King of New York (1990)

King of New York (1990) Plot

In the action-packed thriller The Reign of the King of New York, we follow the infamous drug lord, Frank White, on his mission to dominate the criminal underworld in the heart of New York City. Freshly released from prison, White wastes no time and, together with his loyal crew led by the trigger-happy Jimmy Jump, takes charge by eliminating rival gangs, including the Colombian drug cartel and Triad.

As White’s notoriety rises, he captures the attention of the relentless NYPD narcotics squad, consisting of Detectives Bishop, Gilley, and Flanigan. But, alas, they lack the concrete evidence needed to put the cuffs on the elusive King of New York. Determined to bring him to justice, they shift their focus to nabbing White’s henchmen, leveraging the help of a cooperating informant from the Colombian drug cartel.

However, White’s team of cunning lawyers swoops in and manages to free his captured crew members. Gilley and Flanigan grow increasingly frustrated and decide to take matters into their own hands, launching a covert operation to take down White and his gang. They strike during a wild night club party, resulting in a bloody shootout that claims the lives of many of White’s men. While White and Jump escape, they find themselves relentlessly pursued by the vengeful detectives.

Tragedy strikes during the chase as Jump ambushes and mortally wounds Flanigan. Consumed by grief, Gilley seeks retribution at Flanigan’s funeral, only to meet a sudden and brutal end at the hands of the remorseless King of New York in a drive-by shooting.

The suspense reaches its peak when White confronts Detective Bishop in an intense showdown at his apartment. With guns drawn and tensions running high, White explains his motives for wiping out the Colombian drug cartel and Triad – his disdain for their involvement in human trafficking and child prostitution. Restraining Bishop to a chair, White slips away, leaving the detective to reckon with his fate.

A thrilling chase ensues as Bishop escapes his restraints and pursues White into the subway. The two adversaries face off, guns locked, but White resorts to using an innocent bystander as a shield. In the exchange of gunfire, Bishop tragically falls, sealing his own fate in this high-stakes game against the King of New York.

With a gunshot wound to his chest, White makes a desperate dash to Times Square, seeking refuge in a taxi. But his reign comes to a climactic end as the police close in, and the King meets his final breath, leaving a city forever marked by his ruthless rule.

The Reign of the King delivers an adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster of a movie, filled with captivating action, unexpected twists, and unforgettable characters. For all American English movie enthusiasts who crave suspense and intensity, this thrilling crime drama will have you at the edge of your seat until the very last moment.

King of New York (1990) Cast

• Christopher Walken as Frank White
• David Caruso as Detective Dennis Gilley
• Laurence Fishburne (credited as Larry Fishburne) as Jimmy “Jump” Colt
• Victor Argo as Lieutenant Roy Bishop
• Wesley Snipes as Detective Tommy Flanigan
• Janet Julian as Jennifer
• Giancarlo Esposito as Lance
• Paul Calderón as Joey Dalesio
• Steve Buscemi as “Test Tube”
• Joey Chin as Larry Wong
• Theresa Randle as Raye
• Leonard L. Thomas as “Blood”
• Roger Guenveur Smith as Tanner
• Carrie Nygren as Melanie
• Ernest Abuba as Tito “King Tito” Salvador
• Frank Adonis as Paul Calgari
• Erica Gimpel as Dr. Shute
• Frank Gio as Arty Clay
• Robert LaSardo as Nico
• Harold Perrineau as Subway Mugger
• James Lorinz as Detective Tip Connolly
• Gary Landon Mills as “Chilly”
• Alonna Shaw as Kathleen Mulligan-Connolly
• Jay Julien as Abraham Cott
• Freddy Howard as Emilio “El Zapa”
• Lia Chang as Triad Member
• Vanessa Angel as British Woman
• Phoebe Legere as Prostitute
• Freddie Jackson as Himself
• Ariane Koizumi as Herself
• Pete Hamill as Himself
• David Proval as Card Player (uncredited)

King of New York (1990) Review

Step into the captivating world of crime cinema with the absolute classic, King of New York, a film that sets the bar high for all gangster flicks. If you claim to know your way around the genre, this movie is a must-watch, right up there with the greats like “Carlito’s Way,” “New Jack City,” and “Scarface.” Prepare to be on the edge of your seat, hitting that replay button repeatedly.

Christopher Walken’s portrayal of “Frank White” is nothing short of masterful. His blank expressions and clever quips have become synonymous with the rise of a person determined to achieve their ambitions, no matter the cost. Laurence Fishburne’s role as “Jimmy Jump,” the tough and trigger-happy gunman who stands by White’s side, adds a gritty and raw touch to the movie.

The line “You never seen a bank like Frank White” is enough to showcase the immense impact King of New York has had on our culture. It’s so widely referenced that most people may not even realize the origin of the phrase when they hear it. Seriously, this film is a true gem 😀

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