Review of King of New York (1990) by Richard R — 23 Jun 2009

Christopher Walken is Frank White (the man who the Notorious B.I.G, constantly referred to in his rhymes) who, upon release from jail, decides that he wants to give something back to the city from which he has taken so much in the past.

He sets about re-establishing himself on his patch with the help of enthusiastic allies such as Laurence Fishburne in a film whose violence remains startling. The problem is that he finds himself constantly hounded by the police, including Wesley Snipes and David Caruso, who are convinced that the charismatic crime boss is involved a number of violent incidences which have occurred since he became a free man.

In true Corleone fashion, Frank wants to give something back to the city and is adamant that many of the social benefits of areas such as Manhattan be shared with the less-affluent districts such as the Bronx and Brooklyn.

The powers that be though are not ready to take him seriously due to his gangster connections, another part of his life from which he is unable to free himself. Conflicted, but wanting to do the right thing essentially, Frank finds that he must stand alone in order to achieve his goals.

In the city that never sleep though and in his line of work, standing alone is the quickest way to the grave. Staple New York thriller which perhaps isn't as popular as it should be. Haunting, gripping and at times startling, this is possibly Abel Ferrera's finest film, bringing a demonic level to a well-trodden film path.