Baby Boy 

A Film Review by Paul Perkins

Cast: Tyrese Gibson, Ving Rhames, Omar Gooding, Taraji Henson
Director: John Singleton
Producers: John Singleton, Paul Hall
Screenplay:  John Singleton
Rated: R  Running Time: 128 Mins   Studio: Sony                                                                  Seen at: Ritz Five, Philadelphia 6-21-01                                                                                   More Film info:  Click Here    Official Website: Click Here     Pictures:                               Sound Formats:     

A Powerful Film 

What is the definition of a man is it. A. Living on his own B. Taking care of his kids, C. Realizing what importance to him, D. Hanging with his homies, E. All of the above. Every one in the world has different answer to the question above. That the premise in the new films from one of the best African American director John Singleton it’s called Baby Boy. 

In 1991 Director John Singleton made a powerful film called Boyz N the Hood that was a realistic portrayal of the devastating impact of violence on the black family. Baby Boy centers on Jody (Tyrese Gibson) a 20-year-old African American male who all his life he-doesn’t take respond ability for his actions. He lives with his mother Juanita (A. J Johnson) and her new boyfriend Melvin (Ving Rhames). 

He has two babies by two women Yvette (Taraji P Henson) and Peanut (Tamara Lason Bass). He has a unstable always looking for trouble best friend Sweetpea (Omar Gooding) he has to deal with all of this and a ex boyfriend of one of his baby momma Rodney (Snoop Dog) is the ex and he is out to hurt Jody. So Jody finds out the hard way that he has to grow up and become a man and stop acting like a Baby Boy. 

There have been many films that dealt with lie in the inner city (Boyz N the Hood and Menace 2 Society). Some dealt with Men and Family (Soul Food and Waiting to Exhale). This new film deal with growing up and taking responsibly and it was a powerful film. Let me tell you some good and bad points about Baby Boy.

Good

1. The idea of the film was excellent. This film is much different from his last film.
2. The cast was very good. The two who stole the show was Tyrese and Taraji P. Hanson. Tyrese comes from the R&B music world but here he shows great emotions and did a great job in the film. Taraji did a excellent job of playing the young mother who love Jody.
3. The film had a good mixture of Drama and Suspense and a little bit of comedy.
4.  The film did not drag at all.
5. The music was very good.
6. The supporting cast was great. Snoop Dog does a great job of playing a bad guy.

 There was no bad thing I could see or think of. 

© 2001 Paul Perkins

The King's Room