Los chicos del barrio

msmichel

Singleton's debut film announced the arrival of a new voice garnering both critical and commercial success resulting in Oscar nominations for both directing and scripting. Unfortunately the director's career never produced another film to match this film. Though the film often seems hackneyed or melodramatic the earnestness and honesty shine through making the film quite unforgettable.

Zac Weber

I'm tempted to nitpick at some of the movie's cliche "Hollywood" moments, but it's simply incredible to think this was John Singleton's debut. Boyz N The Hood is complicated, tragic, defiant, and ultimately a landmark in the history of American cinema.

Filipe F. Coutinho

In the vein of Spike Lee's "in your face" political statements, Boyz N the Hood falls flat despite some moments of greatness. Singleton's praise as a writer/director seems somewhat overblown. Nevertheless, this solid depiction of the life in the "hood" features a great turn by Fishburne, whose societal statements are still in tune with today's realities.

Christopher R. Smith

A landmark of its genre, though it's pretty dated today. The acting is excellent all around - every performance was genuine and engrossing. The loose plot dragged in places, the story did not seem to be on par with the characters - but there are a number of genuinely intense moments. The overbearing music score ruined several scenes, quashing the drama with melodramatic sentimentality.

Steve Pulaski

Shows the sincere side of growing up on the wrong side of town. Electrifying performances, Cuba at his best, and an explosive script.

S. Singh

Brought me to tears. I think if a film can actually bring on a tangible emotion I think that is what true cinema is all about. Respect, Singleton.

Nicholas Gregory

Where Menace II Society and Juice overdo its violence to become sensationalist, this film overdoes its sentimentality and preaching to become rather cornball. At least the latter films were emotionally stirring and powerful, because Boyz in the Hood is like a bland relationship drama that rarely pulls at the heartstrings. It's much too happy-go-lucky and lacks any real conflict until it has less than 20-minutes left.

Zachary T.

Its soundtrack hasn't exactly aged well, but really, the sympathetic characters and gritty presentation transcend any minute flaws or awkwardness. Fishburne's truth-bomb monologue on gentrification is built to and earned, and aside from that, it's never preachy or didactic; just honest, intimate, and vital.