Rating: 
Summary: socrates fortlow comes alive on the screen
Review: After seeing the HBO movie Always Outnumbered,Always Outgunned, I immediately went out and purchased Walter Mosely's book. The book, like the movie sucks you in and makes you feel the pain that Socrates Fortlow (Laurence Fishburne) has experienced and how he's trying to rebuild his life after prison. The story is captivating and the characters seem as real as life. Watch this movie, you won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Always Outnumbered
Review: Always outnumbered always outgunned is a moving story about the life of an ex-con from Indiana called Socrates (played by L.Fisburne) who had been doing time in Indiana Department of Correction for a double homicide he committed 27 years prior to being released. And, he presently lives out his days in California, in a small one bedroom apartment. He persistently seeks out a daliy living collecting cans. Hardly being able to afford basic amenities, he [told untruths] to get a job. Yet, he had many friends, and tried very hard to be a good citizen. His dreams and memories haunted him, but they never caused him to loose his sanity or to return to a life of crime. His philosophy of life is astounding: In the movie (He)fought against poverty, age descrimination, domestic violence, prostitution, [ending life], juvenile delinquency, and social resentment....
This movie is a winner.
Rating:
Summary: Show this One to Prisoners
Review: Anyone who thinks this is a "slow" movie hasn't shown it to prisoners, the way I have. They love it. They identify with Socrates, understand his nobility. They see that Socrates can tell them something positive about themselves. Socrates knows his anger and how it has caused him to damage others in the past. The flashbacks to his crime are common among violent criminals and his warning never to harm again. Socrates has figured out how to take who he is as he is and make it work for himself and for all the people around him. He's a true hero and a role model for these "tough guys," the prisoners--a protector, never again a destroyer. The message I hope the prisoners pick up is about renunciation, retribution, and restitution. We correctional educators don't give up on these men but always have to believe they will find their way as Socrates eventually does.
This movie could only have been made by people who have been there and lived it. It is a gem.
Rating:
Summary: Show this One to Prisoners
Review: Anyone who thinks this is a "slow" movie hasn't shown it to prisoners, the way I have. They love it. They identify with Socrates, understand his nobility. They see that Socrates can tell them something positive about themselves. Socrates knows his anger and how it has caused him to damage others in the past. The flashbacks to his crime are common among violent criminals and his warning never to harm again. Socrates has figured out how to take who he is as he is and make it work for himself and for all the people around him. He's a true hero and a role model for these "tough guys," the prisoners--a protector, never again a destroyer. The message I hope the prisoners pick up is about renunciation, retribution, and restitution. We correctional educators don't give up on these men but always have to believe they will find their way as Socrates eventually does.
This movie could only have been made by people who have been there and lived it. It is a gem.
Rating:
Summary: Laurence Fishbourne in yet another great movie!!!
Review: Dig it...this movie is one that highlights the strengths of a man, and the motives he carries to survive - and teach others to survive in the mean streets of Los Angelas. Others have said that this movie is slow. I think this assessment comes because it is not an action film. It is a movie filled with dialogue that can tap ones spirit, and help you see the world in ways that you have forsaken. This is an important movie, mainly because it depicts the strength and will of a man...which is hardly portrayed in black films. This is a must for anyone who wishes to understand the dilemmas of lives that they are normally not acquainted with. Fishbourne is excellent, as is the supporting cast.
Rating: 
Summary: Larry Fishburne, excellent performance!!!
Review: I liked this movie because one of the scenes portrays exactly what happens when you are an African-American looking for a job in the U.S. Yes, it was slow, but it kept my interest. I plan to buy this movie and keep it in my library. My husband and I really enjoyed it. That ex-con was pretty smart.
Rating:
Summary: Strong story
Review: I really enjoyed the book and now I'm glad I finally saw the movie on video. It was also very good to see that it was produced by actor Larry Fishburn and the author Walter Mosley."Always Outnumbered" is such a compelling story. Mosely is not only trying to tell a very good story, he's also making strong social statements. He's trying to get us to understand the human condition and the need to have compassion for those who have made great mistakes in their life. Socrates, the protaganist in this story, seeks redemption--but not redemption for its own sake. He made a mistake and now he's trying to find a way to get his life back on path, but he's not about doing it for selfish reasons. He just wants people to treat eachother better. Even in his violent way confronting problems, he just wants himself and others to be better. In other words, he doesn't want himself or others to "always be outnumber, always outgunned." Lastly, I would like to say that production of this film is good. The narration by one of Socrate's friends helps to bring about continuity to the film. The director also using lots of panning shots and bright and dark lighting to convey social alienation of Los Angeles, particularly Watts, where Socrates lives. This is not a major motion picture, but it's just the type of HBO film that respects a good story.
Rating:
Summary: Strong story
Review: I really enjoyed the book and now I'm glad I finally saw the movie on video. It was also very good to see that it was produced by actor Larry Fishburn and the author Walter Mosley. "Always Outnumbered" is such a compelling story. Mosely is not only trying to tell a very good story, he's also making strong social statements. He's trying to get us to understand the human condition and the need to have compassion for those who have made great mistakes in their life. Socrates, the protaganist in this story, seeks redemption--but not redemption for its own sake. He made a mistake and now he's trying to find a way to get his life back on path, but he's not about doing it for selfish reasons. He just wants people to treat eachother better. Even in his violent way confronting problems, he just wants himself and others to be better. In other words, he doesn't want himself or others to "always be outnumber, always outgunned." Lastly, I would like to say that production of this film is good. The narration by one of Socrate's friends helps to bring about continuity to the film. The director also using lots of panning shots and bright and dark lighting to convey social alienation of Los Angeles, particularly Watts, where Socrates lives. This is not a major motion picture, but it's just the type of HBO film that respects a good story.
Rating:
Summary: Glad I Stumbled Upon this Movie!
Review: I saw this movie at 3:30 am this morning. I kept telling myself to get up and go to bed but the movie captivated me! I am a big Walter Mosely fan and you could sense his contributions throughout the movie. The characters were well developed and mesmerizing! Laurence Fishburn was especially wonderful as Socrates, he captured his spirit completely. There was a feeling of suspense as you wondered whether he would "do the right thing" or succumb to the temptations of South Central L.A.! I hope Mr. Mosely continues to make movies using his wonderful books, filled with his fascinating characters!
Rating:
Summary: Always Outnumbered
Review: I saw this movie at 3:30 am this morning. I kept telling myself to get up and go to bed but the movie captivated me! I am a big Walter Mosely fan and you could sense his contributions throughout the movie. The characters were well developed and mesmerizing! Laurence Fishburn was especially wonderful as Socrates, he captured his spirit completely. There was a feeling of suspense as you wondered whether he would "do the right thing" or succumb to the temptations of South Central L.A.! I hope Mr. Mosely continues to make movies using his wonderful books, filled with his fascinating characters!
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