“New Jersey Drive 1995” is a raw and gritty tale of two young car thieves in Newark, New Jersey. They are like sharks, always on the move and never satisfied. With an electric soundtrack and intense car chases, the film shows the thrill and danger of their lifestyle. However, as they continue to steal cars and evade the police, their actions have serious consequences that lead to tragic endings.
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Review
For many people, the idea of watching a movie about car thieves in New Jersey may not be particularly appealing. However, the 1995 film “New Jersey Drive” manages to breathe new life into this premise by delivering an engaging and authentic portrayal of youth culture in urban America. Directed by Nick Gomez and written by Gomez and Michael Gallagher, “New Jersey Drive” tells the story of Jason (Sharron Corley) and Midget (Gabriel Casseus), two teenagers who are caught up in a cycle of stealing cars and joyriding through the streets of Newark.
The film begins with a captivating montage of car chases set to rap music, setting the tone for what is to come. We quickly see that Jason and Midget are skilled drivers who have learned how to evade the police and navigate the city’s tight corners. However, their actions have consequences, both for themselves and for those around them.
One of the standout aspects of “New Jersey Drive” is its sense of authenticity. The film was shot on location in Newark, using actual street names and landmarks rather than generic sets. This gives the movie a gritty feel that perfectly captures the desperation and hopelessness felt by its characters. Additionally, many members of the cast were local residents who had experienced similar issues with poverty and crime. This lends a level of realism to their performances that is difficult to replicate.
Another strength of “New Jersey Drive” is its ability to balance action with character development. While there are plenty of thrilling car chases and tense confrontations with police, these scenes never feel gratuitous or out-of-place. Instead, they serve to move the plot forward while also revealing more about Jason, Midget, and their friends.
At one point early in the film, Jason explains his motivations for stealing cars: “We’re poor people…we don’t own nothing…to steal a car means you got something.” This line effectively sums up the desperation and lack of opportunity that many members of this community face. It’s a reminder that, for some people, crime may seem like the only option.
Despite its themes of poverty and crime, “New Jersey Drive” is not a bleak or depressing movie. In fact, it contains moments of humor and levity, particularly in scenes featuring Jason and Midget’s friend Tiny (Saul Stein). These moments help to humanize the characters and make their struggles more relatable.
Of course, no discussion of “New Jersey Drive” would be complete without mentioning its fantastic soundtrack. Featuring tracks from Wu-Tang Clan, Naughty by Nature, and other notable hip-hop artists of the 90s, the music perfectly captures the film’s tone and adds an extra layer of excitement to the car chases.
While “New Jersey Drive” may not have been a box office smash upon its release in 1995, it has developed a cult following over the years. Part of this may be due to its realistic portrayal of urban youth culture at a time when such stories were not often seen on screen. Additionally, the film’s focus on characters who are often overlooked or dismissed by society resonates with audiences today just as much as it did over two decades ago.
In conclusion, “New Jersey Drive” is a must-see for anyone who appreciates gritty crime dramas with heart. From its authentic setting to its memorable soundtrack to its engaging performances, this film has something for everyone. While some may dismiss it as simply another movie about car thieves in Newark, those who take the time to watch will find a thought-provoking story that still holds up today.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 98
- Release : 1995-04-19
- Genre : Crime, Drama
- Cast : Sharron Corley as Jason Petty, Gabriel Casseus as Midget, Saul Stein as Emil Roscoe, Donald Faison as Tiny, Gwen McGee as Rene Petty
- Crew : Tracy Granger as Editor, Spike Lee as Executive Producer, Adam Kimmel as Director of Photography, Lester Cohen as Production Design, Nick Gomez as Director
- Popularity 6.189
- Budget : $5,000,000
- Revenue : 0
- Company : 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, Gramercy Pictures
- Summary : New Jersey Drive is a 1995 film about black youths in Newark, New Jersey, the unofficial “car theft capital of the world”. Their favorite pastime is that of everybody in their neighborhood: stealing cars and joyriding. The trouble starts when they steal a police car and the cops launch a violent offensive that involves beating and even shooting suspects.
- Tagline : The Only Thing That Matters Is The Ride
