An Ode To 32 Years of Juice
Juice premiered on January 17th, 1992, and grossed 8.8 million dollars at the box office on its opening weekend. Let’s celebrate 32 years of Juice here!
Juice Movie
By: Camille Shanklin
Juice premiered on January 17th, 1992, and grossed 8.8 million dollars at the box office on its opening weekend. As we celebrate another year of this classic black film, we reflect on the iconic art that is Juice.
Juice Cast
Photo Credit: IMDB
Juice is a thriller-drama directed and co-written by Ernest R. Dickerson, who also collaborated with director and filmmaker Spike Lee. Starring Roland Bishop (played by Tupac Shakur), Quincey “Q” (played by Omar Epps), Raheem (played by Kahlil Kain), and Steel (played by Jermaine Hopkins), the film follows four friends navigating through the world. After committing a robbery at Bodegas to gain respect in the hood, this crime only fueled Bishop's desire to obtain the Juice, especially after witnessing their friend Blizzard, recently released from prison, hold up a bar and get killed by the police.
Tupac, known as a Los Angeles Death Row Records rapper, became the “IT Guy” for Hollywood movies. Juice portrayed a dark depiction of how friendships can evolve from innocent fun to deadly egomaniacal tribulations. Tupac Shakur received high recognition for his outstanding performance as Bishop, marking his first movie and a starring role. He captivated audiences, staring at Q and saying,
“You remember that motherf*cker, ‘cause I’m the one y’all need to be worried about.”
Tupac's role created a dark persona that we weren't ready for. Juice remains a top-five favorite for many and continues to be a trending movie today. Featuring celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson, Queen Latifah, and Fab Five Freddy, Juice is guaranteed to captivate you as the characters are torn apart by tragedy and intentional disarray.
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Celebrating 28 Years of Don't Be A Menace
On this day twenty-eight years ago, Don’t Be A Menace hit the theaters. Let’s celebrate 28 years of Don’t Be A Menace here!
Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans in Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood
My connection and memory of the release of Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood back in the day involves noting a brief but intense burst of popularity surrounding it at the video store where my brother worked. He and his friends were so excited when he brought it home. I remember my mom saying I couldn’t watch it because it was rated R. I cried hard that day. I recall how popular the Wayans were at the time. My older brother sneaked me into the room just so I could watch it. I remember dying laughing at the scene where the Shawn Wayans character is doing foreplay with Dashiki with food. Watching it years later as an adult, that was a top-of-the-line comedy.
The field was certainly ripe for parody after a flood of urban-centered movies hit theaters in the ’90s. All of them had something important to express, but even so, certain shared tropes emerged and trends solidified. That was a perfect storm for a spoof. From Higher Learning to Boyz in the Hood and Menace to Society, we, as a culture, were flooded with trauma movies. Someone had to make us laugh, and the Wayans did just that.
Unlike other coming-of-age films with largely positive themes, this flick taps into black cinema’s exploration of hard lives in crime-ridden neighborhoods. It’s mean and rude almost all the way through, but in a winking way to say, “If it’s satire, that makes it all right.” The Wayans brought us the spoof at the right time for the culture and continue to do so in today’s time (Marlon Wayans' 'Haunted House' franchise). All in all, 'Don’t Be A Menace' is still a household name with quotes that I use to this day. It’s part of black culture and will go down in the Comedy Hall of Fame.
Rating: 8.5/10
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'Why Did I Get Married' Turns 16
On this day sixteen years ago, the cinematic classic Why Did I Get Married hit theaters, taking us on an unforgettable journey into the complexities of modern-day relationships. We discuss it here!
On this day sixteen years ago, October 12, 2007 the cinematic classic Why Did I Get Married hit theaters, taking us on an unforgettable journey into the complexities of modern-day relationships. Written, produced, directed, and starring the multifaceted Tyler Perry, this film unravels the lives of four enduring Black couples who have been the closest of friends since their college days. They gather in the serene mountains for a retreat, hoping to mend their marital woes and rediscover the reasons that led them to say "I do."
The movie's portrayal of the challenges these couples face struck a chord with a wide audience, resonating so deeply that it claimed the number one spot at the box office that weekend. As we revisit this cinematic gem today, let's get into the details that made Why Did I Get Married an unforgettable experience.
Tasha Smith, Janet Jackson, and Sharon Leal Star in Why Did I Get Married
The film’s eclectic cast leaves a lasting impression. Notably, Jill Scott delivers a powerful performance as a softer woman dealing with her unfaithful husband, while Tasha Smith injects humor and life into the narrative. The chemistry among the cast members is undeniable, adding authenticity to the story despite the occasional feeling of a staged performance. But can it really feel staged with Janet Jackson, Richard T. Jones, Sharon Leal, Michael White, and Malik Yoba doing their best work?
The impact of Why Did I Get Married was so profound that it warranted a sequel, Why Did I Get Married Too, in 2010. This follow-up further explored the lives of these beloved characters, giving us even more reason to reminisce about the connections we formed with them.
Tyler Perry's work rarely meets the approval of critics, but it undeniably resonates with its target urban audience. With most of his films consistently hitting the $50 million mark, Perry's status as a filmmaker speaks for itself. He continues to stand on solid ground in the industry, promising more heartwarming stories to come. In fact, rumors are swirling about a third installment in the Why Did I Get Married series. Rest assured, we'll all be eagerly watching, as Perry's work has become a part of our go-to for comfort flicks.
As we look back on the release of Why Did I Get Married on this memorable day, let's not only remember the film but also the conversations it sparked, the emotions it evoked, and the bonds it helped create among friends and families. Whether you're planning a movie night to relive this classic or discussing it with friends, let the legacy of this film continue to inspire, entertain, and remind us of the enduring power of love and friendship in the face of life's challenges.
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Meet Camille Shanklin, Media Correspondent for 247 Live Culture!