Poetic Justice (1993)

Tupac Triple-Feature Movie #1

Synopsis: Poetry-spouting hairdresser embarks on long road trip with a dude she detests because….um… it sounds a little contrived, doesn’t it? 

Blurb From the VHS Jacket: “A mismatched pair pushed together on a road trip from South Central LA to Oakland, Justice (Janet Jackson) and Lucky (Tupac Shakur) have only one thing in common: they can’t stand each other. But as their friends Iesha and Chicago (Regina King and Joe Torry) fight – and make up – in the back of the van, Justice and Lucky find themselves reluctantly drawn together.” 

What Did I Learn?: Apparently, it’s possible to crash a family reunion and eat free burgers all afternoon if you’re friendly, and rather vague about how you’re related to your interlocutor. 

You Might Like This Movie If: You're a sucker for poetry.

 

Really?: 1) See “What Did I Learn?”. 2) So, Lucky just leaves Chicago in the middle of nowhere, somewhere outside of Oakland, and there aren’t any consequences? 3) So wait, Iesha has a drinking problem, Justice tells her she needs to stop drinking, and she agrees without any arguments? Gee, that was easy! 

Rating: Directed by John Singleton, and released a couple of years after his masterpiece, Boyz 'N The Hood, Poetic Justice didn’t really get the recognition it deserved. While Boyz is a better movie, Poetic Justice has its own charms both as a love story, and as a 1970s-style character-driven road film. Check it out if you get the chance, and watch for rapper Ton Loc in a small, but memorable part. 8/10 stars. 

 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107840/?ref_=nv_sr_1