Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Boyz n the Hood
1991
****½
Director: John Singleton
Cast: Cuba Gooding Jr., Larry Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Ice Cube, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, Tyra Ferrell, Redge Green, Desi Arnez Hines II, Baha Jackson, Donovan McCrary

17-year-old Tre and his childhood friends attempt to navigate the dangers of their neighborhood in South Central Los Angeles. While some in the group have hope of a better future, others struggle to escape the spiral of gang culture. John Singleton's writing and directing debut is an incredibly assured piece of work for a 23-year-old. It tells a thoroughly believable and authentic coming-of-age story, which is funny, moving, and engrossing. The young cast is great, but Larry Fishburne steals the show as Tre’s strict but loving father.