Poetic Justice
Columbia Pictures | Release Date: July 23, 1993 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
51
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 20 Critic Reviews
Positive:
8
Mixed:
11
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
60
The New York TimesVincent Canby
Although its aspirations are high, the film works only fitfully when Mr. Singleton exercises his gift for vernacular speech, for finding the comic undertow in otherwise tragic situations, and even for parody. Read full review
60
VarietyLeonard Klady
Poetic Justice is a hermetic inner-city love story elevated by resonant social commentary. Read full review
60
Washington PostHal Hinson
It's more a brave movie than it is a good one, but at least Singleton has faced the unknown. And he deserves credit for the attempt. Read full review
50
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Its ambitious aims are commendable in themselves, but regrettable since they overinflate what might have been a simpler and better film. Read full review
50
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
Overall, this is a fuzzy, unfocused drama that bites off more than it can chew, or viewers can digest. Read full review
50
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick Groen
Poetic Justice is like that - so much worse than it should have been, and yet, for brief shining moments, so much better than any other 2-star film in sight. [23 July 1993]
50
Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam Arnold
Poetic Justice is much more self-indulgent and self-consciously arty and shows [Singleton's] directorial inexperience in almost every scene. [23 Jul 1993]
42
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
With Poetic Justice, John Singleton has (at least temporarily) lost his way, but he may have found an actor [Shakur] who can help lead him back. Read full review
42
Portland OregonianKristi Turnquist
An ambitious but shapeless mix of road movie, romance and critique of black male-female relationships. [23 Jul 1993]
40
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
Though it's not unlikable, John Singleton's second feature ("Boyz N the Hood" was his first) is an unholy mess in almost every respect. Read full review
40
EmpireAngie Errigo
Made more than two years ago, this is nowhere near as well thought out as its predecessor ["Boyz N The Hood,"] and is far more strained in making its point. Read full review
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