Search - Juice-Dvd (Chk) on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 8/18/2024...

Really great first 30 minutes and then it started to fizzle.

Don't Go Bishop on Me!

supastar | brooklyn | 06/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In other words, don't start getting ridiculous, going crazy and all, like Tupac's best character ever, the one he came to maybe live out, some would say. Pac's performance is truly amazing, let's not forget, he was a trained actor before he even got into hip hop, so this maybe shouldn't be SO surprising, but for the fact that he hits it so well because, well, it's him. This is Omar Epps first movie (I think) as well, and he was excellent, as was the guys who played Rahim and Steel. The movie is great and well shot, with excellent music throughout. It's primarily the story of a dj (Epps), really, just trying to get on, and his friends, and the possibilities that can erupt in every man's struggle for respect. Never mind the critics, they seem to critique all black movies the same. This film is unique. It's NOT that violent, especially in the day of Quentin Tarantino or even Menace II Society. There's cameos by tons of rappers, including Special Ed, EPMD, Latifah, Naughty by Nature, and others. But they're small and inconsequential roles for the most part (as they should be). Don't watch this movie as any commentary on Harlem or on black youths or any of that trash. Only racists try to generalize and make every movie that a black person makes into an all-encompassing Statement of Reality. It's overall a somewhat fun movie with a strong bite to it. And it's got a classic soundtrack, the first of the many rap soundtracks that would come out with every movie after this. It's perfect, not too ambitious, doesn't try too hard, isn't a real "tear jerker" though it can be touching. Overall, I'd say its a classic and ten years later, its still as enjoyable."

Juice

SID | BOSTON | 10/04/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Spike Lee cinematographer Ernest Dickerson (he shot Spike's first 6 films) makes a stylish, dark debut with the 1992 teen drama "Juice". Set in Harlem, the story chronicles the lives of 4 friends (including Tupac Shakur in a strong debut) trying to stay out of trouble. 'Q' is an aspiring DJ who holds fierce all his intentions to stay clean and away from danger. Steel is a chubby homeboy who wishes for nothing other than to have fun. Raheem, a teenage father, serves as the level-headed leader and peace keeper, and Bishop is a hot-headed firecracker eager to start war with the neighborhood gang (although these 4 don't behave like or consider themselves any sort of gang). Soon enough, trouble erupts when they rob the local liquor store in search of "juice" (power, respect) and a war erupts between Q and Bishop. Expectedly, Q would rather focus on an upcoming DJ contest but trash-talking Bishop has other plans.Dickerson's directorial manner is sleek and balanced, his camera and editing preferences are not as out there and in-your-face as Spike Lee, yet he knows exactly where to put the camera for each scene (the cross-cutting police interrogation sequence is most dynamic, better than that of "The Usual Suspects" and it pre-dates that film by 3 years as well). Dickerson also chooses to avoid the obvious route expected in these kinds of films and delivers a sad, somber ending. The film is stamped hard with the look, sound and feel of the early 90's (an excellent era of those "urban" films if you ask me), colorful clothing, an excellent hip-hop soundtrack and murky neon lighting. If this is up your alley, I also suggest Bill Duke's equally powerful "Deep Cover" (also from 1992). It's too bad that Dickerson's further efforts have not topped this engaging premiere."

A Must See

mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 03/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Without a doubt Tupac's best film hands down.Ernest Dickerson did a solid job directing this film.Omar Epps was on point as well.A Must See that kept things RAW&REAL."