The film itself isn't exactly anything amazing really, just days in the life of some young street hoods as they commit crimes and generally arse about. The difference with these films over other horror video nasties was this genre was realistic and possibly influential to us kids, or so the grown ups said. It was commonly known as a 90's video nasty and was the talk of the town alongside other similar gangster films. Rising above so many similar film like itself "Menace 2 Society" is a genre defining film with "Boyz N The Hood" and rightfully so is a part of film history.īack in my days of school I heard of this film but knew nothing of it. The acting has no weak link with a defining performance from Tyrin Turner who's the backbone of everything right with the film. It never sacrifices characters to touch upon violence and the various issues that maintain relevant. Menace 2 Society is a powerful crime film that provide social commentary without feeling preachy. Jackson in his very small role is nothing short of spectacular. Consistently acting on the dramatic side well especially in one scene where she could have been dead serious about speaking to her son about Caine possible death choosing to take a more gentle approach instead. Khandi Alexander plays a concerned strong single parent figure. Being able to get out some laughs regardless of what happens and being solid in drama.
Larenz Tate plays more of a loose common, but well meaning character making him a an enjoyable screen presence. You'll never see the two as actors and instead see them as best friends. Larenz Tate plays Caine best friend making a great pairing for Turner. When in discomfort in a situation he emote the appropriate emotion at a moment notice and voice over narration he gets across without coming off as tragic or relieved making him effective in the role.
He never takes his personal life too serious when it comes to business allowing Turner to be relax and joke around with his co-stars. Turner more than just delivers a great performance he becomes Caine. On top that also portray someone consumed by the criminal lifestyle without losing his humanity. Turner had the difficult task of making his character likable, but not to the point we can support him entirely. Tyrin Turner is our leading actor in his defining role as Caine. With writing that's deep and balanced makes this more than a great film, but a part of film history. Along with humor into the mix among it's subject matter that never feel out of place. From subtle foreshadowing how caring about one's life to conversations about leaving your lifestyle. Providing many powerful and memorable lines that will strike a chord with an audience. With conversations tackling more than just violence with pregnancy and realization of mistakes to name a few. The dialogue while not exactly requiring much brains to understand is pure realism. They are given enough depth be more than just cookie cutter characters to have an impact to events. You have the nut, the religious fanatic, the hustler, the insane drug dealer, the strong concerned single parent, and so forth. The gangsters and characters that make up the story while filled with stereotypes is never problematic. Never glorifying the criminal lifestyle nor undermine those involve in such activity. It's this balance in portraying his struggle that makes what the film has to say never become preachy. Seeing him more as a person than film character as he is never presented as the hero or the victim. We are able sympathize for his cause, but never get behind his action. Caine is one of best written character I've seen in a long time. The presentation of issues it tackles come in the form of protagonist Caine. Showing the protagonist being introduced to the criminal lifestyle at a young age, learning the benefits looking to reap them for himself, the gangsters coming off as loose individuals despite their activities, and the consequences of the long term of effect in this lifestyle. The plot of the film takes inspiration from "Goodfellas". Menace 2 Society is about a young street hustler attempts to escape the rigors and temptations of the ghetto in a quest for a better life. Whereas "Boyz N The Hood" is an inspirational story about overcoming the harsh living violent environment with family "Menace 2 Society" tackle the darker side of that criminal world. Both tackle the same thematic issues of crime among the youth in their harsh living environment, but in different ways.
"Menace 2 Society" is such a film that is a companion piece to "Boyz N The Hood". For every classic there is a companion piece that while lesser known is equal in terms of quality.
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