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Roxanne Roxanne

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6.0/10 • 120

2017-01-221h 38m

Drama

Life is a battle.

The most feared battle emcee in the early 1980s in Queens, New York, was a fierce teenager from the Queensbridge projects. At the age of 14, Roxanne Shanté was well on her way to becoming a hip-hop legend, as she hustled to provide for her family while defending herself from the dangers of the street.

Directors
Michael Larnell
Writters
Michael Larnell
Editors
Michael Larnell, Claudia Castello

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Chanté Adams

    Chanté Adams

    Roxanne Shanté

  2. Mahershala Ali

    Mahershala Ali

    Cross

  3. Nia Long

    Nia Long

    Ms. Peggy

  4. Elvis Nolasco

    Elvis Nolasco

    Ray

  5. Shenell Edmonds

    Shenell Edmonds

    Ranita

  6. Adam Horovitz

    Adam Horovitz

    Attorney Schwartz

  7. Germar Terrell Gardner

    Germar Terrell Gardner

    Antwan

  8. Terrence Shingler

    Terrence Shingler

    Big John

  9. Nigel A. Fullerton

    Nigel A. Fullerton

    Biz

Reviews1

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A-Dubya Avatar

A-Dubya

Apr 4, 2018

4/10

I was hoping for more. I thought it would delve further into her battles in the hip-hop world, and include more than just brief cameos of rap legends and icons (Biz Markie, MC Shan, Marley Marl, and a young NaS), but instead it turned into just a pseudo-bio/male-bashing escapade. I enjoyed some parts about it, primarily the focus on her rap career, Roxanne's Revenge, and how she came up in the game, but a lot of the time, it felt like this film was something it wasn't advertised as. Being a huge hip hop fan, mainly of the 80's and 90's, I was excited when i saw a biopic on Roxanne Shante. I'm a huge fan of NY hip hop from this era. I was disappointed when most of the film focused on her family struggles, and poor relationships (I would even say decisions too) with men. I knew there would be a backstory about her upbringing, but instead of really talking about the hip hop pioneer that she was, and maybe battles with KRS and others, it was like a 45 minute man-bashing flick veiled as a doc about a hip hop legend. Almost every male character is basically portrayed as abusive, manipulative, violent, or a sexual predator. The few males that somewhat have redeemable qualities are pushed aside, not to be focused on. This trope is one that seems to be the norm far too often in films of the last few years. It is very annoying to me, and reeks of disillusion. Every male is not a creep, just as every female is not a saint in the real world. Even the last excerpt at the end of the film before the credits was so out of place, and didn't seem to fit anything other than an agenda to bash males for "not handling their responsibilities, and bringing women flowers". What this has to do with hip hop culture, or anything relevant, for that matter, is beyond me. It could have been so much better, if it legitimately was about the career of Roxanne Shante, and her rise as a hip hop icon in the 80's. 2 door knocker ear rings out of 5.

Media

  • Roxanne Roxanne poster
  • Roxanne Roxanne poster
  • Roxanne Roxanne poster
  • Roxanne Roxanne poster
  • Roxanne Roxanne poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
hip-hopinner city life