The crack epidemic of the 1980’s proved to be a boon for
drug dealers, law makers, and the American media alike. By the latter half of the decade, it had
permeated the American consciousness via endless news coverage and fear
mongering. Strangely, it had yet to receive
a crime film that purported to put the phenomenon in perspective. Scarface
had mythologized the “Cocaine Cowboys” era of Miami in way that still resonates
today. The gangster films released by
Warner Brothers pictures during the 1930’s paid tribute to the kingpins and
vices of that particular era, to the delight of that days movie audiences. Was crack cocaine not worthy of similar honors? Again, Warner Brothers pictures sought to
properly dramatize the prevailing criminal trends of the era and reap the
financial rewards. On March 8th
1991, American moviegoers were given a guided tour of New Jack City.
