I thought that this film, while it wasn't perfect, was quite good. I admit I only saw it originally because T-Boz of TLC was in it. But there were some great scenes and while it is slow to begin with, the storyline eventually takes shape and it has a surprisingly powerful ending. It was very well shot, with careful emphasis on lighting and camera angles. The subject matter shouldn't put you off, it isn't that overbearing. The film is more a comment on the social conditions and the misguiding nature that many African-Americans are going through, especially the youths. Sometimes the characters and their lives seem doomed to a hopeless world of drugs and crime, yet at other times, it is as if they can take on the world. DMX's performance was the standout, Nas was slightly disappointing. Overall, 7/10.
