QDMan5 This is one of the greatest movies. the greatest romance movie to. Tupac performance is so great. he proves he can do different roles every time he acts. this is probably john singletons 2nd best film next to boys n tha hood of course. Tupac just gives a thug from the streets performance to a romantic performance. the movie is fun to watch especially when tupac and janet get in to arguments.

krhayes-1 Following the phenomenal success of his directional debut, Boyz N' the Hood (1991), director John Singleton would return two years later to helm the second installment in his trilogy about South Central Los Angeles, Poetic Justice. The heroine of the film, Justice (Janet Jackson) is a young woman in mourning of her late boyfriend, whom she lost to gang violence. After this incident, she becomes distraught, swearing off men so that she may concentrate upon her poetry (actually written by Maya Angelou) and her job at a local hair/nail salon. However, when Justice is scheduled to attend a hair show in Oakland, her car stalls. Left with no other option, she takes up the offer made by her friend Iesha (Regina King) to car-pool along with her, her husband Chicago (Joe Torry) and Chicago's friend Lucky (Tupac Shakur). However when Justice and Lucky meet, neither is exceptionally pleased to have due to the fact Justice turned down Lucky when he made a pass at her in the salon. However, during the journey, they begin to establish a relationship even as that of Iesha and Chicago's degrades. The main problem with Poetic Justice is that the above plot synopsis is far too uninspired and unimaginative, which is in direct opposition to Boyz N' the Hood. That film was raw and gritty. Uncompromising in its approach, it attained John Singelton well deserved recognition and praise. Poetic Justice however is not. While violence in south central L.A. is still present, it serves as background, not the entire story, one that is ordinary. However, Poetic Justice is not a terrible film. In fact, it's quite good for the most part. As the film progresses, Singelton captures the viewer's attention by presenting the audience with the contrast of the quartet's relationships. As Justice and Lucky become closer, Iesha and Chicago become further distanced. In addition to this aspect is the dialogue (also scripted by Singleton) which is consistently truthful. As Lucky, Tupac Shakur is excellent. He provides a thoroughly convincing performance throughout without effort. Opposite him, Janet Jackson is not on par. She's fine when not required to display any immense emotion, but when that time comes, she feels somewhat amateurish. Unfortunately, the film concludes with a very weak ending. Once our party arrives in Oakland, the film unravels and becomes deprived of its focus and solidity. From John Singelton, director of Boyz N' the Hood, I was expecting far more. However, I remained entertained throughout if not entirely satisfied. It's not as brilliant as Boyz (which I advise you see first), but Poetic Justice is still recommended. Grade: B-

russellc Watching "Poetic Justice" is a painful experience, but serves to show the name "Jackson" will open you some doors even if you happen to be the sibling without any talent.Best avoided even if for whatever bizarre reason you find Ms. Jackson's music compelling.

moonspinner55 Rarely have I seen a modern movie about romance that was so angry and bitter--and all without purpose. The Maya Angelou poetry seems out-of-place in a story about a beautician's rocky courtship with a troubled postman in South Central L.A., and yet it practically sounds like music next to all the "F--- you"'s and N-words. Some may argue this constant foul language is "realistic", but the majority of the film is unconvincing in its relationships (which are puzzling, to say the least). Janet Jackson has a sweet smile, and looks attractive in her corn-rows and floppy hats, but the mercurial tone of the picture is up and down, back and forth, and finally we just give up on 'Justice' and all her scowling friends. And what about that ratty beginning at the drive-in? ** from ****