Predrag Singleton's solid direction didn't save the uneven pacing of this film , and not only the pacing, there's a lot of Gap that occurred here, i don't know what it is exactly but probably the lack of resolution and the absence of consequences that suppose to be given to some of the lead characters, i don't know maybe its just me. The story opens with a fresh sequence on the definition of why a black male is defined as a baby boy, we are then introduced with the title character , Jody , A 20 yr old unachieving young man trying to break free off the directionless life on the street but seems to do little about it,instead he prefers the good old in and out and sampling other local females, despite already giving babies to his steady girlfriend and another mistress type of woman,oh yes, he also lives with his young mom who still samples on different type of thug boyfriends, that is until the biggest thug,Melvin aka Ving Rhames came by , took the heart of mom, and leave Jody with Oedipus angst, now i leave it to here, since it is really hard to break down a summary for this one, every scenes seems to be working like a mini episodes of themselves, which is also the weakness of this film.It really had potential to be a classic movie, but you're never really sure whether it is meant to be a comedy, drama or a thriller as all of these aspects are thrown in there, but it often leaves you wondering what is going on. Ving's character had potential to be a real strong, powerful character that you could learn lessons from etc and to an extent he is, however, it is undermined by the regular and frequent comedic turns he is asked to perform throughout the movie. Don't get me wrong, they are funny, but like i said, the film's issues in my opinion are too serious to warrant it. The main character Jodie is not likable, and i feel he is supposed to be a bit of an antihero type, but he simply doesn't come across like that, due to partly not great acting, and bad writing. That sadly, is the case for the whole movie, Henson's acting is superb as always, but the script is corny and cliché'd. Sometimes it works, some times it doesn't. I'm a fan of hip hop, and hood movies too, and this is still probably one of the better ones. Even though i've pointed out the bad points, i would still watch this again sometimes for the moments that are memorable.Overall rating: 6 out of 10.

truthfromabove Spoilers Im rating this movie a 3, but that being said, i have the DVD and i never change it when its on TV. I find the TV version even funnier than the uncensored. First about me, im a 25-30 year old White male that was not brought up with a difficult life. I say this cause I've read some other reviews that talk about how pin point this movie is. I hope to god they are wrong, there is not a level head in this movie. And none of the African Americans i am friends with, have ever acted anything like this.Jody (our main character) tries to act gangster, but clearly is soft. The movie gave me the feeling that if his friend "P" was not around, he probably would have a better life. But he looks up to his friend, who spews lines that are border line retarded, and Jody takes them like gospel. Jody treats his girlfriend/ baby momma (played by Taraji Henson) like crap. I am troubled by her acting in this movie, not sure if its lack of guidance from the director, or just her inexperience at the time. But later in her career she proves to be a great actress, just not here. "P" played by Omar Gooding, is an apple that was thrown from the tree. He needs to go back to Nickelodeon, and leave the grown up roles to his cousin, Cuba. Ving Rhames actually acts fine, just has a poorly written role. Now the reason i love this movie; Certain scenes, are so over the top, they are awesome. Jody, at one point gets punkd and beat up for his bike, by a bunch of school kids. Instead of manning up, he gets his friend "P" and gun, and make the kids stand there and take a beating at gunpoint. Which ends up with "P" spanking one like its his own child. Every scene with snoop dog has great one liners. And all these one liners are even better on the TV version, because the N Bomb gets substituted with "chicken". Towards the end of the movie, Snoop rolls up on Jody in a drive by, and once again Jody hits the fetal position, instead of fighting back. And cries cause he thought he was shot, but wasn't even close. There are many more scenes like these, but you need to just watch it. In summary, i rate this movie a three, but i love watching it. From an actual critical stand point, John Singleton should be embarrassed for this representation of Americans. best quote; snoop "I hate you too lil chicken"

edwagreen Sociologists would have a field day with this film. Given the current state of things, it's amazing that African-Americans have not picketed this film due to its extremely negative stereotyping of black life in America.Black men are depicted as shiftless tramps, hustlers and just general low-lives. Ditto for women.The language here is absolutely disgusting to say the least. You can't get through a sentence without b and f bombs being hurled at each other.How old is Tyrese Gibson's mom in this film? She must have had him when she was 14 or so.How horrible that the killing is never solved by police officials.These negative things being said, our sociologists would view this film positively claiming that it gives an adequate description of black life.Where are our so called black activists in protesting this film? I thought I was back in the New York City classroom or other large urban school setting. What a disgusting film to show to all groups. Talk of reviving of racial prejudice, this was really off the wall.

atl_ga06 I actually liked Baby Boy...some people are being to harsh on the movie because they didn't see Jodi growing up...I see people are talking about the ending and how he didn't really come of age, but he did grow up from the start of the movie...at the end we actually don't know what happens except for the fact that he moved in with his girl...the movie has some characters that I identify with and I can say so and so reminds me of ____. Plus the movie is called Baby Boy, I mean what more could u expect from the title and the movie poster...something intellectual??? Look at the other movies that John Singleton has made they were all mostly about hood figures...I mean come on people every movie is not gonna be motivational and have a deep meaning...