Poetic Justice (1993) User Reviews

great film... with one small exception

[crisrabb · 7/10 · 30 October 1999]

Poetic justice was a good film, and well acted, with one exception. To me, Janet Jackson simply wasn't convincing in her role. Through no fault of her own. I believe the problem was that she is too big an entertainment personality to be able to play anyone besides herself. It's difficult for the audience to get past the fact that it's "Janet Jackson" on the screen and see the character. Similar to when Madonna tried to portray Evita Peron. A strong character, and a good story, but you couldn't help seeing "Madonna" every time you look at the screen. I realize big names are intended to boost box office sales, and I respect that too. After all, show business is BUSINESS. Still, I think it would be good if casting directors would hire good actors instead of known celebrities and respect the integrity of the writing, as well as the audience.

Poetically Wholesome Journey of Self Discovery

[elicopperman · 7/10 · 18 December 2021]

Aspiring poets are not often looked upon in film, but when they are, they tend to be young adults hoping for something more in their lives. In the case of the late John Singleton's Poetic Justice, starring Janet Jackson and Tupac Shukar, it focuses on a young hairdresser who goes on a road trip from South Central Los Angeles to Oakland with her friend and a mail truck driver. Although the film wasn't the movie wasn't the biggest hit with critics back in its original 1993 release, it has garnished enough cultural status to be admired as a romantically enduring drama within the coming of age genre.

The main storyline follows a young woman named Justice who works as a hairdresser in South Central LA following the murder of her former boyfriend Markell. Her only way to cope with such a horrific tragedy is through beautiful poetry, which is one of the biggest plot notes throughout the movie. Every now and then, we'll hear Jackson narrating one of Justice's poems that is in lieu of a specific scene or emotion. It all highlights the growth of Justice as the film goes on, especially when she pursues a convention in Oakland, albeit via transportation in a mail truck driven by a narrow minded postal worker named Lucky. During this road trip, her friend Iesha and her rough boyfriend Chicago get into constant back and forth love related arguments and fights, which causes some necessary tension between the two leads. In a way, Poetic Justice is a laid back road picture disguised as a journey of self discovery, solely in how Justice and Lucky grow into trusting each other overtime. By taking its time to get to the destination, it allows the viewers to relate to its characters sincerely.

Perhaps the best moments throughout the film are where the characters connect as a family, especially since none of them have any of their own. Whether it'd be with their close minded co-workers or a ginormous African-American family reunion that they're not even related to, Justice, Lucky, Iesha and Chicago will have learned about one another through thick and thin in spite of their vast differences. Unfortunately for every laugh they share, there will be drama and bloodshed, such is the case when trivial molehills are blown up into mountains. Jackson and Shakur have excellent chemistry with one another, with a lot of their scenes emphasizing their insecurities with trust and care for other people. Even when their scenes jumble back and forth with whatever petty drama Regina King and Joe Torry get themselves into as Iesha and Chicago, they still serve as healthy reminders to really understand someone before you judge them blindly. As far as the romance angle goes in this quiet gentle flick, there's a lot to take away from the two leads, no matter how violent some scenes may get.

In addition, the poetry within the film was composed by poetic icon Maya Angelou, who even appears in the roadside family reunion sequence. With a literary legend like Angelou creating the work of Justice, one can only imagine how much of a voice the filmmakers leant in bringing such beautiful work from the heart to the big screen. Not to mention, the Oscar nominated musical number Again, performed by Jackson herself, perfectly encapsulates the themes explored in the feature, including trying to move on, coping with a wound, and trusting new people. Unlike most of the other songs featured in the film outside of Lucky's own rap work, this number has a lot to do with the message this film has been doing its best to share to the world ever since its release. Perhaps it might not be the film's best strength in sound as much as Stanley Clarke's soothing score, which feels as melodious as it does heart wrenching. Proving how much the contributions from different artists means to one motion picture event, Singleton, Jackson and the crew knew how to bring justice to the world of cinema.

While maybe not being quite as disciplined as it could have been, Poetic Justice stands as a beautifully gentle road film that works in showcasing the benefits of discovering yourself and someone else outside of your own mindset. In a day and age where people are losing their grip on others based on delusions of paranoia and world news, flicks like these are worth the price of admission. If you're a fan of John Singleton's work or want to see a landmark in poetic self discovery, then give this one a go. It will move you, it will hurt you, it may even shock you, but it will cease to bore you.

Not Singleton's Finest Moment, But Still Worth Watching

[MIDDLEMYATT · 5/10 · 6 July 2007]

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.

An overlooked, intelligently produced and directed film.

[frank56 · 31 December 1999]

I applaud John Singleton for being brave enough to film "Poetic Justice" -- it's a real triumph in presenting a story that looks beyond Hollywood's usual stereotypes of urban youth. If you are looking for a typical gang-bangin' shoot em up angry urban film...look elsewhere, because that genre is miles away from Singleton's storytelling. This film has precisely what black audiences say they are looking for - depth, real characters with a number of real layers....and yet people say they cannot get into this film. I say watch it and simply feel the messages being conveyed through the hearts of the characters. Tupac Shakur's performance saddens my heart....because he had so much potential as an actor as proven with his performance here. I was fortunate enough to actually meet and compliment him on this performance, which is at turns skillful and all his own. He had that quality that film actors envy in that the camera loved him. Janet Jackson gives a skilled performance as well, and the two have a natural chemistry that works here. This film is worth watching...it's one of my favorites.

Romance in the hood

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 25 May 2014]

Justice (Janet Jackson) loses her boyfriend when someone shots him right in front of her on a date at the drive-thru. It's the violent world of South Central L.A. She withdraws into her hairdressing job and her poetry. Lucky (Tupac Shakur) is a postal carrier who is sweet on her. His ex is a drug addict whom he has a daughter with. Going to the hair show convention in Oakland, Justice has to ride with Lucky in his mail truck. He's going to his friends to work on his music. They argue. He throws her off his truck. And then they start to talk to each other.

This is more of a romance within the gritty backdrop of violence. It's a surprising follow up to director John Singleton's debut 'Boyz n the Hood'. Justice is an angry character. Janet Jackson doesn't play it quirky or lightly. She is just bitter. She doesn't have the sweetness. Tupac shows that he was a good actor. It's a fairly safe romance. I like the minutia of everyday life. I don't really buy the romance. The chemistry is slightly off. I think it's Janet, but it's not fatal. It doesn't help that I find the poetry annoying. Her grumpiness just got me down.

Good 90s 'hood' film with decent performances!

[o-massia · 6/10 · 13 April 2020]

I can't believe I've waited 27 years to watch this film, considering how much I loved Boyz N da Hood. It's not quite as good as the 'Boyz' but has a completely different tone and vibe so don't go it expecting a similar film- the only similarities is that both films are set in south central LA... Janet Jackson gives a good performance considering she's not an actress. Tupac gives an even better performance Lucky...it was a nice touch having Maya Angeliou in the film (although all the poems in the film are hers). Anyway it was a good enough film, some too many characters are too one dimensional but still worth a watch.

ain't bad at all, changed my perception on a few things, not perfect

[flyingwong · 6/10 · 30 April 2002]

i picked a copy of this up at a yard sale last week thinking this would be interesting. And it was. I never knew much about tupac's acting, or janet jackson's-- and both were well fleshed actors.

Tupac's pretty attractive! What a shame he was taken from us so early.

Some things bugged me from a director's eye point of view. The trip the four people take to the Bay Area is supposed to be in one day, yet they make like a million stops along the way and there is always the same amount of light out and they stop at places that you would never be able to stop off at from the 101 or the 5.

Creative license I guess. And also people were hooking up when they shouldn't have.

I also thought some of the poems were OK... but then I found out Maya Angelou wrote them. Hmph, I guess we all have weak moments.

Overall, it's good, it didn't move me emotionally, it was just interesting. It was interesting to look at it as a study of how violence and loss can seep into our personalities, at least in the personalities in the movies. Sometimes the character's comebacks when they were fighting each other were more poetic than Maya Angelou's crap poems.

So lesson is, if you see this at a yard sale, pick it up.

Self-conscious, and so cynical as to be self-damning

[moonspinner55 · 4/10 · 26 June 2001]

Rarely have I seen a modern movie about romance that was so angry and bitter--and all without purpose. The Maya Angelou poetry seems out-of-place in a story about a beautician's rocky courtship with a troubled postman in South Central L. A., and yet it practically sounds like music next to all the "F--- you"'s and N-words. Some may argue this constant foul language is "realistic", but the majority of the film is unconvincing in its relationships (which are puzzling, to say the least). Janet Jackson has a sweet smile, and looks attractive in her corn-rows and floppy hats, but the mercurial tone of the picture is up and down, back and forth, and finally we just give up on 'Justice' and all her scowling friends. And what about that ratty beginning at the drive-in? *1/2 from ****

Tupac Shakur's all too brief career

[lee_eisenberg · 8/10 · 18 February 2019]

John Singleton's "Poetic Justice" might be of interest nowadays for the presence of Tupac Shakur, who was shot dead three years after the release. But more than that, it's a soft, positive look at relationships in South Central. Janet Jackson plays the title character, who accompanies some friends to Oakland. While the movie does have some intense scenes, the poetry narration - hence the title - moves everything along.

Released the year after the Rodney King riots, it shows the desperate situation in which large numbers of people in South Central live, making efforts to get by without trouble (no easy task). These are complex characters, each with something to add. I recommend it.

I love Janet but...

[davidelloyd · 3/10 · 3 February 2005]

this movie was very uninteresting. The movie centers around four people traveling to South Central, LA on a postal mail carrier, come on! Maybe Janet thought Singleton had another "Boyz n DA Hood" in mind with this project "Poetic Justice", but after "Boyz n DA Hood" Singleton moved to less edgier movies to mundane movies like: 2 Fast 2 Furious, Baby Boy, and Shaft. Tupac and Janet give believable performances, but the plot is dull and dry. Seeing it once is definitely more than enough. Janet made the comment during the promotion of this movie, that she had a difficult time finding the right script before reading "Poetic Justice". She explained that most of the scripts she read were "too violent, too corny, too much profanity, too something... " She failed to realize that this movie was just too boring.

Justice for all

[StevePulaski · 8/10 · 27 September 2011]

After making the effective tear-jerker Boyz N The Hood, John Singleton returns to the field of film with Poetic Justice. While this one is significantly different from that masterpiece, it still has its perks and a solid message to add to its formula of an urban-drama. It is the second film in what Singleton has branded his "Hood trilogy," but yet, it is definitely the weakest of them all.

The plot: Justice (Jackson) is a young woman who lives in South Central, Los Angeles, and is still grieving over the loss of her boyfriend who was murdered during a silly confrontation. Justice writes numerous poems, and narrates them throughout the film. The actual poem were written by writer Maya Angelou, but the authenticity of the writing is the least of our concerns.

Justice works as a hairstylist, and one day, a mailman named Lucky (Shakur) waltzes in one day trying to flirt with several women, when Justice and her friend play a mean joke on him. Karma has its way of reuniting the mailman and the stylist when Justice's friend Iesha (King) forces her to come along on a trip to Oakland with her boyfriend Chicago (Torry) and his coworker Lucky. Justice needs to go for a hair show, so reluctantly agrees to hitch a ride in Lucky's mail-truck.

From then on, the film plays like a buddy road-trip film lacking the buddies. These characters must tolerate each other to survive the trip, but social and emotional conflicts continue to get in their way. Some of these situations feel genuine, but others feel contrived and meant to happen only so the film can advance.

Poetic Justice is very distant from its predecessor, with the only similarities being the setting and the fact that Lucky's uncle, seen in the end of the film, looks a lot like Laurence Fishburne's character in Boyz N The Hood. I can't quite figure out why this one is inferior to them. Maybe it's because the characters aren't as well developed and dripping with charisma, maybe because each one of the characters can be bitter and selfish at points in the film struggling socially, or maybe it's just because.

In Boyz N The Hood, Cuba Gooding Jr. was extremely developed to the point of almost going overboard. In Baby Boy, Omar Gooding was extremely developed. But in Poetic Justice, about a chunk of Janet Jackson's personality is almost snatched away. Same with the ending being a little perplexing and open for explanation.

But this can all be overlooked by two things; the writing and the acting. John Singleton manages to squeeze the premise dry in terms of character dialog. It feels like real discussions being had by real human beings. And Tupac Shakur's acting talents are definitely the strongest point in the film.

Poetic Justice has three meanings when I look at it. It describes redemption for one's previous actions, the character herself in the film, and what the slick writing achieves in this picture.

Starring: Janet Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Regina King, Joe Torry, Tyra Ferrell. Directed by: John Singleton.

Crap.

[generationofswine · 1/10 · 6 April 2009]

Pretentious. Unrealistic. Awful. Crap. I'm actually shocked this came from the writer of "Boyz in the Hood" & "Higher Learning." I had a hard time figuring out the plot of this one, on the surface level it was evident enough, but no, I thought there had to be more to it...It turns out I was wrong, all there is is the surface level. It doesn't stand as a romantic movie, it doesn't stand as a road trip movie, it doesn't stand as buddie movie. I'm actually depressed that Maya Angelou was in it,but I am comforted in the fact that she doesn't have to make a living as an actress. But it does strike a cord in me. I once dated an artist in university, I spent a lot of time with her and her friends, the film reminded me of them: shallow, pretentious, and totally awful.

A John Singleton movie that's a lot better than reviews would suggest.

[macnjnc · 21 May 1999]

Poetic Justice is the type of film that will sneak up on you. Some parts of the movie are a little slow, but as a whole the movie is very good. Director Singleton is able to bring a certain mood to this film; wavering between dark, funny and compassionate. Justice (Janet Jackson) is a directionless and lost female who expresses her wants and sorrows through poetry. Because of deaths in her family she is alone.

She reluctantly agrees to go on a mail trip with a friend (Regina King) and her male comrads. Little does she know that she would find her diamond in the rough in Lucky (Shakur). Although Lucky has a very hard exterior, Justice; through many trails and tribulations locates the good in him. It turns out that they (Justice and Lucky) are just what each other needs. Some may not be able to relate to this film, but if you can chances are you will really like the movie. This movie was not really made for mainstream audiences, just for certain people. I am one who was taken in by it, and it is one of my favorites. Great movie which probably appeals more to demographically urban viewers. Regina King and Joe Torry do a good job of providing support to the lead actors throughout.

I hate this movie!!!!

[breezedude · 1/10 · 25 March 2008]

This is just the worst movie, it has no redeeming qualities for any characters. I watch it in parts out of sheer boredom. I hope Janet fulfilled her fantasy of being a hooch. The one bright spot is Tupac, I'm not that big of fan of his music or past lifestyle. But the young man could act for the most part.

I'm really happy that John Singleton is either on hiatus or something, his films express everything that's ugly and embarrassing regarding some in our culture.

Mr. Singleton, there are enough problems in our culture without you finding the worst.

A good street romance

[DunnDeeDaGreat · 10/10 · 4 November 2001]

Poetic Justice is a great movie. It's not the follow up that wasn't as strong as it should have been for someone of Singelton calibar but it's still a good movie. Jackson and Shakur made their mark in this movie and keeps your attention. Check this out with Sineglton's other films in the ghetto trilogy, Boyz N The Hood &Baby Boy.

No Poetry, No Justice, No Talent

[SHADO-5 · 1/10 · 21 February 1999]

John Singleton has not, and probably never will make a good film. Poetic Justice is sophmoric, trite and sanctimoniuos garbage. As in all of Singleton's films, racial stereotypes abound. Weak performances by Shakur and Jackson don't help.

An underrated gem

[eingelas · 10/10 · 22 May 2019]

I don't know why everyone was so hard on Janet Jackson's acting. Her performance was great. This is a classic film. Gritty, sweet, and hilarious at the same time. RIP to John Singleton. He was a true legend.

The horror!

[russellc · 1/10 · 22 January 2002]

Watching "Poetic Justice" is a painful experience, but serves to show the name "Jackson" will open you some doors even if you happen to be the sibling without any talent.

Best avoided even if for whatever bizarre reason you find Ms. Jackson's music compelling.

not bad at all...

[whoTheFuqRyou · 28 June 2004]

Poetic Justice is an urban film but within this catgory it stands out from alot of them in its own way. The movie uses some very interesting elements that I was familiar with and like most urban films they use realistic characters. The camerawork is nothing new but some of it is really good to look at. Janet Jackson is good as the somewhat uptight poet/hairdresser who is mourning the loss of her lover while on a night out with him as is Tupac in a rather different role from the ones he has in Juice, Bullet and Above The Rim. Not only is the role different but as a man it's impossible to not relate to him as you see his struggles in his life including one powerful scene in which he catches his baby's mother smokin' crack and having other men in his daughter's presence - I thought this worked great because I know how I'd feel if I had a kid and my baby's mother is bringing other men around my kid: I wouldn't be too happy. The road trip is where you begin to see all the characters(Pac Shakur, Janet Jackson, Regina King and Joe Torry) develop and John Singleton wastes little time doing that during that time...

Poetic Justice is a movie deserving alot more credit than it's getting but too bad there are people out there with stupid stereotypical assumptions so idiotic it can get someone angry

8/10

Poetic Justice - Not poetic enough

[lisacamillek · 4/10 · 26 April 2009]

I was hoping the main character, played by Janet Jackson, would lead to more adventures, like making a career out of her poetry composing, or befriend a nicer guy than Lucky (Tupac). After her boyfriend is killed at the beginning, Justice dives into despair and writes poems to escape her depression. She is dragged along for an anonymous ride with her friend and her boyfriend plus Lucky, which ends up in nothing but arguments and domestic violence.

Why is Justice hanging out with these people? She could have made it big with her poetry and gotten out of South Central, get her dreams started and move on from her harsh life. Instead nothing really happens except that she and Lucky seem to share the same views on violent social life, which turns out to be boring.

John Singleton seems to put in more bitchy, annoying domestic and social arguments between his characters in this film, Higher Learning, Baby Boy and this film unfortunately lack the deepness of his outstanding directional techniques he used for his first feature film, Boyz In Da Hood. 2fast 2furious and Four Brothers are taken out of the ghetto, but they don't share the rawness and desperation of Boyz. Shaft, on the other hand, is a change to the director's inventory and also shines a few "behind the camera" genius sparks he first showed us in his Oscar-nominated film Boyz In Da Hood.

Tupac greatest performance

[QDMan5 · 10/10 · 20 April 2002]

This is one of the greatest movies. the greatest romance movie to. Tupac performance is so great. he proves he can do different roles every time he acts. this is probably john singletons 2nd best film next to boys n tha hood of course. Tupac just gives a thug from the streets performance to a romantic performance. the movie is fun to watch especially when tupac and janet get in to arguments.

And her name is, wait for it, JUSTICE!

[DaveSB27 · 1/10 · 13 October 2021]

The tagline alone is reason enough not to watch this drek. HORRIBLE acting, lame and pathetic. Don't waste your time. Every other word is a curse word. Total flatulence.

good flick!

[tmanbball · 8/10 · 29 January 2011]

the only reason i don't rate this film higher is because i always thought it was a tad long. john singleton, i love your work! like spike lee ( with a lot of his films) and ice cube (with 'friday' and 'barbershop') you've caught a time and place that's only clear to those that have lived it, or at least have knowledge of its existence. all of you capture black young'uns (east and west coasts) as they were lived during the times depicted in the films. wonderful stuff! great acting, solid story, everything is more heartfelt than not, it's why i go to the movies! i hope u and spike and ice cube and tyler perry (silly as he can b!) and the whole slew of other black filmmakers continue for many years to come. i love your work, your honesty and your sincerity. this is good movie-making, maya angelou's poetry is a plus and a bonus!!!

Worth a look!

[nadia-31 · 11 November 2004]

I read the other review and simply had to comment on it. This was a great movie. Perhaps not filled with action. But it takes the poetic point of view and happily surprises you. It's in my DVD - shelf at home. Janet is showing a great acting and so is Tupac. My boyfriend weren't that crazy about it, so I've come to realize that it take a special kind of person to want to see and understand the movie at it's fullest. Since i write poetry in my spare time maybe that explains my passion about this movie. In all, I think you should rent it if the review at the back cover tempt you, it's pretty much what you get.

This is an absolute must see movie and an American cinematic classic

[kevin_robbins · 10/10 · 7 December 2021]

Poetic Justice (1993) is a movie in my DVD collection that I recently rewatched on Tubi. The storyline follows a woman whose boyfriend was killed and she's struggling to move on. Her girlfriend invites her to join her and her boyfriend on a weekend trip that includes the boyfriend's best friend. At first the couple get along while the girlfriend and best friend fight like cats and dogs, then it becomes vice versa. A rollercoaster of scenarios and circumstances ensue where they hope to finish their trip without killing each other.

This movie is directed by John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood) and stars Janet Jackson (Nutty Professor II), Tupac (Juice), Joe Torry (Tales from the Hood), Regina King (The Watchmen) and Khandi Alexander (Scandal).

The Billy Zane and Lori Petty drive-in opening movie always makes me laugh. It was also awesome seeing Q-Tip and Tone Loc in this movie. The storyline itself is very smart and well told and paced. The soundtrack and poetry is excellent as is the writing and dialogue. The cast delivers perfect performances and scenarios and circumstances setup a rewarding conclusion.

Overall, this is an absolute must see movie and an American cinematic classic. I would strongly recommend this movie and score it an easy 10/10.