Review of King of New York (1990) by Krista K — 09 Oct 2010

One of the more over-rated films I've seen in awhile, I'll just throw out there to start that if it wasn't for Christopher Walken's amazing performance, there is really no reason to watch "King of New York".

"King of New York" is an interesting enough tale of a crime lord (Walken), whom is recently released from Prison, and is determined to regain his lost turf. However, Frank White (Walken) is different then most New York gangster's, as he works with the African American's. For this, he's seen with little respect from his peer Gangsters.

Too many scenes are wasted on headshots of the Actor's, and there isn't really much of an interesting story here to suck anyone in. Yes, Walken's performance is outstanding, outstanding enough that it can bring this film up a star or two, but even the great performance from him can't save this film from mediocrity. With so many better gangster films out there, from 1983's "Scarface" and the obvious choices of "The Godfather Parts 1 and 2", I mean seriously, this just isn't something that really needs any remembrance. I mean hell, if you need a good gangster movie, watch "Goodfella's" or the other films I mentioned. They are much better.