Jason's Lyric (1994) User Reviews (26)

Well crafted film and splendid acting!

[Khwaj · 8/10 · 19 March 2002]

It isn't often that you get to see a compelling film that deals with human sacrifices, love and the courage to find a true identity to lead a good moral life. . .

Jason's Lyric was one film that became that testament of many issues combined. For me it's not just a film but more in terms of reaching out to those unfortunate souls living a somber life and helping to reflect on those wishing to make a change for the best.

Allan Payne, Jada Pinkett and Bokeem Woodbine all give electrifying performances. One of the strongest issues the film dealt with was Payne's relationship as a brother to troubled Woodbine. The disturbing part for me though was Forest Whittaker's performance as the father who go's berserk after the Vietnam War, losing all sense of morality for himself and his family.

A brilliant film, I can't recommend this film enough.

8/10

Great story; original cast

[2fish · 8/10 · 25 March 1999]

Jason's Lyric is a truly great love story with a superb cast. The performances by Bokeem Woodbine as Josh, and Forest Whitaker as MadDog are strong and convincing. Complemented by a superb soundtrack, this movie should not be missed. Jason's Lyric should have received more theatrical exposure letting the main actors and supporting cast shine.

A urban love story

[DunnDeeDaGreat · 6/10 · 13 April 2002]

Jason's Lyric is clearly one of the best urban love stories ever put on film. The direction by Doug McHerny showed real talent as did his screenpaly. Allen Payne and Jada Pinkett both showed early lead acting roles in this good film. Finally I think Forrest Whitaker and Bokeem Woodbine both deserved Oscar nods for their work. I give it **** out of ****.

Good, But Could Have Been Better

[Sargebri · 30 June 2004]

This film pretty much came out at a time when more and more films featuring blacks in positive images were coming out. This film came out around the same time as another film that Jada Pinkett was in, The Inkwell. However, this film tries to be three films at once. First its a story about the tragic events in the brother's past. The second story is almost an urban version of "Romeo and Juliet". The third plot revolves around how Jason's brother constantly gets into trouble leading to his tragic end. The love story would have been enough for me because it shows that African Americans can have very loving relationships and can be romantic. Unfortunately, in the end it turns into a typical bloody shootout, but it does have a twist ending and that helped to save it.

Worth watching for Allan Payne's performance

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 6/10 · 20 July 2018]

What I really liked about this film? The performance of Allan Payne. I don't know how I've never noticed this guy before. I was impressed with him here. He was able to walk that fine line between the good guy...but still having some "street cred". And, that it was stunning, but Jada Pinkett Smith was good here.

On the other hand, this is just another thug-type character role for Bokeem Woodbine. He's never impressed me; he didn't impress me here. The most I can say is that he fulfilled what was needed for the character. Eddie Griffin...this wasn't a role for him...it was a caricature.

The story itself...well, I can buy into one aspect of it -- some families have a black sheep that they ought to just set free and disown...and that's really what this is about. On the other hand, some families have a true "good guy"...that often gets pulled down by the black sheep. In a nutshell...that's the plot.

Love story

[fmwongmd · 6/10 · 12 April 2020]

Interesting to have an all black cast black on black love scenes plus multiple literary quotations including one from John Donne. Acting by Allen Payne and Bokeem Woodbine particularly effective.

Intense. Unforgettable.

[Pro Jury · 10/10 · 3 March 2000]

Boy meets girl. There are a mountain of movies that attempt to tell a love story and disappoint and fall flat. JASON'S LYRIC is... unforgettable -- a love movie to enjoy many times.

The greatest strength to this love story is the same as the key strength in the world-wide hit LONG VACATION tv series exported from Japan: as the story unfolds the viewer deeply and personally cares about the boy and the girl. The characters become real and we feel as they feel. Intense. Unforgettable.

Highly recommended, but keep in mind that there is grit, drugs and depictions of violence in this movie.

The film's direction is plain, simple and obvious - in a bad way...

[scroll2b · 1/10 · 8 December 2003]

There must be 10+ setups for each scene, where the lighting is perfect, as if it was a student filmmaker's first 35mm film. There's absolutely no style, and no thought of how the film would work as a whole. Most of the pickups are wasted coverage. There's hardly any genuine suspense, and the ending feels totally forced, as does the last tacked-on song.

Why is it that most new filmmakers are too busy trying to prove they can run a film production, run a show just like the pros? Why can't they focus on the end point - how the film will affect those who witness it? This filmmaker makes absolutely no point in what he does, except to show how unskilled he is as a storyteller.

Not to compare the two, since they are completely different types of films, but if you want to see real amazing direction, in which the story unfolds with tremendous, unsuspecting power, see THE PIANO. Jane Campion's direction could teach many that it's not the coverage, and multiple set-ups, but the performances, pacing and story that goes first.

Nothing short of exquisite

[fuxing626 · 10/10 · 13 August 2002]

One endeavor in filmmaking that quite frequently doesn't turn out well is mixing genres. "Jason's Lyric" combines crime drama, love story, and ghetto film-and does it surprisingly beautifully. The acting is remarkable, the script is remarkable, and the emotion is remarkable. This movie could have turned out very pretentious and very cheesy. Apparently, the directors, writers, and producers completely acknowledged this, and refused to let that happen. The characters are very well developed and, while the movie doesn't justify Josh's actions, it does convey compassion for him. It also provides new insight on what it's really like to live in a ghetto. If you can find this movie (after all, I saw it on Showtime and haven't the video in any stores) totally see it!!!!

Excellent Movie, I own the rottweiler puppy, Lyric that was in this movie

[vtlric · 10/10 · 24 June 2006]

I was very surprised at how good this movie was. My rottweiler, Lyric, who is now 13 years old was in this movie when she was 7 weeks old. I named her Lyric after the role of Jada Pinkett. Lyric went on to be an American/Canadian Champion. Her show name is Am/Ca CH. Von Traeger's Lyric. The movie took place in the 3rd Ward in Houston, Texas. It was awesome being on the set during the filming of this movie. I am looking at showing Lyric at the "Reliant Center World Dog Show" in Houston this next Month. She will be shown in Veterens Class 12 years and older. This is a rottweiler specialty show. Thank you for letting me share. Kerri

The most personally captivating movie since "Imitation of Life".

[ladybyrd · 10/10 · 11 May 1999]

All of the characters had a back history. I could see the cause and effect (why the characters were the way they were) in the film. The actors were believable. Each time I watch it (at least twice a week), I see something new. "Jason's Lyric" has inspired me to get on the bus and stop watching it go past. The symbolism in the movie was refreshing. The cinematography was excellent as well, every part of the film enhanced the whole. "Jason" gave me hope that a man can commit in a relationship; he just has to want to do it. He made me dream again of lovely words and warm embraces. "Lyric" assured me that closing up was not the answer but trying to love again is the way to get the magic back....

Great stuff..

[Li_85 · 8/10 · 18 June 2006]

Jason's Lyric wasn't a great film theatrically, as it had small promotions. Judging by the title and cast, i didn't expect a good film. It was actually a great film with powerful performances. It tells the story of Two brothers (One good and One Bad) living with their mother in a rough area. Jason played by Allen Payne is sensible and taking care of his younger brother Joshu. Joshua played by Bokeem Woodbine is a little crazy and has a violent side to his personality. Its a half love story and half action movie thats worth the watch. Allen Payne delivers a good performance. Bokeem Woodbine is terrific, see him in Dead Presidents also. Jada Pinkett looks ultra sexy and plays the love life of Jason. There are some fabulous Sex scenes, Jada looks fantastic. Overall, Good realistic storyline and deserves a chance.

Lisa Nicole Carson

[skillz · 30 September 2000]

When it comes to Lisa Nicole Carson it is just as important WHAT she plays, as HOW she plays it! In the "Homeywoods" of America, a woman that is: big bottomed, small waisted, chested is the ideal woman!This is regardless of whether she is a buggy-whipped armed ballerina, or a plus-size shot putter. This standard of beauty was NEVER expressed in mass media until Jackee Harry played the sophisticated Sandra Clark in the sitcom "227". A perfect throwback to this is Lisa Nicole Carson.

Lisa gave a heartfelt performance in Jason's lyric as Marti. She made you feel for Marti in her hopes to find a romantic like Lyric did. However she will never play a romantic lead because those roles are reserved almost exclusively for women who are little more than hair and bones! Women that had physiques like Lisa Carson were called "healthy" until the 1960s; then skeletal British model Twiggy changed everything! All Lisa has to do is act, so that she can open the door for REAL WOMEN to advance in the discipline of acting!

The underused Pinkett and Payne shine in this urban love story

[garrard · 8/10 · 30 April 2006]

If Hollywood was more equitable in its hiring practices, Jada Pinkett would be in the league with Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, and others of her generation. Pinkett, who gave a bravura performance (along with Queen Latifah) in the earlier "Set It Off," is no less than brilliant as "Lyric," sought after by the hard-working "Jason," played by another neglected thespian, Alan Payne.

Both Pinkett and Payne deliver as the lovers torn between the attraction to each other and the responsibilities of family and work that interferes with their relationship.

Forest Whitaker is marvelous as Payne's father, a man that must deal with his own personal demons, along with an estranged relationship with his wife, wondrously played by Suzanne Douglas. The rest of the cast (Bokeem Woodbine, Lisa Nicole Carson, Eddie Griffin, among others) are exceptional in a story that is both tragic and uplifting.

And the "love scene" between "Jason" and "Lyric" is enough to make the most open-minded of viewers blush.

Is blood thicker than water?

[IrockGswift · 14 February 2003]

Two young men living with a single parent mother,and one has to step up to be the man. You have one brother that always in and out of trouble,and the other trying to make a living by selling TVs and helping his mother. Though Josh is back home he cannot work no ordinary 9 to 5 due to his past life as a drug-dealer. Jason on the other hand falls in loves with a waitress who's brother lives for the life of crime. By Lyric(the waitress) overhearing a plan to rob a bank that involves Jason's brother(Josh) she tells Jason not to get between that,meaning this could end their relationship. So Jason confronted Josh about it but Josh went on and foiled their plans,leaving Josh beat up and bloody. Jason felt he had to do something and not let Lyric's brother nearly kill him. As the day Jason and Lyric plan to elope,Jason arrived at their meeting place late with Lyric suspecting he got involved. Jason felt that his brother Josh knows he all he's got so he felt responsible. Lyric became heart-broken and left him. As Josh plans to murder the guys who nearly beat him to death. Friends of Jason tells him that Josh has lost it and is going after the guys who beat him down. But Jason had arrived to the scene a little too late as Josh corners Lyric at gunpoint to tell him where her brother is and to leave his brother alone. Josh accidently shoots her and Jason was devastated and carried her lifeless body out the house. WOW! I don't know why this movie didn't win an award for urban drama. This movie should have been as popular as it's soundtrack. The decision where Jason had to choose between his brother's life or turning his back on him to leave with a lover. This can't get anymore dramatic as that.

The best, heartbreaking love story about an Afro-American couple back in the day.

[mizit286 · 10/10 · 3 November 2012]

SPOILER... I am sure I have seen this movie before, but never really "saw" it until I found it in WalMart's movie bin. I have always wanted to just watch old shows and movies when I retired, and now, I can see movies completely. It is an old movie, but by far the best movie I have ever cried over. Jada does not wait until she is older and more experienced to rock. The story contains lives of Afro-Americans who work for a living, hang on the streets, do time in prison, love, mistake love, crime and reality. When Jada meets the love of her life, (a hunk), they decide to move away, riding the greyhound bus. The very ending will make the strongest person in the world cry. Their love had problems as her boyfriend is the man of his house, helping mother to raise a troubled brother. The younger brother spends lots of time locked up, while Jason is troubled with nightmares. We find that one of the children shoots and kills their father when he once again abuses their mother.

I am leaving out a lot because it is so wonderful to just watch this movie and wonder. You will not be sorry. Thanks to the makers, I found this film on a DVD that also included three other movies, all starring Afro-American Women. GET THIS MOVIE! Seeing it once will not satisfy you, and each time you will cry.

The music to the movie is fantastic and the ending song will bring back the flood of tears.

Good!!

[Dunta929 · 9/10 · 11 July 2001]

The Movie Is Good and Worth The Money To Rent.

The N.C-17 Version Has The T.V. Shop Sex Scene Where Allen Payne and Lyric Are Bumping Against And On The Counter. The Movie Express Good Moraling And A Little Suspense Of Who Shot The Step-Dad On The Abuse Scene.... Advise This To Teens And Early Aged Adults... *Spoiler: The Forest Sex Scene Show's More Than You Need To See Such As: Lyric Breasts and Ass and Allen Payne Butt, Which I Really Didn't Dig. Go Rent It Today..

Timeless...

[thug_kinky04 · 14 September 2011]

This film is captivating!!! It brilliantly tells a story of Love and Sacrifice. This cast was the perfect group for this production. Payne, Pinkett, Woodbine, Wittaker... Everyone has already stated how well their performances was; but, one that mustn't be forgotten is Lisa Carson (Marti - Alonzo's girlfriend/Pinkett's co-worker)... Her character left an impact on me because of how she faced her reality by quoting others. She played her facade but her hurt began to shed light during her last conversation with Lyric... I don't want to give away too much but I will say that if you're looking for a nice movie that will tap into your senses, make you laugh and cry, and one that is very relate-able... Give Jason's Lyric a try!

Brilliant Jada Pinkett Smith movie!

[Irishchatter · 9/10 · 4 February 2017]

This is definitely one of her best movies on the year I was born and it's mad that it'll be nearly 23 years old, I feel old when saying this lol! Anyways this movie does show African American culture but in a sad way that the two main characters were falling in hard times when their father came out from the Vietnam war. It was even more sadder that it screwed up one of the boys and made them into a serious psychopath!

Thank Christ Jason and Lyric survived, especially by being shot by Joshua on the heart! It's just so unfortunate that Jason didn't have a good family background with his father and brother. However at least he got his Lyric, so it says on the title!

Love this movie a true urban love story

[soveu33 · 10/10 · 16 July 2019]

This has always been one of my favorite love stories and rewatching it as an older adult hasn't changed my opinion. Jason had unconditional love for his trouble brother, trying to make amends for a childhood lost during an accidental shooting. Jason finally came to his senses and realize you can't save anyone unless they want to be saved and then love walked in and the chemistry between payne and pinkett is there and the music all tied it together love this movie.

Overly romantic ...

[Delrvich · 8/10 · 25 June 2019]

But does argue on behalf of environment versus heredity.

Jasons Jada

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 14 February 2024]

No pun intended - also she was more like Tupacs ... or Will Smiths later on. But this is a movie, so she has to pretend she is not into bad boys, but only the good ones. So she is a good actress you say? That is quite mean if you think that way. All kidding aside, the movie offers quite a lot of things. And while this is not Boyz in the hood - it may as well try to be something in the same vain ... same universe.

The acting is good - even from the rappers that I do not remember having seen in anything else than this. Ups and downs included - the cliches are not too bad either. Acting wise this works - and for fans of Jada ... you will get to see a lot of her. I did not remember this from my first time watching many years (decades) ago ... but here we go I reckon. Enjoy if you can - add a bit of Mean Streets sentiment ... and you have an explosive mixture .....

Great.

[momjessicaandjordan · 8/10 · 25 August 2021]

An Urban love story with a young man and a young woman who falls in love with each. Until Bookem Woodbine who plays Allen Payne's brother, gets out of jail and makes things chaotic and tries to ruin their relationship. I was kinda heated when Bookem Woodbine shot Jada Pinkett Smith in the end and then ends up shooting himself. What I'm saying is that they could've changed things up a little bit but the movie was still great.

Wishing for more romantic love words.

[candidaduchess · 8/10 · 20 October 2021]

I admit that I love the balance between brotherly love and romantic love. I could never get enough of Jason and Lyric's sex scenes in the flowery woods and in the electronic shop. But, the focus on familial love is way too overwhelming at the expense of the romantic love that it doesn't really match to its title, lacks of getting to know more about Lyric's background, no sweet kissing scenes without ending up having sex and certainly lacks of romantic quotes/words.

The brother relationship between Jason and Joshua are endearing, but definitely one-sided. In fact, Joshua genuinely loves his family, it's just he has a hard time to get out of troubles. Nevertheless, I'm glad Jason could finally bring himself to literally walk away from Joshua, complying to what his lover, Lyric's, advice.

Lyric is more than just the woman Jason loves, but she also teaches him that life is more than just taking care of a family or responsibility. As if awaken his deepest desire to be happy and free, Jason starts to think about leaving his family to be with her.