from All Eye's on Me (2017) Clifton Powell to Escape Plan 2: Hadea's (2018) Vincent Young and 48 Blocks (2018) star Jamila Bishop are exceptional character actors/actress' that have great chemistry throughout Episode 1 of "Chase Street". Throughout the series, these regular cast of characters will be joined by the likes of Philadelphia's rap star Gillie da Kid and Vincent Pastore Bonpensiero "Big Pussy" from HBO's The Sopranos' in the next few installments. The story of the struggles and living in the one of the most dangerous cities has created a lot of buzz recently and will continue to catch media streams and other outlets in the near future. Inside the Frame of Camden From the opening shots to the last frame brings to grips the struggles of living in Camden. The formula that they bring to its premiere episode is very well written and played out in front of you. Many people around the nation only hear about the negative headlines coming out of this town; however, the directors and writers wants to give the national viewers the first hand accountability of real life in Camden. The first episode opens up with real life accounts of personnel who lived in Camden their whole life. These personnel are some of the most known Camden drug/crime figures in the last few decades. The story's they tell paint a picture of how Camden was back in the day, a very robust and thriving town to one of the most dangerous city's in America. This gives the audience an image on how Camden was back decades ago. Back in their prime, they were chasing everything from money, drugs and power; however, it didn't take long before Camden fought back. Each interviewee has given their time in Camden and have found themselves in and out of prison for their crimes. The film makers drive the point home early on to make sure the audience is watching and listening to what they have to say and what the consequences they had to face for their actions. Fast forward to the streets of Camden. The despair is more relevant in the next few scenes with images of abandon houses, homeless personnel roaming the streets and drug deals on every corner on every block. This doesn't stop the characters from doing what they dream of doing, chasing their Dreams. Chasing Dreams Throughout the first part of these episodes, the people of Camden are out to do one thing, chase their dreams. Whether it gaining power and respect or money and fame, the dreams they are chasing comes with a price. The filmmakers show this to us first hand. During a few scenes, they show us who has all the power in Camden to make everyone scared for their lives. This emanates a lasting image on the viewer from this point forward, that there is no turning back from this life. For example, Robert Rand's character Ashley 'Spark' Best, sets out to make a name for himself in the shadows of the old order of Camden's empire while trying to keep his cool with other face's he respects so much. The on screen chemistry sets the stage for an ultimate feud with Spark and Clifton Powell's Earl that may affect their "business" relationship going forward. In the center of all this madness, John DiRenzo's Detective James Fine, has been on the case ever since setting foot in this city. James is a detective that takes no crap, no exceptions and won't line his pockets with dirty money, both foreign and domestic. James wants to put a stop to all this dirty money and crimes in order to get to his normal, less stressful life; however, Michael Everett Johnson's "Joe Holmes" and Earl wants to rule Camden for themselves. Earl, James, and Joe are all old city morals while trying to teach the newer generation the old city customs and morals; however, Spark, Tito (Jacinto Taras Riddick) and others want to remove those old city customs for good. Despair from Political Abandonment Throughout this episode, there are political messages for the viewers to pick at. These politicians working behind the scenes overseeing the murders, drug deals and other criminal organizations running this city. Ernest Terry, Mayor Roland Wesley and Scott Lehman's Senator, Mark Young, embrace the corporate greed and power to make sure things they want to do for this city. They are some of the most politically incorrect on what wrong with this city to hold it from crumbling to pieces completely. In earlier times, Camden was a peaceful place but in recent years, this city has been abandon by the many companies, middle and higher class residents and even the state too. The political figures paint a dark issue on what is wrong with this city; however, the film makers paint a different picture on what really is going on, which is brilliant. Melanie DiPiero's, Rose Fiori, is so brilliant in this. She plays Rose very well. She blends into the background very well and so mysterious that you would want to see what is next for her. Comparing her to other politicians, has nothing on Rose's aggressiveness and fearlessness in regards to getting rid of the gangs and drug lords of this once peaceful and thriving city. Chasing your Future At the end of the premiere, everyone in the audience was shocked and aghast on what they just watched. Throughout this premiere, Denny, Thomas and Derrick have a great vision for this series and shows you just a taste of what you are in for. From the opening interviews and scenes to the ending, this one is so dangerously smart and electrifying series in the independent world today and it is a must watch. Granted, this series is far from perfect, but it has its draw backs that are out in plain sight. For instance, the pacing of a few scenes feel too drug out and surfers from repetitiveness. There are a few scenes in this part 1 that makes you scratch your head on why they kept some, if not all, that scene in there. I totally understand what they [the creators] are showing us; however, the "less is more" factor might do justice in some scenes. Another example where some things fall apart, is the inclusion of too many secondary/supportive characters that feels like they are just put in there for screen time/scene filler to dampen a specific scene. The main cast of characters and most supportive characters are so vibrant, green, and affectionate to their roles and source material that jump right off the screen. Their characters come right off the screen, almost to think you are looking at a giant window (theater screen) into the life and struggles of a person living in one of the most dangerous cities today! All in all, I look forward to seeing how Derrick Hammond, Thomas "T-Black" Black and Denny Brown, has to offer when they complete the other parts of this six(6) part miniseries. I am hearing word that this may be including in a few streaming serves for a national viewing level. If that is the case, you need to add this on you "Must Watch" list. Everyone that had a hand in creating this phenomenal series did one hell of a fantastical job bringing the life and struggles of Camden to life, but also pushed out a statement that most people judge from the outside. When you peel back the layers of corruption, lust, greed, and power, you see a once thriving city, from its work force to its families, that dreams are made to be Chased and not paid for! IMDB Rating: 8.2 out of 10 stars Next Dimension Productions Rating: 8.5 out of 10 stars Main Website: https://www.watchchasestreet.com/home Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chase-Street-187270944972932/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4216636/ Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJFU2sEHZ5c The Inquirer Daily News Philadelphia interview: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/chase-street-camden-friends-produce-tv-series-on-life-in-city-20180207.html (From left to right) Benny Mateo, Denny Brown, Nathaniel Banks (center), Thomas Freeman Jr. and Bobby Rand are reflected in the mirror behind the bar at the Progressive Democrat Club in Camden, NJ on Friday, February 2, 2018. Scenes from the Camden-based TV series "Chase Street" are filmed at the bar.
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During a few talks with independent companies and people, we have received a few emails about reviewing independent, short or long, films. We have created the Independent Corner for all things Independent!!! These film review may have the same format, but will be a different feel then the Hollywood treatment of our main Film Corner reviews. Please bear with us in constructing this new page. Archives
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