Review of Boyz n the Hood (1991) by Jay L — 17 Aug 2012

"INCREASE THE PEACE...".

A powerfully influential masterpiece. A legendary American epic that must be seen by EVERYONE. A timeless portrait of pure cinematic brilliance that radiates with emotion, education, inspiration and above all..TRUTH. A truly electrifying and magnetic masterwork that was not only relevent in its time, but as well as today and it will always be relevent. Boyz In The Hood is one of the most brutally honest and hard-hitting films that I have ever seen. One of the best American films out there, an urban drama about life in the "Hood" that has a powerful message and gets it across flawlessly. The only downfall of this film is that it was spoofed and it was the basis for some seriously far less superior films (although The Wayans Brother's "Dont Be A Menace To South Central While Drinkin Your Juice In The Hood" was pretty damn hilarious. Director John Singleton (Shaft, Baby Boy, Hustle And Flow) has helmed some excellent films, but Boyz In The Hood is by far his absolute best work, a work of pure radiant brilliance that shines with supremely powerful themes and messages. At age 24, John Singleton was the youngest Director to ever be nominated for an Academy Award, now thats quite the astoniahing feat folks. "Boyz In The Hood is an intensely personal portrait that paints a picture of life and death in the urban jungle of South Central Los Angeles." A stirring, intimate, emotional, touching, dazzling, heartful, unflinching, honest, truthful, sad, fantastic, masterful and astounding work of art that should be shown to everyone and that everyone must see at least once, yes the messages and the themes in this film are that powerful.

Cuba Gooding Jr. gives the most magnetically astonishing performance of his entire career, he is absolutely brilliant throughout. Morris Chestnut is equally as powerful in his co-starring role as a scholared football player whom is on the brink of escaping the harsh realities of the hood. Ice Cube gives his first feature length petformance and makes the transition from Hip Hop superstar to movie star quite well. Lawrence Fishburne is incredible for the duration. Angela Bassett is fantastic all the way through, and Nia Long is superb as well. A hugely talented cast in a brilliantly legendary film, a must-see, must-own film folks.