Menace II Society - Definition and Overview

Menace II Society is a 1993 movie starring Tyrin Turner, Larenz Tate and Jada Pinkett Smith.

It was directed by Allen and Albert Hughes, twins who are commonly referred to as the Hughes Brothers. They were both just twenty-one when the film was made. It was critically acclaimed for it's realistic portrayal of gangland violence, although some critics felt it too 'preachy'. It has been compared with Boyz N the Hood.

The film takes place in South Central Los Angeles, an area often notorious for gang violence. It follows 18-year-old Caine 'Kaydee' Lawson during a long summer after his High School graduation. Although he is a drug-dealer and associated with many gangsters, Caine has quite a number of redeeming qualities; he lives with his loving grandparents and as well as completing his High School education he has a girlfriend who he supports. However, most of Caine's friends, in particular the homicidally trigger-happy Kevin, all seem to be heading towards either jail or an early grave and are threatening to take Caine with them.

Opening up with a shocking scene involving an armed robbery and double murder, the film focuses on Caine as he tries to determine his own fate as he stands on the brink of adulthood.

Samuel L. Jackson makes a cameo in a flashback scene, starring as Caine's violent father.

External Links

Menace II Society at the IMDB (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107554/)