Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gritty, violent bio of '80s rap star is ultimately hopeful.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Roxanne, Roxanne
What's the Story?
Based on real events, ROXANNE, ROXANNE tells the story of '80s rap phenom "Roxanne Shanté," who at the age of 14 was poised on the edge of real stardom. Unfortunately, she's also carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her emotionally distant mother and absent father mean the burden of caring and providing for her family of five falls squarely on Shanté's shoulders. She's already running out of other MCs in Queens who are willing to battle her on stage, so a career in rap music could be her ticket out of the projects. But it all starts to fall apart when she finds herself in an abusive relationship. Does Shanté have what it takes to put her life, and her career, back together?
Is It Any Good?
This gritty biopic takes an unblinking, intense look at the early life of one of the most intriguing rappers of the early 1980s. But rap history fans should be aware that it's definitely more Shanté's story than it is a comprehensive history of the rap scene at that time. There's some great acting from the main characters, but sometimes the dialogue is stilted and unnatural-sounding. Also, it's sometimes hard to keep track of the characters and figure out who's who.
Teens who are old enough to handle the emotional intensity and mature themes will easily root for Shanté, even when she makes mistakes or bad choices, thanks to her engaging personality and determination to make her life better. It's not an easy story to hear, but hers is an important voice that should be heard, and ultimately Roxanne, Roxanne is hopeful about Shanté's future.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Roxanne, Roxanne. How does knowing that the story is based on real events affect you when you see violence on-screen? Does its basis in reality make it OK to show in movies?
How does the movie show drug and alcohol use? Is it realistic? How do the characters act when they drink or do drugs?
What about the profanity? How much is OK in movies? Does it matter if it's realistic?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 22, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : March 23, 2018
- Cast : Chanté Adams , Mahershala Ali , Nia Long
- Director : Michael Larnell
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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