Boyz n the Hood is an important work. It is essentially the sociological meditations of writer/director John Singleton, with a decent plot mixed in. As such, the dialogue is at times incredibly artificial, and each charcter seems like a cut-and-paste device, despite strong performances.
That said, much of the film is quite beautiful when it avoids sentimentality. In particular, the scene in which Tre's friend is brought home shot to the shock and horror of his family is surreal and moving.
While not deserving of its high level of critical acclaim, Boyz n the Hood is a must-see. It was ground-breaking in its frank depiction of the much-ignored (at the time) suburban ghettos and their disadvantaged inhabitants. But as far as classic African-American films are concerned, Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing is a much better work.
That said, much of the film is quite beautiful when it avoids sentimentality. In particular, the scene in which Tre's friend is brought home shot to the shock and horror of his family is surreal and moving.
While not deserving of its high level of critical acclaim, Boyz n the Hood is a must-see. It was ground-breaking in its frank depiction of the much-ignored (at the time) suburban ghettos and their disadvantaged inhabitants. But as far as classic African-American films are concerned, Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing is a much better work.