Review of Boyz n the Hood (1991) by Scott M — 27 Nov 2012

Hollywood has churned out story after story after story. Some are inspirational; some are hilarious; and some are heart-wrenching. But with so many stories comes to question whether these stories are thrown out to the public simply as techniques to stir audiences emotionally or to actively broaden the perspectives audiences may have to act out and do something that the world may be inspired by. I personally don't believe that movies will have that kind of impact, but "Boyz n the Hood" manages to do something that many films fail to do: be pure and honest.

The film has good intentions. America as it stands, is looked at as a prosperous, safe, and united nation. Not in the hood. The hood's a dangerous place, which is the main theme that lies in "Boyz n the Hood". This theme's been done an exhaustive amount of times. I could just imagine critics saying, "Yes, we get it black America." Regardless, the way the characters are portrayed, how direct the themes are addressed, and how they're resolved delivered in such an extremely pure, honest, and true to the heart manner, that this theme hits home powerfully. It's apparently clear that the purpose of this film is not just to bring awareness with a lukewarm attempt, but full-heartily wants to pry audiences off their chairs to do something. However, I must stress that it is not executed in a way that is too preachy as well (I'm looking at you "Crash"). It's an engaging narrative bolstered with genuinely relatable characters and a script that's flexible and smooth. I haven't seen a film this straight-forward and non-deceptive with no agenda for a very, very long time.

"Boyz n the Hood" might not have the straps of a technically marvelous film. It doesn't have the prettiest cinematography, camerawork, or editing, but the heart behind the film, the genuinely engaging characters, the themes, and messages push the film to great heights. "Boyz n the Hood" is more than an entertaining hoodrat flick.