Spoilers Im rating this movie a 3, but that being said, i have the DVD and i never change it when its on TV. I find the TV version even funnier than the uncensored. First about me, im a 25-30 year old White male that was not brought up with a difficult life. I say this cause I've read some other reviews that talk about how pin point this movie is. I hope to god they are wrong, there is not a level head in this movie. And none of the African Americans i am friends with, have ever acted anything like this.Jody (our main character) tries to act gangster, but clearly is soft. The movie gave me the feeling that if his friend "P" was not around, he probably would have a better life. But he looks up to his friend, who spews lines that are border line retarded, and Jody takes them like gospel. Jody treats his girlfriend/ baby momma (played by Taraji Henson) like crap. I am troubled by her acting in this movie, not sure if its lack of guidance from the director, or just her inexperience at the time. But later in her career she proves to be a great actress, just not here. "P" played by Omar Gooding, is an apple that was thrown from the tree. He needs to go back to Nickelodeon, and leave the grown up roles to his cousin, Cuba. Ving Rhames actually acts fine, just has a poorly written role. Now the reason i love this movie; Certain scenes, are so over the top, they are awesome. Jody, at one point gets punkd and beat up for his bike, by a bunch of school kids. Instead of manning up, he gets his friend "P" and gun, and make the kids stand there and take a beating at gunpoint. Which ends up with "P" spanking one like its his own child. Every scene with snoop dog has great one liners. And all these one liners are even better on the TV version, because the N Bomb gets substituted with "chicken". Towards the end of the movie, Snoop rolls up on Jody in a drive by, and once again Jody hits the fetal position, instead of fighting back. And cries cause he thought he was shot, but wasn't even close. There are many more scenes like these, but you need to just watch it. In summary, i rate this movie a three, but i love watching it. From an actual critical stand point, John Singleton should be embarrassed for this representation of Americans. best quote; snoop "I hate you too lil chicken"

'Baby boy' is one of those classic films that once you watch it you, you want to show it to your partner just to show them exactly how you feel. Singleton reaches out and touches the viewer with this tale of a young black man trying to make his way in the world. 'Baby Boy' touches on most of the human emotions concentrating particularly on the love that the main character and his girlfriend share with each other. Jody, the central male in 'Baby Boy',is a character that any man can relate to. He loves his girlfriend but can't keep their relationship stable for longer than a few days. Jody is a character who you can't help but care for. All he wants is to marry his girlfriend, care for his 2 children, and strangely, live at home with his mother. Jody is like a new peter pan. He really does not want to grow up, but Jody realises that he will either grow and survive in the hood or continue to act like the child he is in his mind. When watched with your special someone, 'Baby Boy' is inspirational on any relationship and after watching will give you a 'feel good feeling.' Awesome film, A must have with all couples. 10/10

Baby Boy (2001) has to be the best film John Singleton has made in his decade and a half directorial career. What separates this movie from others is how real life the situations are in this movie. People like this exist in all different races, ethnicities and social standings. I guess people were turned off by the "gangsta" element. I don't know why because it's just an excellent film that has brilliant acting and writing. Surprise is an understatement, when I saw this movie on video I couldn't believe that this was made by the same director who made Shaft and that schlocky Higher Learning. Too bad Singleton had to sell out again and make Too Fast, Too Furious.The movie follows the life of Jody, an unemployed roustabout who has two kids with two different women. He doesn't do anything and whines to anyone who'll listen to him. Jody takes no responsibility for his actions and blames them on others. One day his life begins to change when his mother get's involved with a world wise former knuckle head (VIng Rhames). Even though his actions and words are too straight forward for a young pup like Jody, he tries to get him to look at life from a reality perspective instead of hanging on his mother's apron strings. Jody likes to run around with his buddy Sweetpea and spend time with his babies momma. One of his girlfriends has a man (Snoop Dogg) who's waiting to get out of the pen and claim what he thinks is his. Can Jody get his life together or will the streets and his own stupidity and lack of accepting adulthood bring him down.Like I said, this is a great movie that was over looked by the viewing public. John Singleton should make more movies like this instead of trying to make a block buster. If you want to see a hard hitting drama that'll entertain as well as educate, this is the film for you. Highest recommendation possible.

As a white person who doesn't live in 'the hood', I have a hard time identifying with the characters in this movie.Still, it was worth seeing for some very good performances. Ving Rhames as Jody's mother's boyfriend, Tyrese as Jody, Taraji Henson as Jody's girlfriend Yvette, A. J. Johnson as Jody's mother. Cuba Gooding's brother Omar is as talented as his brother. Even Snoop Dogg did a capable job as Yvette's former boyfriend. He couldn't compare with the fine performers around him, but he does have the potential for a career outside the rap world.I was amazed at how gentle Jody was with Yvette. The stereotype is for someone like him to be abusive, but he only came close when really pushed, and most of us would not be that patient. The writers didn't rely on easy solutions to problems, and people worked things out by making an effort.The nightmares and fantasies got annoying for me, and I believe the actors themselves did not know how the movie would end because all these different scenes were filmed. Still, it was well done overall.I'm so glad I saw a cleaned-up version, but the film was still quite potent. It's certainly not for kids.