BABY BOY

Year: 2001
USA & UK: Columbia TriStar
Cast: Tyrese Gibson, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Ving Rhames, Omar Gooding, Taraji P Henson, Tamara Bass, Angell Conwell, Adrienne-Joi Johnson, Candy Ann Brown
Director: John Singleton
Country: USA
USA: 128 mins
UK: 129 mins
USA Rated: R for strong sexuality, language, violence, and some drug use
UK Certificate: 15 contains very strong language and strong sex and violence
USA Release Date: 27 June 2001
UK Release Date: 23 November 2001


Synopsis

Director John Singleton (BOYZ N THE HOOD) returns to the same inner-city neighborhood in south central Los Angeles with its complex social and political issues for the story of Jody (Tyrese Gibson), a misguided, 20-year-old African-American who is really just a 'baby boy' finally forced-kicking and screaming to face the commitments of real life.

Streetwise and unemployed, and the father of two children by two different women-Yvette (Taraji P. Henson) and Peanut (Tamara Bass) he is still living with his mother. He can't seem to strike a balance or find direction in his chaotic life. To add to his problems, Jody's best friend, Sweetpea (Omar Gooding), has spent his life in and out of prison and seems to find trouble wherever he goes.

Meanwhile, Jody's 36 year-old mother, Juanita (A J Johnson), has finally started to live her life again and is dating Melvin (Ving Rhames), a reformed O.G. ("old gangster"). When Melvin moves in, there's little room for Jody and Juanita feels it's time to enjoy the simple things in life and wants Jody to take responsibility for his own life and his children.

Jody is forced to face his own fears about adulthood and deal with a new adversary, Rodney (Snoop Doggy Dog).