Prison Song

The name Darnell Martin attracted me to this movie . Martin was a director of season one of the prison drama OZ which is my all time favourite drama show to have come out of America . Martin was in my humble opinion the best director of the show and made the stand out episodes of the series including the debut episode that gripped me tighter than a vice . The synopsis of PRISON SONG led me to believe I'd be watching more of the same . Did I ? Well yes and no

The story is the well worn one of a ghetto kid called Elijah who struggling against the crushing adversity of his environment finds he has a special talent for photography and as he grows up he gets a place at college . What could possibly go wrong ? Destiny apparently because Elijah finds himself facing some hard time

If Martin had concentrated on this we'd get a tough prison movie which while seeing it all before would have been a tough gritty film . You have to take in to account as to who the cast are Q-Tip and Mary J Blige which means we get a pumping soundtrack which will prejudice your opinion . If you enjoy hearing a thump thump thump rap track involving I think the word is " mother figures " then this will enhance your feelings for the movie . If like me you don't then you'll be constantly irritated by the soundtrack

This is a pity because PRISON SONG does just about works as a tough prison drama but only intermittently . The film starts by giving out some sociological figures by pointing out crime stats involving African American men but then quickly gives up the pretence of any social comment and concentrates on the music . At the end of the day PRISON SONG suffers from too much song and not enough prison

Prison Song is a very good movie about broken dreams and injustices in the prsion system. The direction by Darnell Martin is better than her last film I Like It Like That. The screenplay by lead actor Q-Tip is also very good for first time out. Look for cameo's by Mary J. Blighe, Noreaga and Fta Joe.

It is interesting to see a hood prison movie incorporate musical elements the way they did here. Unfortunately, this musical aspect is only seen in small instances, and as a consequence, it ends up not feeling so much of a hood drama musical all together. Now, I am not saying that the best thing the film has going is the musical take on the genre of films, but if it was not for the scenes where the actors rap, then this would be not much different than most of the other films that portray prison life.

I recently watched Prison Song (2001) on Tubi. The film follows a young man who spent his childhood in juvenile hall while his mother battled the system from behind bars and his father was also incarcerated. Despite his challenging past, the kid shows real talent-but will that be enough to save him from "the system"?

Directed by Darnell Martin (I Like It Like That), the movie stars Q-Tip (Cadillac Records), Mary J. Blige (Rock of Ages), Elvis Costello (200 Cigarettes), Harold Perrineau (The Matrix Reloaded), and Danny Hoch (Black Hawk Down).

It was amusing to see Q-Tip (54) cast as the son of Harold Perrineau (61) and Mary J. Blige (54) -an interesting choice that adds a unique dynamic to the film. The storyline presents a compelling premise with plenty of potential. Some of the circumstances feel authentic and the dialogue is realistic, although at times the narrative does feel a bit forced. Nevertheless, the film tackles important life lessons and systemic challenges, and its conclusion is both poignant and believable. Overall, it's an entertaining watch.

In conclusion, while Prison Song isn't perfect, it holds your attention and is worth a watch. I'd rate it a 6/10.

I was told about this movie by a friend. He said it was one of the best movies he had seen. Unfortunately he told me the ending, but I won't spoil that for you...

"Prison Song" is a film about a boy brought up in group homes with a gift of art. He does beautiful drawings and is an excellent photographer. He is accepted to college and at first his gets a full scholarship but then something changes and it is taken away. This is one of the many times our principle character is let down. He gives up on his dream and gets angry. He ends up picking a fight with one of the boys from the group home and kills him. He ends up in jail 15 years to life.

The movie to me is a Musical Relief. Actors do break out into song or rap throughout the movie but fortunately this break from spoken word to words of rhythm and melody has a smooth transition. Transitions are so smooth that it seems almost real, like it was something anyone would do when reflecting.

Rapper, Q-tip, place the principle character and plays it well. Though he is quiet most of the time, the viewer will feel almost every emotion he does, even when his face is plain as a blank piece of paper. Through the film you grow to love the character and feel bad that things worked out the way they did. He is like many Black men, like many men period, talented but locked in jail.

I would recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see a prison movie with a lot of heart in it. Characters are deep and the story line is rich.