While Chris Brancato's script doesn't reveal anything new or surprising (students of history and fans of The Cotton Club already know how this film ends), it's a competent piece of storytelling that incorporates elements of human interest with the threat of escalating violence.

James Berardinelli

ReelViews

And while Mr. Duke's direction has visual panache, the movie is unevenly paced.

Stephen Holden

The New York Times

At the very least, Hoodlum might have been better off had it been filmed in monochromatic black-and-white instead of the garish color palette (and plenty of gore) that Duke opted for because they, unfortunately, only reinforce the hamminess of the picture.

Marc Savlov

Austin Chronicle