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Omar Epps, Sean Nelson, Taye Diggs, Trent Cameron, Richard T. Jones ... see more see more... , Duane Finley , Malinda Williams , De'aundre Bonds , Cynthia Martells , Sanaa Lathan , LisaRaye , Tamala Jones , Christina Milian

A man who's uncertain about the biggest step forward of his life steps back to take a look at his younger days in this comedy/drama. Roland (Taye Diggs) is a few hours away from getting married, and h... read more read more...e is starting to have second thoughts; as much as he loves his fiancée, he can't stop thinking about Tanya (Tamala Jones), his first serious girlfriend in high school. Roland is hanging out with his two best friends, whom he also first met in school, Mike (Omar Epps), a solid regular guy, and Slim (Richard T. Jones), a flashy personality who plays pro basketball in Europe. They talk about the old days and flash back on growing up in Inglewood, California (nicknamed "The Wood") in the 1980's, when Run DMC and Eric B & Rakim were the happening sounds, and guys used to argue over who was hotter, Vanity or Apollonia. At the last minute, Roland takes off, wanting to pay Tanya a visit, and Mike and Slim are determined to track him down and make sure that he gets to the altar on time. The Wood was the debut feature film for writer/director Rick Famuyiwa, whose first short subject, Blacktop Lingo, won an enthusiastic response at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

90% liked it

33,295 ratings

Critics

61% liked it

56 critics

R, 1 hr. 44 min.

Directed by: Rick Famuyiwa

Release Date: July 16, 1999

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DVD Release Date: January 18, 2000

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Stats: 1,779 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,779)

  • danperry17
    July 17, 2008
    danperry17
    This was a good little flashback movie, and though it was enjoyable, I found a lot of the scenes a bit long: its style is too glossy to feel truly authentic even though it sometimes seems realistic, and as such, the film drags a bit. Richard T. Jones steals the show, though, and ... read moreOmar Epps turns in a strong performance: all in all, a decent flick, definitely worth watching.
  • sanjurosamurai
    November 21, 2007
    sanjurosamurai
    great flick, reminded me of my youth
  • binky013
    November 22, 2006
    binky013
    Only half as good as I'd hoped. The two stars are for the flashbacks. The present-time material needs work.
  • ileo
    April 12, 2007
    ileo
    Funny!
  • muveekween
    May 10, 2012
    muveekween
    Enjoyed the scenes when they were young more than when they're older. Forgettable but watchable film. A little funny.
  • SarahEH
    September 6, 2011
    SarahEH
    I really didn't enjoy this movie. I wouldn't call this movie a comedy. I didn't find it funny at all. I didn't like the language, or the storyline for that matter. I don't like movies where the actors talk to the camera either. It takes away from the movie for me. Overall, I did ... read morefeel some of the cast did a decent job. I didn't find this movie to be anything special, and it was lacking in terms of being entertaining.
  • khalbone
    November 28, 2008
    khalbone
    bomb azz movie 1 of my favorites
    i love the plot and the old school flashbacks in this movie fantastic!!
  • Shortybrae1
    August 9, 2008
    Shortybrae1
    I liked it because they were making me laugh over stuff they would do to try to have sex with girls.
  • AndySitzerFan
    April 8, 2008
    AndySitzerFan
    One of my favorite movies of 2000. It was just a fun flick with friends reminiscing of their old days. plus the movie had "back in the day" by ahmed.
  • lnse
    March 28, 2008
    lnse
    I thought this was an entertaining drama, with comedy all in one. I liked how it had the flashbacks from adulthood to childhood, showing some of the important things leading up to the friendships of these three guys.

    I thought all the guys did a good job! It was nice to have s... read moreome eye candy to watch too! Def. one for guys to watch together because of the things that would be easy to relate to.

    I liked the idea about having all the "what ifs" go thru Roe's mind before the whole wedding ceremony. Seems like if we didn't have so many "what ifs" life would run much more smoothly.

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Critic Reviews

Liam Lacey
April 25, 2003
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

Choppy coming-of-age story. Full Review

Kevin Thomas
February 14, 2001
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

An across-the-board delight featuring a spot-on ensemble cast that treats the most awkward and embarrassing moments in the rites of passage with affectionate hilarity. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The growing-up stuff is kind of wonderful. Full Review

Jonathan Foreman
January 1, 2000
Jonathan Foreman, New York Post

Artificial, tension-free.

Lisa Schwarzbaum
January 1, 2000
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

Famuyiwa has kicked up fertile new storytelling territory for black filmmakers. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

The Wood is a solid debut for director Famuyiwa. Full Review

Peter Rainer
January 1, 2000
Peter Rainer, New York Magazine

Inane coming-of-age comedy. Full Review

Tom Keogh
January 1, 2000
Tom Keogh, Film.com

A fair and admirable comedy we haven't quite seen before.

Barbara Shulgasser
January 1, 2000
Barbara Shulgasser, Chicago Tribune

Awkward performances, unsure directing flaw The Wood.

Terry Lawson
January 1, 2000
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press

The Wood paints a fair picture of growing up black, bright and, of all things, without sullen malice or uncorrectable misogyny.

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