You get one time, to be big time.|Jun. 02, 2021|United States|109 Min.|R
Genre: Action
Description: “Dutch,” released in 2021, is a poorly executed film that attempts to blend 70s Blaxploitation tropes with a disjointed murder-trial drama and shallow social commentary. Directed and written by Preston A. Whitmore II, the movie fails to deliver a coherent or engaging narrative. Its structure, filled with confusing flashbacks and time jumps, only adds to its lack of appeal.
The story revolves around Bernard James, played by JJ Batteast, a young Black man who earns the favor of his white Italian boss by shooting a would-be robber at a pizzeria. This act catches the attention of a mobster named Fat Tony, who quickly recruits Bernard into his criminal organization, renaming him “Dutch.” The film then fast-forwards 20 years, where Dutch, now portrayed by Lance Gross, has become a prominent drug lord in New Jersey. Despite his high-stakes lifestyle, he remains composed under pressure.
Dutch eventually seeks the help of Michelle, a tough criminal defense attorney played by Natasha Marc, when he is accused of orchestrating a bombing that killed 27 police officers in Newark. While Michelle initially appears intrigued, the film’s clichéd dialogue and predictable plot twists fail to elevate it beyond mediocrity. Overall, “Dutch” is a disappointing attempt at storytelling, lacking depth and originality.
Cast director: Preston A. Whitmore II
Cast actor: Robert Costanzo, Malcolm David Kelley, Lance Gross, Jeremy Meeks, Tyrin Turner, Natasha Marc, Kyle Massey, Macy Gray, Iyana Halley, Isabella Ferreira
Original name: Dutch