Jason's Lyric

Critics Consensus

Jason's Lyric is a sexually charged film whose violent streak weakens or, depending on your perspective, supports the melodrama.

61%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 23

91%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 9,136
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Movie Info

Two inner-city youths find love on the hard streets of Houston. Each has personal problems to work through, and is wary of emotional attachments. Jason is haunted by the memory of his father's death and feels responsible for his brother's violent behavior. Lyric is strong and passionate, but doesn't want to to give her love to another just to see it snuffed out by the violence around her. Together they learn to let go of fear and guilt and dream of a better life.

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Cast

Allen Payne
as Jason
Bokeem Woodbine
as Joshua
Jada Pinkett Smith
as Lyric
Forest Whitaker
as Maddog
Suzzanne Douglas
as Gloria
Anthony 'Treach' Criss
as Alonzo
Lisa Nicole Carson
as Marti
Eddie Griffin
as Rat
Adam su Kidron
Lahmard J. Tate
as Ron
Clarence Whitemore
as Elmo
Asheamu Earl Randle
as Teddy
Rushion McDonald
as Fast Freddy
Bebe Drake
as Ms. Murphy
Kenneth Randle
as Leroy
Wayne Dehart
as Street Preacher
Sean Hutchinson
as Jason (age 11)
Burleigh Moore
as Joshua (age 8)
Olivia Gatewood
as Carjack Victim
Ronald Lee
as Jelly
Ambrosio Guerra
as Latin Man
Michon Benson
as Black Girl
Erma DeMart
as Erma
Curtis Von Burrell
as Darryl
Jaye Delai Robinson
as Clown
Suzanne Mari
as Lola
Dwain Woodfork
as Bus Driver
Avery Dale Goodman
as Jazz Player
Sandy Denton
as Sandy
The Mad Hatter
as Himself
Bill Travis
as B.T.
Big Black
as Herself
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Critic Reviews for Jason's Lyric

All Critics (23) | Top Critics (9)

View All Critic Reviews (23)

Audience Reviews for Jason's Lyric

  • Jul 20, 2011
    A man falls in love while attempting to curtail his brother's criminal behavior. If I recall correctly, this is John Singleton's fault. Though it's unfair to judge an artist based on his imitators, Singleton's <i>Boyz 'n the Hood</i> began a rash of "hood" films that eventually culminated in the Wayans brothers' parody of the genre. <i>Jason's Lyric</i> "feels like" an imitation, stuck in a particular time, fitting all the generic requirements in, unable to breathe on its own. The abusive father, the aspirations of escape, and the burgeoning love are all things we've seen from Singleton, and there's nothing radically new here. What is more, the love story plot, which, during the first hour of the film, is evenly interspersed with the "hood" plot, is so excessively sappy. Every elevator song you ever heard underscores Jason's courtship of Lyric, and the idyllic landscape gives the plot a maudlin feel. He washes her feet for Christ's sake! Then, the film tries to be realistic in the "hood" plot, and when the two plots converge, I couldn't shake the feeling that the film had multiple personality disorder. Forest Whitaker's performance during the film's first ten minutes as the damaged Vietnam vet was fantastic; Whitaker set the bar so high that it's no wonder the rest of the actors could only disappoint. Jada Pinkett is alluring and beautiful, but there's not much of a character here. It doesn't help her that the script gives her the most expository lines, especially before Jason reveals the truth about his dreams. Overall, this is a poor imitation of John Singleton; see <i>Boyz 'n the Hood</i> and you can tell everybody that you saw <i>Jason's Lyric</i> too.
    Jim H Super Reviewer
  • Jul 26, 2009
    Suprisingly well acted by EVERY actor involved. . . A sweet love story that will please those who want to see it and suprise those who find themselves watching it "against their will".
    Miriam K Super Reviewer
  • May 30, 2008
    This movie is pretty good and you get to see Jada's Booty
    khalvic b Super Reviewer
  • Dec 26, 2007
    A personal favorite.
    Leo L Super Reviewer
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