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Fresh (1994)

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All Critics
Top Critics

Average Rating: 7.5/10
Reviews Counted: 21
Fresh: 19 | Rotten: 2

No consensus yet.

100

Average Rating: 8/10
Critic Reviews: 5
Fresh: 5 | Rotten: 0

No consensus yet.

audience

liked it
Average Rating: 4/5
User Ratings: 7,161

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Movie Info

A bright young African-American boy attempts to survive life in the city by acting as an errand boy for a drug dealer in this thoughtful, sharply plotted drama. Known as Fresh, the young man must use his delivery jobs to support himself and his troubled sister, receiving nothing from his distant, alcoholic father but the occasional chess lesson. His intelligence and quiet determination serve him well, as he wins the trust of his employer and settles into an unpleasant but survivable routine.

R, 1 hr. 55 min.

Drama

Directed By: Boaz Yakin

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1994 Wide

On DVD: Feb 5, 2002

Miramax

Cast

Sean Nelson
Fresh
Giancarlo Esposito
Esteban
Samuel L. Jackson
Sam
N'Bushe Wright
Nicole
Ron Brice
Corky
Jean Claude Lamarre
Jake
Cheryl Freeman
Aunt Frances
F Murray Abraham
Chess Hustler (uncredit...
Mateo Gomez
Mexican
Robert Jimenez
Salvador
Paul L.Q. Lee
Tommy Yee
Curtis L. McClarin
Darryl
Davenia McFadden
Mrs. Coleman
Cortez Nance Jr.
Reggie
Joe Pentangelo
Transit Cop
Anthony Ruiz
Hector
Martin Shakar
Detective Abe Sharp
Anthony Thomas
Red
Yul V�zquez
Chillie
Lawrence Bender
Yuppie
Guillermo D�az
Spike
Charles Malik Whitfield
Smokey
Jose Zuniga
Lieutenant Perez
Matthew Faber
Long-Haired Teenager
Randy Ostrow
Mr. Cohen
Jean-Claude La Marre
Luis Lantigua

Critic Reviews for Fresh

All Critics (27) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (20) | Rotten (2) | DVD (4)

Though its morality may be controversial, the film, an impressive debut from Boaz Yakin, deserves credit for introducing a new type of protagonist, a ghetto teenager willing to do everything and anything to escape his lot.

July 4, 2006 Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

| Comment

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

Unlike John Singleton's by-the-numbers Boyz n the Hood, Boaz Yakin's Fresh doesn't rely on skeletal portrayals of life in the ghetto, or moralistic messages.

January 3, 2005 Full Review Source: Film and Felt

| Comment

Gabe Leibowitz

Film and Felt

Without a fully-formed perspective on its protagonist, Fresh remains a picture that is more powerful and affecting in concept than in actual execution.

January 10, 2003 Full Review Source: Nick's Flick Picks

| Comment

Nick Davis

Nick's Flick Picks

We've seen this story before, but it's told surprisingly well here.

July 25, 2002 Comment

Scott Weinberg

eFilmCritic.com

What makes Fresh different, however, is what happens when the film enters its second half. To reveal too much would be to ruin the experience

March 20, 2002 Full Review Source: DVDTalk.com

| Comment

Gil Jawetz

DVDTalk.com

More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Fresh

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Samuel L. Jackson wasn't his usual over the top self. Instead he brings a great performance to a small role.

March 12, 2008

James Alvarez

Super Reviewer

I loved this film as a teen. Yet I think I would get slightly bored today, because its a one of story and doesn't really narrate into anything contemporary.

January 26, 2008