I first came across Roxanne Shanté in the 80's, it was the birth of Hip Hop and it seemed that every day a new star was being discovered. As a kid growing up in London Rappers, DJs, Break Dancers and Body Poppers were gods!
Michael Larnell's film intelligently charts the struggles and challenges of Roxanne Shanté (Chanté Adams/Taliyah Whitaker) faces growing up in Queens, New York. I would have been happy if this film was just about Hip Hop. Instead however we're treated to a snapshot of story lines that neatly intertwine. Roxanne's mother Ms Peggy (Nia Long) acts as the trigger for a chain of events that force a young black teenage girl to make adult decisions in an adult's world. Her relationship with Cross (Mahershala Ali) compounds her sense conflict and adds to her torment.
Along this journey of discovery and hustle Roxanne interacts with Managers, Promoters and Drug Dealers - where she's promised the earth and has to deal with the consequences of the decisions she makes. All this when most 14 to 17 years olds are still at (and should be at) school.
This is a beautifully paced film that's both thrilling and thought provoking. It successfully portrays the human dimension that underpins the machismo often trumpeted by the world of hip hop.
Pay close attention for the 'cameos' from other rappers from the period as you'll appreciate those moments when they come.
If I had to criticise the film - I'd struggle; but I did find myself wishing that Roxanne rapped more. She was an awesome rapper, so sell this. Nevertheless, that's what CDs tapes, LPs and streams are for, no?! So I'll forgive them for that. Instead we have a mature film about a 'sometimes' difficult subject played by a great cast.
How anyone could give this less than a 7/10 is beyond me.
Michael Larnell's film intelligently charts the struggles and challenges of Roxanne Shanté (Chanté Adams/Taliyah Whitaker) faces growing up in Queens, New York. I would have been happy if this film was just about Hip Hop. Instead however we're treated to a snapshot of story lines that neatly intertwine. Roxanne's mother Ms Peggy (Nia Long) acts as the trigger for a chain of events that force a young black teenage girl to make adult decisions in an adult's world. Her relationship with Cross (Mahershala Ali) compounds her sense conflict and adds to her torment.
Along this journey of discovery and hustle Roxanne interacts with Managers, Promoters and Drug Dealers - where she's promised the earth and has to deal with the consequences of the decisions she makes. All this when most 14 to 17 years olds are still at (and should be at) school.
This is a beautifully paced film that's both thrilling and thought provoking. It successfully portrays the human dimension that underpins the machismo often trumpeted by the world of hip hop.
Pay close attention for the 'cameos' from other rappers from the period as you'll appreciate those moments when they come.
If I had to criticise the film - I'd struggle; but I did find myself wishing that Roxanne rapped more. She was an awesome rapper, so sell this. Nevertheless, that's what CDs tapes, LPs and streams are for, no?! So I'll forgive them for that. Instead we have a mature film about a 'sometimes' difficult subject played by a great cast.
How anyone could give this less than a 7/10 is beyond me.