Reviews (86)

So-so action film...
I've never watched the original Shaft, so I have nothing to base this remake on. It's not a very serious action film. Jeffrey Wright and Busta Rhymes providing most of the comic relief. It is interesting to note that Richard Rountree (the original shaft) and Gordon Parks (the original director) played parts in this film.

After watching this film, I can say I don't mind it. I've seen a lot worse, and I've seen better. Atleast with this film, you have Samuel Jackson playing another cool, suave character. It's too bad Venessa William didn't play a more integral part to the story. I would've liked to see a better dynamism between the two. But then again Shaft has always been a lone-ranger of sorts.

This is not a plot-heavy story. It's about a rich kid that murders an African American, but this crime is witnessed by a waitress who goes into hiding after being threatened. Shaft is disheartened by the inadequacy of the system and decides to investigate on his own. Like I said, not plot-heavy.

LEAP rating (each out of 5):
============================
L (Language) - 3 (nothing special, except for Jeff Wright's almost incomprehensible speech)
E (Erotica) - 1 (opening sequence and a good kiss scene)
A (Action) - 3.5 (unapologetic killings)
P (Plot) - 2 (simple plot)

This film should have gotten the "shaft"
"Shaft" (2000)

Shaft's (Richard Roundtree) nephew, also last-named Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson), is the star in this movie. But it is nothing like the original starring Roundtree and directed by Gordon Parks (although both of them make cameos in this film). The first "Shaft" was a blaxploitation flick and is a classic. This movie, directed by John Singleton, seems less black, more made-for-Hollywood. The plot is thin and unlike the original, the only love scene to be found is in pieces during the opening credits. And what was Busta Rhymes' purpose? It added nothing to the movie. Sorry, Sam Jackson is a hell of an actor but his Shaft doesn't make me forget about Roundtree's. -EJR

Singleton ruins yet another legend. somebody stop him.......
Samuel L. Jackson in Shaft could have been a great movie. He has the talent and skill to effectively play the role. Unfortunately, he is prevented from doing a giving a good performance because of the weak direction and script by Hack Extrodinare John Singleton. Someone please stop Mr. Singleton Before he directs again.
Singleton's terrible script and direction turns Shaft into a campy over-the top superhero movie instead of an intruigung murder mystery. Most of the characters come off like cartoonish stereotypes instead of real people the way they did in the 1971 original. Shaft fans know he is smart, smooth and clever; he's subtle about the way he does things. He's not a black batman wannabe as depicted in this film. Perhaps Mr. Singleton dreams of doing a Batman movie and thought he could apply those concepts here. He was sadly mistaken.
In the openeing scene he comes off as menacing and threatening, that he scares the witness even more and puts the white racist (Christian Bale) on the offensive by arresting him. A litle subtlety would have helped the story here and made the character more interesting. In the subplot our menacing shaft threatens a neighborhood drug dealer (Geoffrey Rush) and arrests him on some trumped up charges. While in jail the two consipire to find a witness who can finger Bale's character for the murder he committed. Sounds a lot like Batman Returns doesn't it? Just so he can have something to do, Shaft goes on a macho search to find the witness who can help his case. Personally, I think Singleton wanted to have a ton of frames of Sam Jackson looking cool in Armani leather. This goes on until the last act the movie which turns into a great big comic book action sequence chock full of shootings and mayhem. To conclude the story, the scene where Bale's character is coming to court to finally stand trial for his crimes is ripped straight from Mario Van Peebles ending scene of New Jack City.
Singleton wastes yet another opportunity and fails to utilize his cast of talented actors who do their best with his terrible script. Sadly, Gordon Parks, the man who wrote and directed the original Shaft was on set and Singleton did take the opportunity not pick his brain for ideas or even ask him what he was thinking when he set up certain scenes. This film would have been better if Singleton would have done thatn andjust STUDIED the films of this genere and understood the subtle nuances that make them work before starting this project. Then when he understood what made those films work he could then apply those approaches to his work. John Singleton needs to go back to film school. He still has a lot to learn about the craft of moviemaking.

VERY GOOD REMAKE OF THE 1971 CLASSIC
SHAFT'S SAME-NAMED NEPHEW [SAMUEL L. JACKSON] GOES AFTER A DOMINICAN DRUG LORD AND A RACIST SERIAL KILLER. VERY GOOD REMAKE. IT HAS PLENTY OF GOOD ACTION, AN INTERESTING STORY, AND IT HAS GOOD CHARACTERS. THIS IS ACTUALLY NO BETTER OR WORSE THAN THE ORIGINAL. RICHARD ROUNDTREE [WHO PLAYED THE ORIGINAL SHAFT] AND GORDON PARKS, JR. BOTH MAKE APPEARANCES IN THIS MOVIE.

wonderful remake
a great remake with Jackson being the man Shaft. good action with some unexpected turnabouts. Christian Bale is menacing as the racist who kills Mehki Phifer then has to answer to Shaft and Jeffrey Wright is a spectacular badguy as well. a good ride ... Read more

Reviews (132)

The Best Movie Ever
2 Fast 2 Furious is the best movie ever.Better then the first one.There were more practical cars in the first one and in the second is more exotic cars.Brian O'conner and his Nissan Skyline rev up and race, by suprise he gets caught this time by the cops and his real name is revealed{O'conner}.Bilkins from the first movie is in miami with a deal for Brian.He puts a drug smuggler Carter verone and his dirty money together if not he would be arrested for the laws he broke in L.A. if he did his record would be cleared.The guy they gave him to be his partner{there suppose to be two street racers} has the intellagence of a wet mop, so they let him choose his own guy Roman Pierce{Tyrese}.
Together with hard work,dangerous stunts,the help of Tej{Ludacris},miami street racers, and Monica Flementes{an undercover cop living with Carter} they put Carter and his money toghether.

worst sequel of 2003 if not the worst movie of 2003
this movie was the biggest waste of time and money.bad acting bad script bad actors bad directer bad producer this movie is the worst sequel of the 2003 if not the worst movie of 2003 If you are lookng for laugh go watch this garbage I this soap orphras have better acting then this movie I have no idea how movie got 4 stars because it stunk please dont wast your time or money on this movie this movie doesn't even deserve a 1 star

2Fast2Furious Is A Tricked Out Movie, Hands Down 2Thumbs Up!
If you like fast cars and hot chicks, 2fast2furious is the movie for you. You need watch the 1st Fast And The Furious Movie 1st tho. I could not believe all of the dinamic special effects in the movie, it was off the hizzle my bizzle. I gave it 5 stars, The blockbuster movie of the summer. And while your at it, check out the awesome soundtracks for the Fast And The Furious Series. Full of great Jams, and awesome beats.
~Neo~

BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL
"2 Fast 2 Furious" is better than the original "The Fast And The Furious". It has more action and the cars and races are better. In the first one, Vin Diesel's in it. But he is absent in this one. The plot of the movie goes like this. Former LAPD Cop Brian O' Connor (Paul Walker) is sent on a mission. He must go to Miami to find and capture a drug dealer, Carter Verone. But O' Connor needs help from an old friend, Roman Pierce (Tyrese). Another cop, Monica Fuentes (Eva Mendes), must go undercover as Verone's girlfriend. O' Connor's friend, Tej (Ludacris), helps with the mission in some ways. With the great special effects, action, and cars, "2 Fast 2 Furious" is the hottest movie of the summer.

Hot guys and Hot cars
2 fast 2 furious lives up to its title- somewhat. it isn't the fastest or the most furious, but it's airheaded and fluffy enough to move quickly without being attatched to the strings of an actual plot.

But its lack of an intriguing storyline doesn't destroy its fun factor. the souped up hot rods polished to a fine sheen speeding down the streets of miami make for some rather satisfying guilty pleasures.

And if you'd rather feast your eyes on something more than oversized hot wheels in a rainbow of colors, you won't be disappointed. the men have the pleasures of drooling a little puddle over shapely women, but we girls definately aren't left out in the cold.

Studly Paul walker with his charmingly innocent grin, and his accomplis Tyrese with his toned body (and urge to constantly rip his shirt off) would make any girl faint (if they weren't sitting in a chair)

if you want something quick, that doesn't require too much thought, is loaded with eye candy, light hearted, fun, and will help you munch your way through your stale, overly buttery popcorn, than this movie is what you've been searching for. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A shameful chapter in American history is powerfully dramatized in Rosewood, but moviegoers in 1997 may not have been ready for the African American equivalent of Schindler's List. And while the massacre that occurred in the nearly all-black town of Rosewood, Florida, in 1922 cannot compare in scale to the Nazi holocaust, it potently illustrates the same issues of racism and inherited intolerance that percolate at every level of human existence. An estimated 40 to 150 blacks were killed in Rosewood by an all-white lynch mob from the neighboring town of Sumner, where a white woman falsely claimed she'd been assaulted by a black man. The resulting mayhem ignited a tinderbox of resentment toward the flourishing citizens of Rosewood, and those few who survived were so traumatized that they remained silent until the truth was revealed by an investigative journalist in 1982.

The film is blessed with richly authentic production design, lush cinematography, and a subtly effective John Williams score, and director John Singleton and screenwriter Gregory Poirier embellish the truth of Rosewood with a fictional hero named Mann (Ving Rhames), who arrives to buy a five-acre plot coveted by Rosewood's white grocer (John Voight). The emerging trust between these two characters--and the fate of an extended family led by a defiant father (Don Cheadle)--gives shape to the movie's devastating depiction of racism and the courage of those who opposed the lynch mob's brutality. Singleton and Poirier fall prey to some bad dialogue and a broadly unbalanced depiction of bloodthirsty hayseeds, but the film's passion is maintained by its superb cast and the timeless echoes of history. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (30)

excellent docu-drama
What an excellent movie. A moving portrait of the 1922 massacre in Rosewood, Florida. Without shedding too much blood or jeopardizing the truth of the story through unneccessary action, director John Singleton narrates the tragic events over New Years' eve weekend, leading to the destruction of a peaceful black town. Ving Rhames & Jon Voight are the characters crossing the racial lines in their effort to save at least some women & children from the raging crowd. And all, because of a single lie.
Highly recommended for everybody interested in history.

Powerful Filmmaking, Sadly Overlooked
This tale of a Florida Black town and racism and hatred gone unchecked is one of the most powerful, emotional films I have ever seen. You won't hear about this tragic event in public school, that's for certain. A certifiable massacre, brought about by a WHITE woman's infidelities, this movie still resounds in my head after only one viewing. Ving Rhames as the heroic "Mr. Man" helps save some of Rosewood's citizens from slaughter, but he can't prevent the horror the white mob brings to the town. A haunting example of ignorance unchecked, it's hard to decide whether this is a drama or a horror film. Jon Voight's portrayal of the reluctant shopkeeper is stellar, and the entire cast is wonderful. John Singleton makes great movies that sadly get overlooked. This movie should be known everywhere for it's unflinching depiction of a terrible stain on America's history. A film that would be dangerous to forget.

Shameful Democrat past once again rebuked
This film reminds us of the horrors that the Southern Democrats inflicted upon African Americans. As Wayne Perryman reminds us in his book, "Unfounded Loyalties",

"One party and their abolitionist supporters believed the Bible instructed them to lay down their lives for the slaves, the other party and their supporters believed the Bible gave them the right to take the lives of blacks if they rebelled against being slaves.

"On the issue of slavery, one party and its supporters gave their lives to expand it (to Northern states) and the other party and their supporters gave their lives to ban it.

"One party was heavily influenced by the Abolitionists and the radical wing of their party ... and the other party was influenced by the Ku Klux Klan and other terrorist groups.

"One party and its supporters started the Freedman's Bureau and other programs to help build communities for blacks, the other party and their supporters engaged in practices to hinder those efforts and to destroy those communities (Wilmington, North Carolina).

"One party and its supporters established quality schools and colleges for blacks, the other party and their supporters engaged in practices that attempted to close some of those schools or diminish their quality.

"One party passed laws and Constitutional Amendments (13th , 14th , 15th) to include blacks as part of mainstream society, the other party passed laws to exclude them from the mainstream (Jim Crow Laws and Black Codes). ..."

Sadly, many do not know that that "one party" was the Republican Party, while the "other party" was the Democratic Party. I myself didn't know at the time I watched this stirring film. I suppose burning crosses make us assume the bad guys are aligned with the religious right. Unfortunately, the "other party" used a nonsensical interpretation of the "curse of Ham" to justify slavery; fortunately, "one party" saw through it.

This film is also a great example of how history is being rewritten or dumbed down. While many films have shown lynchings and other abuse of African Americans, they usually leave you with the impression that the bigots were "Bible bashers" ... as you can see, this is only half the truth. Very rarely are we reminded that it was Republicans who laid their lives on the line to defend blacks, based on their Christian faith.

We are all sinners. Perhaps the shameful past that the Democrats are trying to forget - indeed, most youngsters today do not need to forget, they haven't even been taught - will spur them onto greater deeds that may even outshine the "one party".

Powerful Unfortunate History
"Rosewood", starring Jon Voight and Ving Rhames, is a gripping true story about an all African-American town that was burned by an all white lynch mob in 1923, which killed many. Its powerful message sends an eyeopening attack in audiences' hearts. The filmmakers deserve tremendous respect for deeply exploring these chain of events to such levels. This was highly necessary for people to understand the impact of violence and racism. The intensity is so groundbreaking that it forces audiences inside the movie. Their research is highly obvious, making it very educational. The movie plot is brilliant, keeping the heart and soul alive in every scene:

A small town, Rosewood, is usually a peaceful, loving town. In New Years Eve 1922, everything functioned as usual. Around that time, a woman from a nearby town, Sumner, falsely accuses a black person of raping and assaulting her (it was actually a white man, but there was no rape). Once word is out, all hell breaks loose.

The recreation of the town is perfect. Every detail is flawless, including the styles of the early 1920's. Every building structure and creation is flawless. The costume designs are as flawless, looking like actual 1920's clothing.

The acting was intensely great. Everyone offers their own heart and soul sense into this movie, making it more powerful. Jon Voight and Ving Rhames capitalize the acting talents. This is Rhames's best role in years. His tough warrior image never fades for a second, which is very convincing. His presentd talents were wrongfully overlooked in the 1997 Acadamy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. Jon Voight's role as a man who comes to terms of what a true ally is. His heartdrenching role forces audiences to feel his character's learning progress and emotions.

"Rosewood" is a great movie for those looking for an factual intense drama. This will surely educate audiences about reality. This movie will become a classic in the near following years as it deserves.

An excellant movie about what happened in Rosewood
I first watched this movie on HBO, after viewing it with my wife we decided to rent it so our children could see what realy happened in Rosewood and learn about history, we are a white family and I feel it is important for my children to learn what realy happened there. After watching the movie we took a ride to the site that was once Rosewood, the only remaining structure is mr. Wrights house, the town is gone, we walked through the area that was once Rosewood and tried to imagine it as it was in the movie, we then went to Sumner and saw the site that was once the mill,we found some relics there, along with some buildings that had housed the residents of Sumner who worked in the mill, we then visited Mr. Wrights grave in Sumner, all in all the movie was great as it taught my family and myself about the history of the town and how horrible racism was back then. ... Read more

Description

This compilation features 10 of Michael Jackson's greatest video hits, including "Billie Jean," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Black or White," "Rock With You" and others. 90 minutes. ... Read more

Reviews (50)

An essential collection!
This is a review of the VHS video "Michael Jackson: Video Greatest Hits HIStory" Vol. 1. Whether or not you are a fan of Michael Jackson, this is an essential video because it shows how good music videos can be. BILLIE JEAN is a striking video that broke down color barriers on MTV; THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL has a loose improvisational feeling to it which makes it fun to watch; BLACK OR WHITE is modern masterpiece complete with morphing and the controversial "panther dance" sequence. In the original version of this video, Michael smashes in a car windshield that has racist grafitti on it... he is fighting back against the racism. However, in the version included on this tape, the grafitti is edited out, so we just see Michael smashing a window for no apparent reason. Even so, the video is still an amazing experience! ROCK WITH YOU takes us back to 1980 before Michael's plastic surgery; BAD and BEAT IT include some of the best choreography even seen in music videos, although the version of BAD on this tape is the short version, not the full version with Wesley Snipes. This tape also includes the videos for Thriller, Remember The Time, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough and Heal The World in their entirety. This video is a powerful mix of music, dance, and film. Even if you don't think Michael is the King of Pop, this collection proves he is the King of VIDEO!

Michael Jackson - Video Greatest Hits - HIStory on Film
This spectacular compilation of Michael Jackson's music videos is a must-see for all MJ fans, and anyone else who enjoys good music and dancing. This tape includes the videos:

-Billie Jean -The Way You Make Me Feel -Black or White* -Rock with You -Bad (shortened version without Wesley Snipes) -Thriller (entire video with credits) -Beat It -Remember the Time -Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough -Heal The World

This is a great video that shows not only the evolution of Michael Jackson's music, but also that of his appearance. Co-stars include Eddie Murphy, Iman, Magic Johnson, McAuley Culkin, Bart and Homer Simpson, and others. An exceptional video!!! *In the video Black or White, Michael appears to be furiously smashing the windows of a car for no reason. In the original, racist graffiti is painted on the windows. This was edited out in this version. Relax, Michael is not crazy. Or at least not that crazy.

Video HIStory
Don't just listen to the album,watch the videos! However there are fewer songs in this package than the audio counterpart. We see videos for hits from OFF THE WALL,THRILLER,BAD,DANGEROUS and of course,the audio counterpart of HISTORY. No fan of the King Of Pop should be without this unless he/she chooses not to.

Big fan here but this is a disappointment....
Honestly, I love Michael Jackson's music and have purchased History 2 on VHS (the gold box) and Dangerous: The Short Films before I got this. I was excited because I thought I would see some things different on this DVD, but it's all the same! You're better off purchasing Dangerous: The Short Films or History 2 because most of the same material on this video is on the others, and the others have some new added footage.

Thllermans/bestviedosondvd
Foryears michaeljackson hasrockedour world from abc to rock withyou jackson has made pop hirstoy and the viedos that made himfameuos are now on dvd frautes the viedos for billejean theway youmake me feel black orwhtie rock with you bad thllerbeatit rember thetime dont stop tillyou getehuogh andthe90shealthe wolrd. my fartivoe viedo is the thller video itsa shrot film with amazing muisc staring mihchael jackson theres also bad the 18minute nverbefore seenshrotfilm . this dvdis a collbte any mihchaeljacksonfan will love this dvd. ... Read more

Description

John Singleton’s award-winning portrayal of social problems in inner-city Los Angeles takes the form of a tale of three friends growing up together in the ‘hood’.Facing tough lives, two succumbto the crime surrounding them in their environment, but one learns to have the strength of character to do what is right and to always take responsibility for his actions. Academy Award ® nominee for Best Director and Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (1992). Stars Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix Reloaded), Cuba Gooding, Jr. (Boat Trip), Ice Cube (Barbershop), Morris Chestnut (The Break Up Handbook), Angela Bassett (How Stella Got Her Groove Back). ... Read more

Reviews (80)

I JUST TOOK IT FOR WHAT IT IS...
I've read the reviews of "Baby Boy"-the 2001 John Singleton film-
and came to see that many of them portrayed the movie as sterotypical and predictible.Well,I'm sorry but I didn't see
"Baby Boy" like that.I felt that it was a honest,well-directed
film that explored many "touchy" issues.I mean,it's basically a
vivid coming of age movie...except it's set in the hood of South Central L.A.Just like Singleton's 1991 breakthrough debut,"Boyz
N The Hood"(note:this is NOT a sequel).

"Baby Boy" tells the story of Jody,played by model/singer Tyrese
Gibson(whose strong performance proves that (some) singers can actually act),a young Black male in South Central with no job,
no direction,and no real self-pride(come on,he lives with his mother!-whose 36!).He's a job-less twenty-year-old with two children by two different woman.And he and his mother's
boyfriend-played by Ving Rhames- bump heads many times in the film.(Rhames' charcter is actually a former wife-beater/
ex-convict).And basically the story goes on from there...well,
not really.But I didn't really write this review to tell the entire plot of "Baby Boy",but rather to voice my opinion on "Baby Boy"'s images.

STEROTYPICAL is a term I hear a lot when people bring up "Baby
Boy".Well,I mean they have a point.A Black man with no job,no life,and no real life skills...Is this "Amos & Andy" or a film
made in 2001? And the Black woman in the film are protrayed as
dependants and somewhat shallow.They'd let a man talk down to them,cheat on them,and/or hit them BUT if the sex is right-all is
forgiven.And again,the Black men in the movie are very unflattering.One may conclude that they are lazy,shuffless
thugs.It would be nice to have more rounded,diverse protrayals of
Black men around in films.

Yet while I can see where the nay-sayers are coming from in a way I also don't feel offended by "Baby Boy".To Singleton's credit,the characters are never turned into carictures.
They're humans.And they never come off exgrated-unlike other
movies set in a "hood" environment."Baby Boy" is a stroy estienally(sp.) we all can relate to -in ways.
"Baby Boy" is deeper than an ordinary "hood" flick.In a lot of ways it seems like "Baby Boy" is more of an observation than
a statement.In that respect,I don't find the movie's
characterizations to be that negative.

All in all,I feel that "Baby Boy" is showing a diversity in black images.Yes,I love films like "Best Man" and "love jones"
and the like BUT all brothers and sisters DON'T live like that and so I feel that they should be represented as well.

Tales of the ghetto
Bbaby bOY WAS BOUT 21 YEAR OLD JODI WHO CAN'T MAKE A LIVING AND IS LIVING AT HIS MOM'S CRIB. hE DISLIKES HIS MOMS NEW BOYFRIND BUT HIM AND HIS FRIEND P STICK AROUND. P is a killer who wants a job and takes one by Jodi and fails. He makes a bad choice when Jodi gets jumped by breaking jaws and whipping young kids. When Snoop Dogg gets home to Jodi's Girlfriend Yvette he tries to get revenge on Jodi after a phone call in jail. Him and his crrew do a drive-by but P ends up killing them.

The boy is no baby!
When I first heard of this movie,I thought it would be similar to "Three Men and a Baby". Almost every cast member of this film is little known,if not unknown,except for Snoop Dogg. Whoa! There's quite a lot of mention of the word that rhymes with "bigger". Man,is this film raunchy. There is one scene where a little kid told Snoop Dogg's character,"I hate you." Dogg replies,"I hate your ass too!" The word that rhymes with "bigger" follows. Tyrese Gibson is Rodney whose live-in girlfriend is wanted by Jody(Dogg). Although this film is a drama,where was some dialogue that tickled my funny bone.

nice film
Not as preachy or sappy as some of John Singletons other pics. Little too much sex for my taste (When I want sex I'll rent porn, thanks). But this movie is funny and true to life. Its about a man who has two babys mammas and doesnt want to settle down, hes a mommy's boy and things get ugly when mom gets a new man. The main characters are interesting and you get some laughs out of this movie. I dont believe it is just a "black" movie its a really good watch. Snoop has a small part and his acting is decent.

JOHN SINGLETON'S THE MAN!
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ''BOYZ N THE HOOD'' COMES THIS DRAMA ABOUT AN UNAMBITIOUS 20 YEAR OLD WHO LIVES AT HOME WITH HIS MOTHER. UNEMPLOYED, HE HAS TWO CHILDREN FROM TWO DIFFERENT MOTHERS AND HE SEEMS DESTINED INTO A LIFE OF CRIME. GREAT URBAN DRAMA REALLY TELLS THE VIEWER THAT MOST AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN NEED TO GROW UP AND STOP PLAYING GAMES ALL THE TIME. THIS CAN BE COMPARED WITH ''BOYZ N THE HOOD''. THIS MOVIE IS PERFECT IN BOTH THE DRAMA AND THE ROMANCE SECTIONS. TYRESE EVEN DID A GOOD JOB PORTRAYING JODY, THE MAN WHO TENDS TO BE IRRESPONSIBLE. GOOD MOVIE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SEE A ROMANTIC DRAMAM AND LEARN A MORAL. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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 ... Read more

Reviews (59)

This is a great film!
Poetic Justice is about a girl named Justice (Janet) who writes poetry and is trying to get through hard times that have happened in the past and start over. Justice and her friend Keisha take a trip to Oakland with Keisha's boyfriend Chicago and friend Lucky (Tupac). Justice and Lucky fall in love through the movie. This is a really good flick to watch again and again. It also has a great ending and the bomb soundtrack.

Great film; lots of humour, romance, etc.
I loved watching this film. I saw it the first time on TV and afterwards I went out and rented it and saw it a lot more times. It was just wonderful! Full of different emotions. There was romance and love, sadness, fights, and a lot of great humour!! The main actors (janet jackson, Tupac Shakur) were also terrific and they proved that they could be actors as well as a singer/rapper/song-writer. It was the first time I saw Tupac in a movie, acting. After this film I just had to rent more movies that he was in!

Poetic Justice
I was fifteen years old when I first saw this movie when it first came out at the theaters back in the summer of 1993. I liked how the story showed a young black woman healing from the hurt and pain of losing her boyfriend, and how she wrote poetry to help her get through her pain. I thought that the poetry was really good. But the real reason why I give this movie three stars is because there was too much profanity and all the arguing and bickering that went on in the movie. I felt like all of that wasn't necessary for the movie. "Boyz N The Hood" will always be the #1 movie from John Singleton.

janet's acting career
Many kids today forget that before janet became a musician, she was an actress who starred in sitcoms and the jacksons tv show doing skits. If they had known, they would have seen that she had acting skills back then, but this movie is not really representative of it though it's not a bad film. I guess the role was a new kind of role for janet and she has said before that cussing didn't come her naturally back then, and it shows. But if you want a romantic comedy with a street style to watch, you just may want to check this out.

WOW!!! THIS IS SO STUPID!!!!!
Boyz N the Hood- now that was a good movie. I guess John Singleton thought he was invincible when he came out with this goofy movie. Janet Jackson is very hot and has a nice set but not even that can save this one. You've got this girl- her name is "Justice"?!? - and she JUST HAPPENS TO WRITE POETRY?!? - so of course... we get the movie "POETIC JUSTICE". Brilliantly stupid. ... Read more

Description

Songs: Black or White, Heal The World (Super Bowl version), Remeber the Time, Will You Be There, In the Closet, Gone Too Soon, Jam, Heal the World, Give In to Me, Who Is It, Dangerous. 112 minutes. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

The best, baby!!!
As we all know, Michael Jackson is the KING OF POP! This number-one film was in the Guiness book of World Records as the highest selling music video on '94!! Containing never-before-seen footage, behind the scenes action, unreleased videos, and all are full-length. This price is also a bargain. Pick it up even if you're not a die-hard. It is so worth it!! Dangerous is one of MJ's greatest albums with some record-breaking fantastic music videos! "The Short Films" contains: The Teaser (you have to see it!!), the controversial full lentgh Black or White (complete with The Simpsons ending and the face morphing and dance sequence), The Superbowl Heal The World performance (excellent), Remember The Time (starring Iman, Eddie Murphy, and Magic Johnson), also has behind the scenes (great dancing!!), Will You Be There, In The Closet (with Naiomi Campbell- the best MJ video ever!!)(with behind the scenes action also,) Gone too Soon, (A tragic remembrance of AIDS victim Ryan White), Jam (a awesome video with Michael Jordan, Kris Kross, and Heavy D.), Heal The World (donate to the foundation! It's a worthy cause!!), Give In To Me (featuring Slash from Guns n' Roses), Who Is It (such a great beat!!) and last but not least, concert footage to the Dangerous Tour. This movie is something. You have got to see it. The album is legendary, the beats are ear-piercing and jammin'!! All of these perfect music videos have such a story to tell. Michael Jackson is the KING OF POP!!!!

A Dangerous DVD
Michael has so much talent. Good album and good VHS. I just descovered this page on amazon and I hope that a DVD version will be avaliable. I am writing the first review so hopefully I can get a certificate so I can get it as soon as possible. The DVD should contain the same stuff that the VHS one contains (maybe the publishers may put in more features) The video (and assumingly the DVD as well) contains all but 3 songs from the DANGEROUS album (I Can't Let Her Get Away, She Drives Me Wild, & Keep The Faith).

The Video and most likely the DVD contains the full videos of:

-Black or White (controversy, plus making of)

-Remember The Time (behind scenes)

-Jam (behind scenes Michael Jordan comentary)

-In The Closet (an awesome MJ song and video, plus behind scenes)

-Heal the World (two times, super bowl performance and the video)

-Will You Be There (the complete and non-Free Willy version)

-Gone Too Soon (about that kid with AIDS that everyone forgot about)

-Dangerous (played while showing us snip shots from ihs concert world tour)

-Why You Wanna Trip On Me (played durring the credits)

-Give Into Me (Michael knows good rock with Slash)

-Who Is It (done by the director of FIGHT CLUB, excellent beat)

-(Bonus stuff) of 2 awards and a pretty deep speech from Michael and a little Michael singing with Michael "I'll Be There"

Lets hope this wish of having avaliable this long awaited DVD comes true and we may get it. Michael still has fans in the USA, so let them have their DVD!

The best, baby!!!
As we all know, Michael Jackson is the KING OF POP! This number-one film was in the Guiness book of World Records as the highest selling music video on '94!! Containing never-before-seen footage, behind the scenes action, unreleased videos, and all are full-length. This price is also a bargain. Pick it up even if you're not a die-hard. It is so worth it!! Dangerous is one of MJ's greatest albums with some record-breaking fantastic music videos! "The Short Films" contains: The Teaser (you have to see it!!), the controversial full lentgh Black or White (complete with The Simpsons ending and the face morphing and dance sequence), The Superbowl Heal The World performance (excellent), Remember The Time (starring Iman, Eddie Murphy, and Magic Johnson), also has behind the scenes (great dancing!!), Will You Be There, In The Closet (with Naiomi Campbell- the best MJ video ever!!)(with behind the scenes action also,) Gone too Soon, (A tragic remembrance of AIDS victim Ryan White), Jam (a awesome video with Michael Jordan, Kris Kross, and Heavy D.), Heal The World (donate to the foundation! It's a worthy cause!!), Give In To Me (featuring Slash from Guns n' Roses), Who Is It (such a great beat!!) and last but not least, concert footage to the Dangerous Tour. This movie is something. You have got to see it. The album is legendary, the beats are ear-piercing and jammin'!! All of these perfect music videos have such a story to tell. Michael Jackson is the KING OF POP!!!!

Awesome collection!
The audio counterpart of this package was on hit parade from its release in the fall of 1991 to early 1993. HEAL THE WORLD is very similar to WE ARE THE WORLD,recorded in 1985 by MJ and about 40 other American artists as USA FOR AFRICA. In fact MJ penned WATW with ex-Commodore Lionel Richie(Richie was another participant). WILL YOU BE THERE features clips from the 1993 Warner Bros. film FREE WILLY. That song was the film's theme. BLACK OR WHITE features MJ's actor pal MacCaulay Culkin. JAM is an ode to basketball players. REMEMBER THE TIME is awesome. Hollywood great Eddie Murphy plays a pharoah in a castle. All the other videos are 100% awesome!

Excellent
The Super Bowl performance is worth getting this DVD. This one is a keeper. Recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (71)

A POWERFUL AND INFLUENTIAL MOVIE.
"Boyz 'N The Hood" is one of those movies that will touch you because of its realism and message. Also, it was a very influential movie, after this film appeared, a lot of similar movies came in; John Singleton directed a powerful film like if he was Spike Lee.

"Boyz 'N The Hood" tells the story of three black kids growing up in a dangerous neighborhood: Tre, Ricky and Doughboy; each one of the three kids is very different from the other, but they love and respect each other. The second part of the movie shows the kids now as teenagers: Tre (Cuba Gooding Jr.) and Ricky (Morris Chestnut) about to graduate from high school, and Doughboy (Ice Cube) as a trouble teen with gangster attitude. Tre is being educated by his father (Laurence Fishburne), Ricky is about to get chosen by a college due to his football abilities, and Doughboy along with other friends is about to choose the path of a gangster. But a tragedy will interrupt the life of one of this boys, and the rest must choose: get revenge and ruin their lives or go on with their lives.

The realism of "Boyz 'N The Hood" may be its best quality, all the performances are very good, with young talents that later would be famous. Once in a while is good to see this kind of movie, don't limit yourself to popcorn movies. Go see "Boyz 'N The Hood".

One of the Most Powerful Films Ever.
Boyz N the Hood was and still is one of the most powerful movies I've ever seen. Shot entirely in South Central LA to present the movie as realistic as possible. The movie debuted in theater back in 1991 and had an immediate impact on almost everyone who viewed it.

The story about 3 friends growing up in the hood in South Central LA. Each one with their own individual struggle and goals in life. Doughboy (Ice Cube) ,who is a drug dealer, has been in and out of trouble throughout his young life and seems to be happy with his surroundings. Doughboy's brother Ricky (Morris Chestnut) a teenage father with bright hopes and aspirations of becoming an NFL football player ; and Ricky's best friend Tre (Cuba Gooding Jr.) who hopes and dreams of higher education and an escape from the dwelling of the hood. "The Hood" where saying the wrong thing or looking at someone the wrong way can end in death. Tre's father (Larry Fishburne) is a responsible, educated and strict father who makes sure his son stays on the right track in achieving his goals in life. Teaching him about responsibility and keeping your cool in adverse situations in order to make a thoughtful descision. Tre's resolve will be tested when tragedy strikes close to home and revenge and murder seem like the only solution.

Fantastic direction by John Singleton and equally impressive acting by all characters are the reason Boyz N the Hood was such a huge success. It was nominated for two acedemy awards (Direction and Screenplay.) ... You have to see this one for yourself you won't be sorry.

How to Survive in South Central.
South Central L.A.: Where murder rates are five times the nationwide average, or in absolute figures, double the entire U.S.'s death rate for breast cancer (L.A. Times, January 1, 2004.) Where "I'll have my brother shoot you" isn't just an empty threat, and guns are passed from one sibling to another when an older brother goes away to "do time." Where owning a gun is a means of self-protection even for those who've always stayed clear of gangs. Where "where ya' from?" is an inquiry about gang membership, not geographic origin, and wearing the wrong colors can cause you to be "hit up;" resulting in violence, and more violence by way of retaliation. Where over the past 15 years the LAPD has accumulated a backlog of 4,400 unsolved homicides - roughly 3/4 of the city's total - because, as kids learn early, a bullet doesn't come with a name attached; and those who know the killer generally stay mum, either fearing reprisal or preferring to take care of their own, rather than leave justice to a police and a court system they've learned to mistrust anyway. And where crimes like burglary only merit police attention if something actually was stolen, and are quickly sidelined upon the officers' summons to another murder scene.

South Central L.A. is the home of Tre Styles (Cuba Gooding Jr.) and his friends, "Doughboy" and Ricky Baker (Ice Cube and Morris Chestnut). We first meet them at age ten, when Tre's mother (Angela Bassett) sends him to live with his father Jason, a/k/a "Furious" (Laurence Fishburne), who seems better equipped to raise a son in a neighborhood like this. When we see them again they're seventeen, Tre and Ricky about to graduate from high school, while Doughboy has already graduated - from shoplifting to guns and small-time drug deals. And while Furious guides Tre towards moral choices, responsibility and (self-)respect, Doughboy and Ricky are raised by a mother who lacks the wherewithal to steer them out of the ghetto. Yet, Ricky in particular is naively, fiercely resolved to make it out of there; with a football scholarship (provided his SAT scores are high enough) or if that fails, by joining the army. And in a poignant, spot-on conclusion it is ultimately Ricky who forces Tre and Doughboy to choose their own paths in life, to either be drawn into the ghetto's spiral of violence, or conquer their inner demons and extricate themselves from that vicious circle.

Upon this movie's 1991 release, several Los Angeles cinemas either refused to show it at all or hired extra security guards: That big, in a city that had recently seen the Rodney King beating, was about to be rocked by the Christopher Commission's scathing indictment of its police department, and was gearing up to the riots that would ravage its inner city the following spring, were fears of the reaction to John Singleton's partly autobiographical film. Yet, while "Boyz N the Hood" paints a starkly accurate picture of inner city life's daily realities, it in no way encourages violence - much to the contrary. That it's told from a profoundly "black" perspective is a given; and with that come charges that those of us with a more fortunate childhood often dismiss as the chip on many black people's shoulders (e.g. the notion that drugs, liquor and guns in the ghetto are tacitly encouraged by society's white-dominated ruling circles to keep inner-city minorities subdued). But while neither such charges nor their "white" response are the be-all and end-all of the problem, there is no question that drugs, alcoholism and guns are major issues in the 'hood, as are teen pregnancies and unemployment; and Singleton intelligently weaves all of these elements into a compelling picture.

Equally well-deserved as the praise for Singleton, who garnered Best Director and Best Screenplay Oscar nominations and several other distinctions, are the kudos to the movie's outstanding actors. Then-23-year-old Cuba Gooding Jr. came practically out of nowhere to give a fully accomplished, emphatic portrayal as Tre, caught between the lessons of ghetto life and those of his father. (Although this wasn't his first movie, he had never before appeared in a remotely as prominent role.) Morris Chestnut's naively determined football-hero-to-be Ricky is similarly compelling; and Laurence Fishburne noticeably didn't have to reach far for his "Furious" Styles: While based on Singleton's father, the role was created specifically with him in mind. So, reportedly, was Ice Cube's Doughboy; and he, too, is a perfect match, giving the teenage trio's most troubled member a depth clearly informed by his own South Central boyhood (although despite his songs' inflammatory lyrics, he himself stayed clear of gangs). Angela Bassett finally is the perfect foil for the movie's male characters, exemplifying a woman who through hard work gets as far out of the ghetto as conceivable and unlike her ex-husband doesn't avoid the moneyed upper-crust, but doesn't forget her origins, either (and is still perfectly capable of talking tough when challenged).

The movie's last words are Ice Cube's, both spoken as Doughboy and rapped in "How to Survive in South Central," underlying the closing credits. "Either they don't know, don't show or don't care what's going on [here]," Doughboy comments on a TV program about exotic faraway places he's seen shortly after experiencing the kind of violence that he knows will haunt him forever. And in his rap song, sarcastically premised on a guided tour to the "concrete Vietnam" South Central L.A. ("Have you witnessed a drive-by? Okay, make sure you have your camcorder ready!"), Ice Cube warns: "Rule number one: get yourself a gun ... 'cause jackers ... love to start [things]. Now, if you're white you can trust the police; but if you're black they ain't nothin but beasts. ... So don't take your life for granted, 'cause it's the craziest place on the planet ... This is Los Angeles." - "Boyz N the Hood" was released 13 years ago. It is as topical as ever.

Remarkable Film From First-Time Director.
An exemplary directorial debut from John Singleton, who managed to create an American classic with his first effort.

As we follow Tre Styles from childhood toward becoming a young adult (as played effectively by Cuba Gooding, Jr.), and attempting to dodge, with the cautious guidance of his parents, the many dangers and risks associated with growing up in inner-city America, the sense of ever-present danger and, often, hopelessness associated with attempting to avoid falling into the cracks of society is abundantly clear.

In the role of Tre's troubled friend Dough Boy, Ice Cube is something of a revelation, and his balanced performance, alongside Singleton's excellent script, prevent him from becoming merely another gangster caricature. Lawrence Fishburne and Morris Chestnut add further depth to a strong cast.

All in all a very real, gritty depiction of the challenges faced at every turn by African American men and women in modern America. The building anger bristling beneath the surface in so many scenes is particularly resonant given the outburst of violence in the Rodney King Riots that took place in the very same city of the story just one year later.

The film spawned several 'urban gang flick' imitations in subsequent years, but most glorified violence and placed an emphasis on a loud soundtrack and sexual explicitness at the expense of strong plot-line, good character development and a serious social message. All three are to be found in Boyz N the Hood.

One of the best
This movie really is one of the best movies ever infact I would call it the black GODFATHER wich is a very good thing to say it is just an excellent movie one of my favorite movies ever
Story 10 Acting 10 Direction 10 Action 10 Entertainment 10
Overall=50/50 This a perfect movie and a greatly directed movie with excellent performances by Cuba Gooding JR.-Laurence Fishburne and Ice Cube as Dough Boy I want to buy this one ... Read more

Reviews (132)

The Best Movie Ever
2 Fast 2 Furious is the best movie ever.Better then the first one.There were more practical cars in the first one and in the second is more exotic cars.Brian O'conner and his Nissan Skyline rev up and race, by suprise he gets caught this time by the cops and his real name is revealed{O'conner}.Bilkins from the first movie is in miami with a deal for Brian.He puts a drug smuggler Carter verone and his dirty money together if not he would be arrested for the laws he broke in L.A. if he did his record would be cleared.The guy they gave him to be his partner{there suppose to be two street racers} has the intellagence of a wet mop, so they let him choose his own guy Roman Pierce{Tyrese}.
Together with hard work,dangerous stunts,the help of Tej{Ludacris},miami street racers, and Monica Flementes{an undercover cop living with Carter} they put Carter and his money toghether.

worst sequel of 2003 if not the worst movie of 2003
this movie was the biggest waste of time and money.bad acting bad script bad actors bad directer bad producer this movie is the worst sequel of the 2003 if not the worst movie of 2003 If you are lookng for laugh go watch this garbage I this soap orphras have better acting then this movie I have no idea how movie got 4 stars because it stunk please dont wast your time or money on this movie this movie doesn't even deserve a 1 star

2Fast2Furious Is A Tricked Out Movie, Hands Down 2Thumbs Up!
If you like fast cars and hot chicks, 2fast2furious is the movie for you. You need watch the 1st Fast And The Furious Movie 1st tho. I could not believe all of the dinamic special effects in the movie, it was off the hizzle my bizzle. I gave it 5 stars, The blockbuster movie of the summer. And while your at it, check out the awesome soundtracks for the Fast And The Furious Series. Full of great Jams, and awesome beats.
~Neo~

BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL
"2 Fast 2 Furious" is better than the original "The Fast And The Furious". It has more action and the cars and races are better. In the first one, Vin Diesel's in it. But he is absent in this one. The plot of the movie goes like this. Former LAPD Cop Brian O' Connor (Paul Walker) is sent on a mission. He must go to Miami to find and capture a drug dealer, Carter Verone. But O' Connor needs help from an old friend, Roman Pierce (Tyrese). Another cop, Monica Fuentes (Eva Mendes), must go undercover as Verone's girlfriend. O' Connor's friend, Tej (Ludacris), helps with the mission in some ways. With the great special effects, action, and cars, "2 Fast 2 Furious" is the hottest movie of the summer.

Hot guys and Hot cars
2 fast 2 furious lives up to its title- somewhat. it isn't the fastest or the most furious, but it's airheaded and fluffy enough to move quickly without being attatched to the strings of an actual plot.

But its lack of an intriguing storyline doesn't destroy its fun factor. the souped up hot rods polished to a fine sheen speeding down the streets of miami make for some rather satisfying guilty pleasures.

And if you'd rather feast your eyes on something more than oversized hot wheels in a rainbow of colors, you won't be disappointed. the men have the pleasures of drooling a little puddle over shapely women, but we girls definately aren't left out in the cold.

Studly Paul walker with his charmingly innocent grin, and his accomplis Tyrese with his toned body (and urge to constantly rip his shirt off) would make any girl faint (if they weren't sitting in a chair)

if you want something quick, that doesn't require too much thought, is loaded with eye candy, light hearted, fun, and will help you munch your way through your stale, overly buttery popcorn, than this movie is what you've been searching for. ... Read more