Spike Lee turned down this script. That says it all. But I still wish it came out on DVD. I think it's still a Hip Hop classic from that era. Shame it only grossed like 3 million. Problaby cost a million to produce though. They should have promoted this a little bit more. I remember significant delays with this movie being released and problems on the set with Rick Rubin. It should have been a better movie with those caliber of stars. But by 1988 Run-DMC and the Beasties were starting to fade out a little. It was a should have or would have movie. Nowadays, 50 cent gets a 30 million dollar movie budget and top notch promotion.

This movie is a gulity pleasure. It takes us to a world where if you punch a guy he files in the air, girls ask you out and murder is cool. Run-DMC basically plays themselves on steriods in this hip hop semi classic. If you haven't seen it, see if you can find it.

I bought this film based entirely on the fact that I'm a RUN DMC fan, and I wasn't disappointed. It's surprisingly well directed, considering Rick Rubin is a record producer and as far as I know had no experience, and the acting is much better than you might expect. Jam Master Jay is especially good in a Tarantino-esqe storytelling scene in the beginning when DMC is released from prison and Jay and RUN go to pick him up. Run is also very good. DMC was great in his action scenes, and even though his lines weren't done wonderfully, he's not at all bad either. In fact, everyone does surprisingly well, for being mostly Musicians and their producers and managers. Jenny Lumet is really sexy as well as being a pretty good actress, I'm surprised that I haven't seen her more. Great action sequences, excellent introduction, and totally cool party scenes with Slick Rick and the Beastie Boys rapping, and DMC drinking from a 40 of OE. A very underrated movie!

What can I say about this breakthrough movie? It's got all the making of a classic...intense special effects, great acting, Run DMC, nail-biting suspense, and the Beastie Boys. You can't help being drawn into the fast-paced story of revenge and greed. But I think its those tender, heart-warming moments that really make "Tougher than Leather" one of Run DMC's best films to date. Take for example the touching scene were Russell Simmons attempts to pick up 2 fly honeys....RS - "Hey Baby you wanna do the wild thing?" FH1 - "No" RS - "Hey Baby you wanna do the wild thing?" FH2 - "Sure"I tell you there was not a dry eye in the house. And that clever scene where Jam Master Jay attempts to get some information out of a bartender with the aid of his "rich friends" Benjamin Franklin and his twin brother. Simply brilliant.But seriously folks: This movie was definitely worth the $2 Australian dollars (1.60 US) that we paid to rent it, but just barely.