Animal (Video 2005) Poster

(2005 Video)

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5/10
Haunted by the Past
claudio_carvalho24 February 2007
When the violent gangster James "Animal" Allen (Ving Rahmes) is arrested and sent to prison, his teenage son Darius (Terrence Howard) is left with his mother, but she is assassinated and the boy is raised alone on the streets, becoming a criminal. While in the corrupt prison, Animal works for the powerful prisoner Kassada (Chazz Palminteri), but when he meets the revolutionary Berwell (Jim Brown), his view of life changes. Animal is released on probation and tries to have a straight life, but his past and his fame haunt him, while he sees that Darius is following his path in a criminal life.

"Animal" is a good movie, but the story has no surprises, showing the difficulties of a middle-age man that spent half of his life in jail to regenerate. His environment and his friends doom him to a low life. The cast is great and Ving Rhames has an amazing performance in a role tailored for him. My vote is five.

Title (Brazil): "Animal"
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7/10
A Real look into hood mentality!
tffny-spann11 December 2021
This movie touched on many areas of hood mentality that Black men (young and older) go through when trying to desperately get money the wrong way. Also,the Native American actor made me think about the effects of "assimilation" and thrown into a a ghetto designed by racism.
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Made with serious intentions, but ineptly executed
Wizard-821 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The basic plot for this movie is nothing new - we've seen it in a number of other movies, such as "American History X". But I was willing to see it done again. I felt that an African-American perspective could make it more interesting.

Sadly, they screwed up the execution for the most part. To begin with, this is a technically shoddy affair. I know it was a low budget movie, but I have seen other low budget movies that overcame their handicaps and looked technically strong. Here, the colors look murky, often the image on screen looks slightly out of focus, and the camera is CONSTANTLY close-up to what's happening on screen, sometimes so close it's hard to tell just what is happening. At times I thought this was a cheapie Canadian movie shot in Vancouver!

It's possible that the movie could still have worked despite all that, but that's not the case. The script has a number of major flaws to it. We learn next to nothing about the "Animal" character before he is arrested and sent to jail, so it's hard to see his transformation, especially adding the fact that he supposedly (and magically) changes after reading just two pieces of literature. There are other script goofs, such as "Animal" having to stay in jail for several more months when evidence comes out that proves him innocent (and still having to see a parole officer once he's released.)

Mostly, the movie is slow going, either in prison or when "Animal" gets out of prison. The dullness of this enterprise is the main reason why this sinks. Anything good to say about this movie? Well, I thought the acting was decent by everyone. Though they should have considered the casting more when it came to the son of "Animal". He's very light skinned when shown as a boy, but when he's grown up, his skin is significantly darker. This is typical of the lack of detail the filmmakers put into this movie.
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4/10
Animal
majorlagg29 December 2005
This movie had a good message but it was lost in a story where the characters continued to blame their problems on others. It appeared that the "white man" was accused of causing the characters life of crime. Every time the characters were seen selling drugs, it was to a white man with short hair, a long sleeve shirt with a tie. No street level dealer would sell to such a person. He would more likely be shot.

Jim Brown's character says he was convicted of murder as if he was framed but admits to killing people at home. And Animal is only sent to prison because the police framed him.

Such denial won't solve the problem.
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4/10
Nice topic, but ...
kosmasp8 April 2007
... rushed execution and obviously not a lot of production value(s). You could live with the latter, but the performances aren't the best either. Of course it's nice to see Ving Rhames in a lead role, but it'd be even better, if the script got sharpened too, so it would match his performance skills too.

The title of the movie gives you the main character and you also know, from the (V) behind the movies name here at IMDb, that it is directly produced for Video/DVD use. Terence Malick does elevate the movie too, but not as much as you'd think he would! The story (if you really want to know it before you watch it, read it here somewhere on the IMDb page) has been done before, so you might be used to see better movies, than this one on this particular topic ...
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8/10
Good story of a man trying to overcome his past boosted by excellent acting
dbborroughs4 December 2005
This is the story of a man nick named Animal. Baddest of the bad, Animal was the head of a crew in ghetto neighborhood he lived in. One day he's arrested and sent to jail leaving behind a wife and child. While in jail for years he continues his violent ways, at the same time his son takes after his old man and becomes known as "Little Animal". With the help of a fellow prisoner Animal changes his way and is eventually paroled. Back at home he now must struggle with carving a out a new life while trying to figure out out how to save his son from ending up like him, or worse.

I stumbled upon this film by accident and I'm glad I did. Animal is a brutal, heartfelt look at life in the "hood", how nothing ever changes, and what it takes to change things. Its a well told story that has some of the best performances of the year in any film. Every one in this movie is excellent from Ving Rhames on down. The acting alone is reason enough to see this film, however there is a very real story being told. It will move you and break your heart.

Forgive me I finished the film not long ago and I still feel the effects of this wonderful movie.Its left me with a loss of words. I think all I can really say is see this film and be moved too.
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8/10
Very Good Movie....though with some important factual errors!
wildenfree20 October 2006
Being my first time to watch Rhames in a lead role, I was impressed. Howard and Palminteri were brilliant and Studi, as always, was great!..though not the type of role he usually plays either. Great to see Jim brown after so long and I really liked his portrayal of Berwell. I'd like to see more of him in the future because despite his years, he still has a lot to offer. Listen up Hollywood! On the negative side (for fussy duds like me), we have the factual errors all-too-common in movies which mislead people on points of historical importance. I refer to the Willie Lynch Speech on slavery, which figures prominently in this movie. Berwell tells Animal that the term "lynching" is also attributed to the same author. Not true! This practice is more generally believed to be the invention of Captain William Lynch of Virginia, author of "Lynch's Law". As for Willie's speech, evidence now suggests it was written in the mid-to-late 20th century. Curious, no? Anyway, despite the foregoing, the movie has a good message and the overall acting is way better than good! Definitely a movie worth watching!
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10/10
This is no Bubblegum Lolipop movie
foodstampcharlie10 December 2005
This a real movie about thug life and the inescapable revolving door trap that is so hard to break. Ving Rhames plays the animal which is not an accurate name for his character ,since his character is no different than a mob boss or a drug cartel kingpin.... this is how you have to be to survive on the streets.. excellent acting by Jim Brown who in real life is a PEACE ACTIVIST.. Ving Rhames does an excellent performance ,, who i think is worthy of an academy award nomination....Chazz Palminteri also performed well as a supporting actor.... this is a must see movie for Kids going down the wrong path in life,, since it shows the consequences of a leading a violent lifestyle....
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8/10
To survive in the streets you need to be smart...
freddy_at_home3 September 2005
I just saw a screening of this one. I was very happy with how the movie was. I love prison movies and love seeing how they live. Ving Rhames plays The Animal (James) a gangster who kills just for fun and ends up in prison for armed robbery and attempted murder. His son grows up to be just like his father. The Animal is a strong and true story about one man's choice and to have the guts to take it.

I liked this movie. I am a Ving Rhames fan and he did it again. If you like Ving Rhames and like prison movies and gangster movies I think you will like this one.

8/10 Stars in my book
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8/10
Very good prison movie
Hang_All_Drunkdrivers22 January 2007
Ving Rhames plays "animal" the toughest guy on the street. Naturally he ends up in prison where he meets an old con, Berwell, played by football great Jim Brown. Berwell tries to make him understand that all the hate in society is part of a conspiracy led by the rich and powerful to keep the poor and middle class fighting among themselves. Divide and conquer. THEY want us to hate blacks and whites and hispanics. And hate homeless and homosexuals and convicts. And hate muslims and jews and catholics. If we're busy doing that, then we won't hate the rich and powerful - the ones we should hate.

Anyway, he explains this to animal and i'll let you watch the movie to see how much impact it has. I really liked this show but then, i like most prison movies.
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8/10
An important movie that needs to be seen
spencerpriest28 December 2005
Ving Rhames has made a very important movie that needs a much wider audience than it has received thus far. The story is that of a man who is living a life on a road to nowhere, with a wife and son (Terrence Howard) but without a clue how to be a husband or father. He ends up in jail, and meets a man (Jim Brown) who changes how he sees himself, those around him, and life itself. He returns only to find that his son has become the very man he once was, and is now trying to forget. What follows is a moving tale about how a father does all he can to make life better for the next generation.

Rhames and Howard are excellent in their lead roles while Chazz Palminteri and Jim Brown are solid support. Though not of the highest cinematic quality, the film serves its purpose well and delivers a message to a young generation in desperate need of guidance. If you want to be moved and provoked to think critically, this movie is the perfect recipe.
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8/10
A simple movie yet inspiring
passionborn24 August 2009
This was not the best movie; but it did not have the run of the mill concept in the storyline or the acting. Good job by Ving Rhames, Jim Brown and Terence Howard. I love the message this movie embodies; it sends out an inspiring message to the disillusioned and the ignorant. It's a positive message that can change lives if people learn from the message and apply the wisdom attained. Honestly, I love what Jim said to Ving about the ignorant killing each other, and about being smart instead of tough in the streets. Kudos to the people who worked on this project; there needs to be more movies made with the same or similar practices and ideas. There was a movie named " Saving God One Soul At A Time " Ving Rhames stars in this movie also which I've found to have a similar message. If anyone enjoys this movie you will definitely like " Saving One Soul At A Time " as well.
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8/10
Much better than the usual "hood" movie
philip_18725 September 2012
"Animal" is much better than it's rating here... It's a powerful piece of work. The best thing about it are the great performances by Ving Rhames and Terrence Howard, including a nice support role by football legend Jim Brown. It's true, the production values here are very low, but in terms of story and especially the acting, it's a great thing to watch. It does not rely on stereotypes, yet shows important scenes from living in the neighborhood, criminal life, and making choices. There is some violence in it, but it's not the central part of the movie. It's mostly about the development of the characters. I think that with a bigger budget "Animal" would've gotten a much higher critical response. I enjoyed it very much, I thought the script and story were quite decent, but the most impressive part was the powerful performances by two of the greatest African-American actors today - Award nominee Terrence Howard and of course Ving Rhames. I highly recommend this one, do not be fooled by the ratings.
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8/10
this is a "no B.S." movie!!
tmerc415 October 2006
This is a serious piece of film. Ving Rhames is one of the really under-rated actors out there right now....and Jim Brown is rock solid as the man who finally forces Animal to take a look at himself. The thing is: Brown's character makes Animal realize that while he's the way he is as a result of the Black Experience in America, he doesn't have to stay that way. There is a way out, you just have take the responsibility for finding it for yourself. I love the historical references in the movie, and the hard look it takes at how we are sometimes our own worst enemies, based on a silly concepts like skin tone. Beautiful, powerful film.
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10/10
Great film filled with reality. Ving Rhames shines in "Animal."
awwpublisher5 April 2006
Wow. I was glad I rented this movie. Actually it just so happens that my teen boys and I sat down and watched this movie together. We don't do that often, but "Animal" gave us a lot to think about. Ving Rhames' performance was his best, thus far! I like the fact that we see the side of the criminal that most films don't show, a person who really truly wants to change from what he used to be and into what his true purpose is in life. Terrence Howard, of course, always breaths life and realness into his characters. I felt sorry for his character as, again, we see the reality that young African-American men, although urged to grow up real fast in the face of taking the big responsibility of heading the household (forgive the run-ons), still have this little kid inside of them who thirsts/screams to be a young child, held and loved. All of the actors were great, the script was great, and Ving Rhames'crying scene in which he goes back into his childhood, is superb. I know my sons were so effected by "Animal" because we talked about 20 minutes after the movie ended about the Willie Lynch letter and the boys asked questions and I answered as best I could. I was so impressed with "Animal that weeks later I searched to buy a VHS version for at least one hour at a local movie rental house. I was disappointed I couldn't find it on VHS. Go see Animal, it's great.
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10/10
Just my views.
jayrdrakeford26 February 2006
I saw the movie in class and I have to right a paper on how I perceived it. I have taken the time to read a lot of your comments and a lot of you are right, it is an excellent movie. The part that got me is that a lot of people don't understand why things happen the way they do. You have the right to say that the upper collar worker doesn't go to the inner cities to buy drugs. I would have to disagree with you. I am from the city and see it everyday. I have lost so many friends to the streets. It is sad to say the least. But, the true sad part is this way of life is called "survival" where I come from. This film is to show us that it starts at home, to want better for yourself and your children.
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10/10
Animal worthy of an Academy Award
Barbsignsu23 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I'm shocked that this movie and it's cast didn't get more recognition or get nominated for Academy Awards. Terrence Howard, was magnificent in his roll as Darius. He showed TRUE emotions as James' son in this flick. Terrence was so REAL. Hunter Howard who played young Darius in the beginning of the movie -- Is he Terrence Howard's real life son? I believe Terrence has a son named Hunter, and this young man sure did look just like his Daddy. I loved this movie. I'm so stoked to see Terrence Howard finally get the respect and attention he's having now in Hollywood. Terrence deserves an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal as DJay in Hustle & Flow. If they had nominated him as Best Supporting Actor in Animal, he would have had a good chance of winning it as well.
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10/10
Amazing film
ajamu-enterprise27 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Amazing film one of the best films I've seen in my life, Ving Rhames played the part excellently. The film starts off has a grimy gangster movie but the he film ends with a positive message about the about how black people are trapped in the Willie lynch syndrome. The film explains how it keeps black people in a constant slave mentality that keeps black people down generation after generation and how to break free from it.

The story shows the harsh reality about life growing up on the streets, which is marred by guns and drugs and how it can be difficult to change your life and those around you.
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10/10
This was a hot @$$ movie!!!
jessicadooley10 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was the best movie i ever seen. All the action and fighting that was going on made it to be a movie thats in real life and its not like there is magic making it a fake movie. I hated it at first and then until i really watched it i fell in love with it. I even went out to get the second movie. You cant watch one without the other. Ving Rhames really played the part and played the part well. I cant wait to see of there is going to be a part 3. Anyone that has not seen the movie i would suggest that they do. What Ving Rhames did in prison to defend himself was amazing. The wise man that he met that changed his life really added to the movie well.
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