Flix book review
The Taking of
Dancing With the Devil
Author Mark Curry
Pelham 1 2 3
At first glance, when I received an unsolicited email
publicizing Mark Curry’s new book Dancing with the Devil that
included a picture with Sean Combs suspended in a daunting
position with horns on the cover, I was a bit skeptical. I further
speculated that Curry was an embittered artist that didn’t fit
the bill for Diddy’s “over the top” standards and was therefore
let go in bad taste like so many of his hopeful protégés
who voluntarily sign up for a chance to be besmirched on
national television. But my dislike for Combs’ arrogance and
Release Date: 12 June 2009
superiority complex prompted me to run out and purchase the
Running Time: 121 Minutes
book anyway.
MPAA Rating: Rated R for violence and pervasive
Surprisingly a straightforward read, the book was not
language
complicated by Curry’s opinionated contempt for his former
boss, but rather just the facts
that he more than aptly laid
Review by Crystal Riehl out with pictures provided.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three captivated
From the beginning,
audiences 35 years ago. It was Hollywood movie Curry, who humbly paints
making at its best; at least it was back in 1974. himself as an aspiring rap
artist and lyricist, lays the
The 2009 version, shortened a bit to The Taking of
foundation, giving us the
Pelham 1 2 3, definitely does the original justice and
upfront version of what truly
then some. The 1974 version gave the viewer sus-
went on behind the Bad
pense and action and the latest installment does the Boy Label. Ingeniously, he
original proud. emphasizes throughout
John TravolTa
The story of The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 centers
the book that no matter
as Ryder in Pelham 123.
who you are – friend, foe,
on a criminal mastermind who takes an entire subway
relative or artist – ultimately
train hostage in an attempt to collect a $10 million ransom.
you will be subject to Puff’s
This is where New York City subway dispatcher Walter Garber
questionable business
comes into play. Garber, while
practices and compensation
diligently doing his job monitor-
of your endearing efforts comes second to none.
ing the city’s subway system, Getting right into the nitty-gritty of the Puff-associated
finds that Pelham 1 2 3 has turmoil, Curry begins the book with the ill-fated night at
stopped. In his attempt to find
the Platinum House, a prominent Atlanta nightclub known
out what the problem is, Garber
for celebrity clientele, where he worked as a bouncer. He
is introduced to Ryder and his
explains how he saw firsthand the beef between Puff and
potentially catastrophic plan.
Suge’s camp started after one of Suge’s members was fatally
gunned down by one of Puff’s childhood friends noting Bad
Ryder has taken 18 passen- Boy’s Crip affiliation and Suge’s overt ties with the West Coast
gers hostage and he informs
Bloods.
Garber that if he doesn’t get
Curry begins to really break it down when he gives
$10 million within an hour, he
numerous examples of how Puffy, who regularly cascades
will begin executing hostages.
behind his artists as their promoter, publicist and wanna-
Garber, although confused as
be rap artist, seemingly sold his soul to the devil as he
to what Ryder thinks he can do mysteriously skirts any serious ramifications from his
as a simple dispatcher, thinks mischievous deeds to rob people of their money. One of the
that maybe his thorough and
many highly-publicized events Curry mentions includes the
extensive knowledge of the
basketball tournament Diddy and Dwight “Heavy D” Meyers
subway system could give him
partnered on that resulted in the untimely deaths of nine
the upper hand against Ryder.
teenagers after a stampede ensued when Puff oversold the
The one question plaguing him and everyone attempting to dif-
number of tickets, exceeding the maximum capacity of the
venue.
fuse the situation is, how do they plan to escape if they do get the
money?
He also skirted jail time when he allegedly shot his gun in
the air during a night out with then girlfriend Jennifer Lopez,
Some of what makes this film great is its intensity and ability to
and convinced rapper Shyne, then 21 years old, to take the
keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end.
fall.
There’s so much action that there are moments you can’t fully wrap
your head around everything that is going on.
Of course the book wouldn’t be complete without the
mention of his relationship with Biggie and Puff’s real reaction
Despite the fact that the action and intensity are a very large part
to his death, and his attempt to capitalize on his memory with
of what makes this film great, it also is a factor for some of its short- the launch of Notorious magazine.
comings. Because of its nonstop action, the character develop-
ment falls a bit by the wayside. Due to the plight of the characters,
As far as Curry is concerned, he intermittently mentions
during the course of his ten years working with Puff, the
you want to know more but what the audience learns is minimal.
process of eventually being signed after fulfilling perquisites
However, as this movie already runs just over two hours, maybe it’s
to write hit song after hit song including Bad Boy 4 Life as
best that the development is limited.
well as teaching Puffy how to be a rap artist. It seems that
One of the things I liked most about this film was that Ryder’s
financial strife, punishment and death, as Curry so candidly
plight fit with the times. His reasons for eventually turning to such
points out and proves time and time again will ultimately
drastic criminal action aren’t so cut and dried and they definitely
plague anyone associated with Diddy who will unconscionably
sell you up the river. –Review by Deanna Dunham
seem more palpable considering these economic conditions.
All in all, this film is one of the best I’ve seen so far this year.
c. 2009 NewMark Books
Ryder and Garber couldn’t have a more captivating rapport. Catch
$19.95
this one at the theater and then get it on DVD. This one promises
DeNzel WAshiNgToN as Walter Garber.
to never get old.
199 pages
The Michigan FrontPage • July 10, 2009 21
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