Tougher Than Leather

This is a low budget action move set in the rap music industry, starring one of the most popular groups of the first wave of rap stars, Run-DMC. Though produced on a shoestring and rough around the edges, this fun little epic captures the style and period when rap music was king far better than slicker more hyped films like KRUSH GROOVE. The acting is a bit shaky at times, but Run, DMC, Jam Master Jay and the others project an impressive charisma. The entertaining story moves along at a fast clip, with our heros out to avenge the death of a beloved roadie at the hands of some slimy music industry sharks who have a sideline laundering drug money. Cameos by rap music heavyweights like The Beastie Boys, Russell Simmons, Rick Rubin and LL Cool J add to the amusement. Director/co-writer/co-star Rubin's father Mickey gives a nice performance as a mafia kingpin who is less than thrilled with his son's chosen profession. Co-writer Ric Menello went on to direct several classic music videos for The Beastie Boys and LL Cool J. All in all, not too shabby.

A film of epic proportions. This film was far ahead of it's time, it wasn't till close to a decade later that we started to see films made by entertainers (rappers) featuring a sound track and an album to accompany it. Tougher Than Leather is similar to movies like Cash Money's Baller Blocking, Choices and Master P's Bout It Bout It. Now almost every rapper has tapped into this market Jay Z, Ruff Ryders, Eight Ball, Three 6 Mafia, Camron (in Empire), all of them. Every camp has their own Scarface tale to tell, and this happens to be RUN D.M.C.'s

Also if you pay close attention there are some amazing cameos, ranging from Slayer to Glen E. Freidman. Slick Rick looks like he's probably 19, Russel's a monster, Runny Ray, Rick... I mean what more could you need? This movie probably won't be recognized until years from now. This is no Beat Street or You Got Served, this is real Hip Hop. D.M.C. is in the pen, Run and J run a train on a white broad, and the head count is absurd. Bodies drop, crack is still relatively new on the scene, I mean this is real hood cinema. Peep it out.

I remember this movie coming to the theatre I worked at in 1988. We had to give multiple refunds to patrons that walked out in the middle of the movie. After seeing it, I understood why. If Runs musical talent paralleled their acting talent, the world would've never heard of them. The story line was weak, the acting was atrocious and just went nowhere. It was something even a 10 year old would be embarrassed to watch. If there was ever a movie on how not to make a movie, this would be it. If fact, it should be renamed How Not To Make A Movie. Maybe then it would get a higher rating. Sad because their musical talent is far above par.

What can I say about this breakthrough movie? It's got all the making of a classic...intense special effects, great acting, Run DMC, nail-biting suspense, and the Beastie Boys. You can't help being drawn into the fast-paced story of revenge and greed. But I think its those tender, heart-warming moments that really make "Tougher than Leather" one of Run DMC's best films to date. Take for example the touching scene were Russell Simmons attempts to pick up 2 fly honeys....

RS - "Hey Baby you wanna do the wild thing?" FH1 - "No" RS - "Hey Baby you wanna do the wild thing?" FH2 - "Sure"

I tell you there was not a dry eye in the house. And that clever scene where Jam Master Jay attempts to get some information out of a bartender with the aid of his "rich friends" Benjamin Franklin and his twin brother. Simply brilliant.

But seriously folks: This movie was definitely worth the $2 Australian dollars (1.60 US) that we paid to rent it, but just barely.

As a B- Movie , a hip hop movie, or whatever, this movie is a blast. You get Run DMC and their friends on a mission. bad reviews are expecting some 'history of hip hop' go read the book. This is more insightful than the history books.