"Diary of a Badman," is a modern day crime fiction film that takes place in New York City. Undercover police were pursuing a ruthless Jamaican drug gang. The police gave a description of each of the members at the beginning of the film. I thought, typical drug dealer movie. I was wrong; there was nothing typical about the leader of the drug gang, Bucky, played by Douglas Robbs.
About 30 minutes into the movie the audience got to see, "Bucky's" humane side. That is where the movie shifted to overdrive. I don't usually root for the villain, but after seeing Bucky's inner character I had to. I immediately liked Bucky when I saw him with his guards down, being a decent human being. From that scene on, the story kept a fast pace and the audience got an understanding of why the police described Bucky as an educated man.
The chosen sound tracks complimented each scene perfectly and the picture quality was also perfect. There was a smooth, tight, easy to follow storyline. There were extremely emotional scenes in the film; some were even tear jerkers. There were several suspenseful moments that had me sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. The hairs on my neck stood at attention when Bucky's girlfriend, Munchy was in trouble. I found that scene to be the most intense moment in the film.
Jacinth Sutphin played Munchy, a gorgeous chocolate woman with a meanstreak. She reminded me of the character, Rock a Bye Baby, Wesley Snipes partner in the movie, "New Jack City." I hated Munchy. Jacinth Sutphin showed superb acting skills.
There were some scenes that I felt were rushed and underdeveloped. For example, in the movie, "Scarface" when someone's limbs were being amputated the audience saw blood splattering. That had a way of creating tension, suspense, and pulling the audience into the scene by making the scene more believable. I didn't see those important details in, "Diary of a Badman." Another example; if a character is scared to the point of pissing on themselves the audience should hear the victim stutter while pleading for his life. The audience should see the gun being shoved into the victim's mouth, the look on the victim's face, his body trembling, his eyes darting from side to side. The audience should see the look on the assailant's cold, mean face. Then the audience should see the victim pissing on himself. I didn't see those important details in, "Diary of a Badman."
Although I understood the strong Jamaican dialect it took something away from the movie because it's not a language that I am used to hearing. There were captions at the bottom of the screen.
Despite the minor flaws mentioned I loved the movie. I was taken for a hell of a ride, and I am hoping for a part two. I highly recommend this movie. This movie is not a waste of money.
