Baby Boy
Review by Clint Morris
 In
1991's "Boyz N'The Hood", Director John Singleton
bought us a bleak, yet terrifyingly realistic look at a group
of young African Americans growing up in South Central, Los
Angeles.
An African American himself, Singleton, needless to say,
has a great understanding about what it is like to grow up
in such conditions, and on such dangerous ground. Critical
acclaim and awards were earned by the film - and many a film
maker tried to copy what Singleton had accomplished with the
film. Even Singleton himself, who next did "Poetic Justice",
couldn't make a film near as gritty as his first.
With "Baby Boy", Singleton goes back to the Hood.
And whilst the film isn't a direct sequel to "Boyz N'
The Hood", it unashamedly borrows elements and character
traits from it. At the same time, also having a great range
of characters, with relative unknowns in the leads.
The central character is Jody (Gibson), a twenty year old
man who still thinks he is a kid. He has a lot of growing
up to do. In some ways, he thinks he is still attached to
his mother's umbilical chord. When his mother gets a new boyfriend,
the questionable street-tough Melvin (the always impressive
Ving Rhames) - Jody's position of "Man of the House"
is under threat. At the same time, Jody is also struggling
with his role as a father, to two children, both from different
mothers. One of these ladies, Yvette, is the right girl for
him and he could have something good with her - but instead
he would rather stay at home. The film comes full circle when
one of Yvette's no-good men from the past (Snoop Dogg) turns
up on her doorstep. He poses great threat to Jody. In the
end though, it's those that Jody can't think he can rely on
that come through for him.
Filmed with sympathy and admiration for these characters,
Singleton has again dished out a highly entertaining look
at the lives of those in the hood. Yet, unlike "Boyz
N'The Hood", you don't walk away with a feeling that
you have just witnessed one of those greatest films of it's
type. Still, it's a nice encore.
3.5 out of 5
Baby Boy
Rated: N/A.
Australian release: From November 15th across Australia
Director: John Singleton.
Website: Click
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