Customer Reviews

Prison Song [VHS]

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Q-tip, Fat Joe, and Mary J Blige give good performances, especially Q-tip. His character has it all going on in the inside and is very quiet on the outside but I still got completely absorbed in what he was going through. The musical sequences blend well too. Just when you're about to punch a wall because of what's happening to the characters, somebody lets loose with a song that expresses the emotions that the movie is bringing up. Mary J. Blige is the queen of from-the-heart songs, and Fat Joe has a rap cameo that slides seamlessly into the scene.

Aside from the individual elements, the movie takes aim at one of the worst qualities of our society, the lousy deck dealt to black men growing up in urban city neighborhoods. It dramatizes - but not by much - the way that opportunities are systematically stripped from you in a society where you're rarely respected or afforded the benefit of the doubt. Definitely a worthwhile movie.

Only one thing - I missed the first five minutes of the movie, and suspect I was better off for it. The beginning lists some stastics that indicate the direction the plot will eventually take, and lends a more moralizing, heavy tone to the movie. Without the intro, the movie stands well by itself and affects you without telling you how you should be affected.

I saw the edited version of this film which did little justice to the actual film which I found to run like a stage play not to say that this is a bad thing. Prison Song is one of the better examples of films on the "prison" theme. I would say the best one was perhaps the classic Cool Hand Luke, but in post-modern times we have OZ which some of said has lost some of it's focus. Though Prison Song is not as in depth as perhaps OZ is, it's still worth at least a rental. For those who are irritated by musicals, you may want to consider renting before buying. If you do purchase this film, you won't be disappointed.

The BET movie Prison Song was one of the best movies I've ever seen before. I was wondering, why wasn't the movies put into theatres all across the world, this movie was a huge hit for Bet. This question is for anyone out there who may know the answer, exactly how can I get the soundtrack to Prison Song. I know it's on Tommy Boy records but thats all I know. If someone has any information please contact me via e-mail, Chung220@aol.com. Thanks

BET's Prison Song offers a look into the life of an inner city teenager, Elijah, (Tip) who gets stuck in the system after his mother is institutionalized. Sent to a private jail after accidentally killing someone (Fat Joe) from his group home, Prison Song follows Elijah as he comes to terms with the harsh realization that even though he is innocent, the only way out is to escape. The tragic ending of this unusually un-musical musical leaves the viewer wanting to break the cycle, but ultimately feeling helpless against it.

This movie gave a very good insight about how crime and prison are destroying many inner city families. I think that Q-Tip, Mary J. Blige, and Fat Joe gave strong dramatic performances. I recommend that this movie be viewed by all those who are interested in inner city life.

When I saw that rappers and singers were in this movie I thought it was gonna be a dud but I was surprised. Q-Tip was focused in his role and did a good job. I LOVED seeing Mary J in this movie (I may be biased because I am a huge fan).
Fat Joe also did a good job a well as the supporting actors.

I thought this movie was pretty good. I watched it for the first time two days ago. Loved the scene with Qtip putting his hands up as if they were a camera and taking pictures, "Click, click". The overall movie was great and I loved the music which leads me to this subject: I can not find this soundtrack anywhere. If there is someone out there that has any input please help as I am desperate to get this music. bigcinc2003@yahoo.com

I loved this movie when I saw it on BET. I love Mary J Blige and loved the music. I had to have it. It was worth the purchase because I have watched it a million times! The message is a great one and it always makes me cry at the end! You won't be sorry!

this movie is a good life explaining movie about a normal african american male whos childhood was troubled by the law...and how so many convicts doesnt have the mentality to survive in prison and how they just have a emontional breakdowns...cuz they want their freedom and that they go through extreme extents just to obtain it even when they face death just to posses that certain freedom they long for..that death may be the only way a convicts freedom will be obtained

A movie so sad, yet so good. With real reactions from the characters and the harsh effects, this movie touched aspects of life we wish we won't ever go through... I respect the movie for how much reality it had: fears, tears,all things we could be cowards to admit. I respect the movie for its creativeness in songs and situations, but for the most part,for showing me how glamour and fame should be the least thing we should focus on in our lives, after all, we all each just have one life or one death.