This film about life in the hood is all about the repercussions coming from one's actions, about respect, family, and justice. In this film, criminal acts always catch up to those committing them there's no get out of jail free card, no magic problem solver, or, more importantly, no escape. If anything, the two films parallel each other, as their statements and methods of telling a story are quite similar, as they slap viewers in the face telling them exactly how it is, with little room for interpretation. Though it may seem otherwise, 'Menace II Society' isn't one of the many films glorifying the criminal lifestyle, just as 'American History X' isn't a film glorifying racism. The kid feels bulletproof, and his openly criminal behavior proves as much. As the film rolls on, we see him boasting, openly showing the videotape of the crime he stole from the security camera, in such a carefree manner that it's impossible to believe that it won't come back to haunt him. Words are exchanged, pleasantries never enter the picture, and with one rash action, there's a crime hanging on O-Dog that will never go away, and will shape the rest of his life. As we meet our two youthful lead characters (Tyrin Turner as Caine, Larenz Tate as O-Dog), they stand toe to toe with a husband and wife who own a liquor store, who don't much appreciate the business they're being given, perhaps due to prejudice, perhaps due to problems in the past.
'Menace II Society,' the feature film debut from the Hughes Brothers, begins with a bang, a powerful statement. Though the rage associated with the era has passed, and perhaps the race of some of the gangs still going through these pains now varies city to city, this depiction of the violent street lifestyle and its consequences remains relevant today. This is a classic of its genre, a film whose structure and countless scenes were the main basis for the hilarious 'Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.' Looking back at the film, one has to wonder how much has really changed almost twenty years later. I thought now would be as good a time as any to circle back and cover a release that's been reduced to a budget title in many stores.
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