Baby Boy

John Singleton returns to South Central Los Angeles with less intensity and success than he exhibited in his inaugural triumph 10 years ago with Boyz N the Hood. This gritty but also overly sensationalized story is about the delayed maturing of African-American males (as reflected in their language and general lack of responsibility) and its effect on their families and communities. Pop personality and model Tyrese stars as Jody, a man-child with illegitimate children by two different women who lives with his mom (Adrienne-Joi Johnson) and sells stolen clothes. His life is further complicated when his mom’s ex-con boyfriend (Ving Rhames) moves into the house. The overall acting is uneven and one recurring theme involving Jody’s dead brother feels half-baked.