Review of Tales from the Hood (1995) by Robert P — 14 Aug 2010
Despite poor writing, uneven direction, an overabundance of ridiculous heavy handed symbolism and awkward performances, "Tales from the Hood" is not only not a bad film, but is often an admirable (more so for what it doesn't do than for what it does) one.
Examples of what it doesn't do:
1. Glorify violence, drug dealing or the more unsavory aspects of "hood life" that have been glamorized so thoroughly in rap songs and movies.
2. Litter the film with hip hop songs in an effort to "appeal" to its "base" (the score is by Christopher Young and the soundtrack only uses rap when a character is specifically listening to it. Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit", on the other hand, is featured prominently).
3. Present african-american neighborhoods as hellish dens of violence, degradation and degradation where "kill or be killed" is the sole way of life.
4. Focus entirely on gun-toting, drug dealing, ebonics using young men. Only one story, in fact, features them.
Despite its unfortunate title, a "hoodsploitation" film this is not.
This review of Tales from the Hood (1995) was written by Robert P on 14 Aug 2010.
Tales from the Hood has generally received positive reviews.
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