Poetic Justice
Columbia Pictures
Starring Janet Jackson, Regina King, Tupac Shakur, Joe Torry, and Maya Angelou, “Poetic Justice” is Singleton’s romantic classic. Jackson stars as a poet and hairdresser named Justice who uses her poetry to help her grieve the loss of her boyfriend who was recently murdered. Justice, her friend Iesha (King), Iesha’s postal worker boyfriend Chicago (Torry), and his co-worker Lucky (Skakur) travel together to a convention in Oakland, and this road movie soon becomes a romance. The film was Singleton’s follow up to “Boyz n the Hood,” and it’s obvious he took the criticism of the film’s portrayal of women to heart, and wrote a film attempting to do better. Critics at the time may not have fully understood the film, but “Poetic Justice” remains to be one of Singleton’s most enduring films. Released in the wake of the Los Angeles riots, Singleton pivoted away from a story of Black pain, and instead looked to a narrative celebrating Black love, family, and friendship.
“Poetic Justice” is currently available to stream for free on TubiTV.
The Best John Singleton Movies And Where To Watch Them
Columbia Pictures
“Coming from where I’m from, it was a challenge to be taken seriously enough to get a chance to make a film and — to do what I so ambitiously wanted to do — I had to write it myself.” Director John Singleton made that statement in an interview celebrating the 25th anniversary of his directorial debut, “Boyz n the Hood,” the film that made him the first Black and youngest person to ever be nominated for the Best Director Academy Award. Singleton grew up in South Central Los Angeles, navigating the complex realities of the Black experience in his neighborhood and providing an unflinching look at the truths of existing in the inner-city, and what systemic failures led to this point. His films were ones that America desperately needed to see, regardless if they weren’t ready for the information.
We unfortunately lost John Singleton in 2019, but the impact and legacy left behind with his films are immeasurable. He had an eye for talent, helping bring Ice Cube, Morris Chestnut, Regina King, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Nia Long to mainstream audiences. While not exclusively a film director (he directed episodes of “Snowfall,” “Billions,” “Empire,” and “American Crime Story,” to name a few) Singleton’s filmography paints an untouchable picture of a brilliant creator lost too soon. Here are five of Singleton’s very best films, and where you can watch them right now.
Director John Singleton made that statement in an interview celebrating the 25th anniversary of his directorial debut, “Boyz n the Hood,” the film that made him the first Black and youngest person to ever be nominated for the Best Director Academy Award. Singleton grew up in South Central Los Angeles, navigating the complex realities of the Black experience in his neighborhood and providing an unflinching look at the truths of existing in the inner-city, and what systemic failures led to this point. His films were ones that America desperately needed to see, regardless if they weren’t ready for the information.
We unfortunately lost John Singleton in 2019, but the impact and legacy left behind with his films are immeasurable. He had an eye for talent, helping bring Ice Cube, Morris Chestnut, Regina King, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Nia Long to mainstream audiences. While not exclusively a film director (he directed episodes of “Snowfall,” “Billions,” “Empire,” and “American Crime Story,” to name a few) Singleton’s filmography paints an untouchable picture of a brilliant creator lost too soon. Here are five of Singleton’s very best films, and where you can watch them right now.
Poetic Justice
Starring Janet Jackson, Regina King, Tupac Shakur, Joe Torry, and Maya Angelou, “Poetic Justice” is Singleton’s romantic classic. Jackson stars as a poet and hairdresser named Justice who uses her poetry to help her grieve the loss of her boyfriend who was recently murdered. Justice, her friend Iesha (King), Iesha’s postal worker boyfriend Chicago (Torry), and his co-worker Lucky (Skakur) travel together to a convention in Oakland, and this road movie soon becomes a romance. The film was Singleton’s follow up to “Boyz n the Hood,” and it’s obvious he took the criticism of the film’s portrayal of women to heart, and wrote a film attempting to do better. Critics at the time may not have fully understood the film, but “Poetic Justice” remains to be one of Singleton’s most enduring films. Released in the wake of the Los Angeles riots, Singleton pivoted away from a story of Black pain, and instead looked to a narrative celebrating Black love, family, and friendship.
“Poetic Justice” is currently available to stream for free on TubiTV.
“Poetic Justice” is currently available to stream for free on TubiTV.
Baby Boy
Sony Pictures Releasing
Higher Learning
Rosewood
Warner Bros.
