Poetic Justice

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Director John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood, Rosewood) made an earnest effort in this, his second, film to say a great deal that is true and relevant about living and loving in a violent, difficult time in American history. Janet Jackson plays a beautician and poet who withdraws into herself after her boyfriend is murdered by gangsters. The late Tupac Shakur plays a postman who tries to get through to her, and the two travel on a course through urban America, connecting with family and community. Singleton has so much on his mind that the film comes out a terrible muddle, but there is a certain integrity peeking through the fog. Shakur makes a startlingly good impression in his film debut, and Jackson strips away her star veneer to play something like a real person--and entirely succeeds. Maya Angelou wrote the poems that pass as those penned by Jackson's character, and she also appears in the film. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Not Singleton's Finest Moment, But Still Worth Watching.......2007-07-11

It's clear what Singleton attempted to do with this one, and I'd say it was a noble effort. Of course the script could've been tighter and the climax stronger and more rewarding, thus resulting in a more worthwhile film. However, in the film's defense, the charismatic Tupac shines while convincingly helming the sole well-conceived role. He's the best reason -- perhaps the only reason -- viewers should join in on the film's road trip to Oakland. He's subtle but confident, forceful but not heavy-handed, complex but genuine -- all the things that have also made him a legendary (and sorely missed) rapper. On the other hand, regarding Ms. Jackson... Well, I'll attempt to simply and kindly take the high road and say she probably shouldn't attempt to act again (unless she takes some drama classes). Janet simply doesn't get it. She doesn't understand the craft. She "acts" throughout the entire movie, something a skilled and experienced performer would never be caught doing. Perhaps Singleton was just too smitten with her to inform her that performing requires more than just emoting and script recitation. I understand that fans of Janet's music will invariably take issue with my comments, but if they'd simply separate her on-screen skills from her (heavily studio-enhanced) musical skills, I believe they'd have to agree with me. And it doesn't help that Janet's character (Justice) isn't a well-written, fully-developed and focused role; that's Singleton's fault -- not Janet's. Also, in the movie, fans of Maya Angelou will enjoy her cameo and the verses she wrote for Janet's character, a poet. And the fan(s) of Regina King will appreciate the challenging, range-revealing character stretch she takes on: she portrays a sassy, shallow, one-dimensional young lady with an attitude (that's something we've never seen her play before). Overall, Poetic Justice isn't one of Sigleton's finest moments, but again, revisiting Tupac's performance makes it entertaining and somewhat worthwhile.

Realler than most.......2007-05-03

This is a great movie. Shows real life, the difficulties trying to communicate to the opposite sex. and growing up with the struggles of everyday life.

Someone wrote terrible movie and Lucky acts like a dog. . .but if you watch the whole thing and understand it. Here is a guy stuck with a girl he is into, already uneasy from earlier. and the only way to get her attention is to call her names. The frustration should of been apparent.
I would say this is one of Tupac's best works on film. His skill only got better as he matured. But since he was so young. He did a good job. And unlike what was said before, he was acting. He wasnt playing himself. Only someone who listen to the media and news reports to make that judgment, would say that. Then to turn around and praise Janet, for her acting cause of her life experiences? that just dont make sense. She did a good job. I think the Poem was too mature for her character. Maybe it would of been better served if she was older and reminiscing on the trip. But it was a little too much for her.

THe rest of the cast is good. Joe Torry, Regina King and Tone Loc are all great. Showing the everday life, and the struggles trying to survive day to day, and connect with someone.

Better than a Hood Movie, its a great Coming of age/ love story. Its more realistic than most.

Janet Jackson at her best!!!!.......2007-02-14

The film Poetic Justice to me is a great one. The first time I saw this film, I fell in love with it, especially the characters. Janet's character, Justice, struck a chord in me. She went through a lot, but she also gained strength. Tupac's character, Lucky, I fell in love with him. Chicago, what an idiot, and Regina King's character, Iesha, interesting. This film is a good one, and I loved it. One of my favorite films of all time!!!

Great Movie - Bad DVD Release........2006-09-24

I want to start by saying that I didn't see this film when it was first released. I saw it when it came on t.v. one night in '98 or '99. Anyways, I enjoyed the film and I believe it parallels what life is like for many people. Althought I intially saw the the t.v. edit, my feeling about the film only deepened when I bought the tape, and later the DVD. (I do have the original artwork on my DVD cover BTW.)

While I buy Janet's portrayl as Justice, in my opinion, it is Tupac who steals the show. Whether or not he is playing himself, it works. I also buy Regina Kings' performance. She is the ignorant and careless friend That I have tried to save from herself.

While the film does go in many directions and leave me with many unanswered questions, for me real-life isn't much different. There's something in this film that I relate to and whenever I want to escape from my own life for a while, this is one of the films I turn to.

I gave it 4 stars because the DVD itself is lacking. I would have given it 3 stars, but it has Directors' Commentary, which is something I enjoy. :o) I also apreciate the addition of the subtitles, but I would have really loved to see a small documentary or even reflections on the film from Miss Jackson, Regina King - Anyone! And I can't believe there's not even one deleted scene. Pitiful. . .

Shot out to Dennis and Michael...two idiots. .......2006-08-08

1. to Michael: Lucky blames Justice because he was late to Oakland because of the time them two spent on the beach (then he realizes that he was just mad at the time and apologizes to her...

to Dennis (who said "at least Tupac is dead"): may Tupac Amaru Shakur rest in peace..God bless his soul. Some people who just don't understand..but the acting was great...you probably just think it's exaggerated cuz you are ignorant and you haven't seen this type of hood drama. It was actually a very real and accurate account of problems that these type of communities face..and how people actually act (fights in relationships, disrespect between men and women. Lucky was treating Justice in a disrespectful manner..but that is just an accurate portrayal of how men in the hood don't know how to come at a woman that he's interested in..so they just trip.

To all of those good-hearted people who would not bless the death of no-one...and who understand or are open-minded to learn about what life really is like for some people..and the emotioins and pain and joy that they feel ....check out this great movie.

Thank you John Singleton for brightening a day in my life..the day that I chose to rent this movie. Thank you for your honesty in portraying what life is like.

Peace-

The John Singleton Collection (Boyz N the Hood, Poetic Justice, Higher Learning)

Average customer rating:

Great idea

The John Singleton Collection (Boyz N the Hood, Poetic Justice, Higher Learning)
Starring: John Singleton
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005JD5K
Release Date: 2001-07-03

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Boyz N the Hood
John Singleton, at the age of 23, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his debut film, Boyz N the Hood. The film stars Laurence Fishburne, Angela Basset, Ice Cube, and Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. in his first starring role in a feature film. Gooding plays Tre Styles, a teenager growing up in South Central Los Angeles. His father, Furious (Fishburne), is divorced and living away from Tre and his mother (Basset), but he's still involved in Tre's upbringing, teaching him the values of right and wrong and responsibility. Meanwhile, Tre's childhood buddies Ricky (Morris Chestnut) and Doughboy (Ice Cube) are living their lives in terms of the epidemic of violence and poverty that has plagued their neighborhood. Ricky, a talented football player, strives to get a full athletic scholarship to college. If only his SAT scores were higher. Doughboy lives a life full of crime but still remains true to his friends. The obstacles that these three young men come across result in dire consequences, devastatingly avoidable and inevitable at the same time. Boyz N the Hood is a landmark film beyond its commercial success, presenting a portrait of South Central in the late '80s and early '90s as painted by Singleton (who grew up in that neighborhood), achieving accuracy and dramatic resonance in this story of at-risk youth. --Shannon Gee

Poetic Justice
Director John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood, Rosewood) made an earnest effort in this, his second, film to say a great deal that is true and relevant about living and loving in a violent, difficult time in American history. Janet Jackson plays a beautician and poet who withdraws into herself after her boyfriend is murdered by gangsters. The late Tupac Shakur plays a postman who tries to get through to her, and the two travel on a course through urban America, connecting with family and community. Singleton has so much on his mind that the film comes out a terrible muddle, but there is a certain integrity peeking through the fog. Shakur makes a startlingly good impression in his film debut, and Jackson strips away her star veneer to play something like a real person--and entirely succeeds. Maya Angelou wrote the poems that pass as those penned by Jackson's character, and she also appears in the film. --Tom Keogh

Higher Learning
This ambitious 1995 film by John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood) doesn't quite succeed at painting the illuminating, collective portrait of college life in the '90s that the director seeks. But Singleton does do a fine job of defining some conflicting impulses for young people on the cusp of adulthood, particularly the desire to broaden horizons on the one hand and circle the wagons with like-minded allies on the other. Students in the film's Columbus University divide themselves along lines of race, sexual preferences, ideology, and, most dangerously, levels of paranoia. Among the fine cast is Michael Rapaport, who portrays a loner drawn to a local community of neo-Nazis. His resultant problems with the school's African-Americans takes over the story at the expense of other, parallel dramas, but Singleton's insights into race hatred on campus--a microcosm of the surrounding culture--is not to be dismissed. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Great idea.......2001-07-28

These are three of the best in black entertainment that are on DVD. Putting these movies into a gift set is what I really like. Buy this set, it is great.

Baby Boy/Boyz N the Hood/Poetic Justice: The Collection

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Baby Boy/Boyz N the Hood/Poetic Justice: The Collection
Starring: Boyz N the Hood , Baby Boy , and Poetic Justice
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000BITV9W
Release Date: 2005-12-06

Average customer rating:

Not Singleton's Finest Moment, But Still Worth Watching
Realler than most
Janet Jackson at her best!!!!
Great Movie - Bad DVD Release.
Shot out to Dennis and Michael...two idiots.

Poetic Justice [Region 2]
Starring: Janet Jackson , Tupac Shakur , Regina King , Joe Torry , and Tyra Ferrell
Director: John Singleton
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000085RQ1

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Not Singleton's Finest Moment, But Still Worth Watching.......2007-07-11

Realler than most.......2007-05-03

Janet Jackson at her best!!!!.......2007-02-14

Great Movie - Bad DVD Release........2006-09-24

Shot out to Dennis and Michael...two idiots. .......2006-08-08

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