Poetic Justice

Name: Poetic Justice
Director: John Singleton
Released: 1993

John Singleton

1993

Synopsis

Still grieving after the murder of her boyfriend, hairdresser Justice writes poetry to deal with the pain of her loss. Unable to get to Oakland to attend a convention because of her broken-down car, Justice gets a lift with her friend, Iesha, and Iesha's postal worker boyfriend, Chicago. Along for the ride is Chicago's co-worker, Lucky, to whom Justice grows close after some initial problems. But is she ready to open her heart again?

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Recommendations

75
Chicago Sun-Times
Poetic Justice is not ["Boyz N the Hood's"] equal, but does not aspire to be; it is a softer, gentler film, more of a romance than a commentary on social conditions.
67
Austin Chronicle
Subtitled “A Street Romance,” writer-director Singleton's sophomore effort touches the heart more when it's on the street than when it's making romance.
63
ReelViews
Some of Poetic Justice is quite good, if unspectacular, and the dialogue has a consistent ring of truth.
63
Rolling Stone
If Singleton, 25, stumbles, it is over ambition and not the complacency of a new Hollywood hotshot riding a trend.
60
The New York Times
Although its aspirations are high, the film works only fitfully when Mr. Singleton exercises his gift for vernacular speech, for finding the comic undertow in otherwise tragic situations, and even for parody.
50
Christian Science Monitor
Its ambitious aims are commendable in themselves, but regrettable since they overinflate what might have been a simpler and better film.
42
Entertainment Weekly
With Poetic Justice, John Singleton has (at least temporarily) lost his way, but he may have found an actor [Shakur] who can help lead him back.
40
Chicago Reader
Though it's not unlikable, John Singleton's second feature ("Boyz N the Hood" was his first) is an unholy mess in almost every respect.

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