Tupac Shakur Movies

Nick Broomfield, director of Heidi Fleiss: Hollywood Madam and Kurt and Courtney, unleashes another provocation with Biggie and Tupac. Considering Broomfield's track record, that the film is dangerous, sensational, and occasionally very funny is no surprise. What is somewhat shocking, in a very rewarding and commendable way, is how moving Biggie and Tupac is. Using archival footage of the two rap stars and interviews with many of those involved, Broomfield uncovers significant evidence that corrupt LAPD cops were involved in the two deaths, and that the FBI was doing surveillance on Biggie (Christopher Wallace) on the night he was murdered. Broomfield's film also strongly suggests that Death Row Records head Suge Knight orchestrated both murders. Few satisfactory conclusions are drawn, but the film should at least encourage further investigation of these claims. By running the camera constantly, even before the interviews begin, Broomfield frequently catches his subjects off guard. But even if Broomfield had uncovered nothing, Biggie and Tupac would still be an entertaining and valuable telling of the tragic deaths of two talented young men. The filmmaker's interviews with Biggie's friends, and particularly his charming mother, Voletta Wallace, paint a picture of a surprisingly sensitive and goodhearted young man. Broomfield was granted less access to Tupac Shakur's family (Tupac's mother is still involved in business dealings with Knight; she doesn't appear in the film and she refused Broomfield permission to use Tupac's music), but he still manages to expose the controversial rapper's essential humanity. Some will find Broomfield's sarcastic and edgy attitude grating. He doesn't have the puppy-dog charm of a Michael Moore. But with Biggie and Tupac, he's shown a bit more of his sensitive side, and he's taken a step forward as a filmmaker. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide

Director Todd Williams explores the infamous lives of West Coast rappers in the documentary Tha Westside. With rare footage and interviews, Williams offers a history of the genre from its beginnings on the streets of Compton to its presence in the mainstream music industry. Featuring appearances from artists Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Dr. Dre, and many others. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide

This concert film pays tribute to the murdered rap star 2PAC. In addition to performances from Big Pun, 2PAC songs like "I Ain't Mad Atcha," "Keep Ya Head Up," "Gangsta Party," and "Dear Mama" are captured. A companion video, Eyes on Hip Hop: R.I. P. Tribute is also available. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

This documentary chronicles the story of hip-hop artist Tupac Shakur, who enjoyed great popularity and notoriety until his short life ended in violence. The inside story of the last year of the singer's life is told by his bodyguard Frank Alexander. The viewer learns about the world Shakur inhabited and the events that culminated in his murder. The L.A. police detective who investigated the case gives his point of view. The president of Shakur's recording company, Death Row Records, shares his insights about the young artist. There are clips from several of Shakur's recording sessions, including that for the hit song "Until the End of Time." ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide

The pioneers and current purveyors of the vibrant art of freestyle hip-hop mingle in this hour-long documentary about the origins and future of the style. Shot in New York City, L.A., and San Francisco, Freestyle alternates between informed commentary -- by rap stalwarts such as The Last Poets, Mos Def, Supernatural, and Cut Chemist -- and impromptu vocal performances. Throughout, the filmmakers trace the social consciousness of the genre and suggest that it may be making a comeback. Director Kevin Fitzgerald previously made his name as a deejay on L.A. radio station KPFK. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide

Frankie and Annette, move over -- this is a different kind of beach party. Star football player Day-run Southboy (Daron Fordham) and his best buddy, aspiring rapper Kenny Fly (Kenny Fly) decide they need some time off from the pressures of college life, so they head to the beach for the annual Black Spring Break, where students from African-American universities get together for sun in the sun. A pack of sports agents follow Day-run wherever he goes, hoping to get him to sign on the dotted line, but with beautiful women in bikinis left, right and center, who has time to think about pro ball? The soundtrack features Tru (featuring Master P), Trapp (featuring The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac), 2 Live Crew and 69 Boyz, as well as some old school rap from Whodini and even older school soul from The Jackson Five. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

In this hard-edged drama with a strong undercurrent of dark comedy, Stretch (Tim Roth) and Spoon (Tupac Shakur) are two friends who share both a passion for music and a dependence on heroin. Stretch and Spoon play in a jazz combo with Cookie (Thandie Newton), and after a New Year's Eve gig, they score drugs and get high together. Cookie lacks her friends' experience with hard drugs and soon ends up in the hospital after a severe overdose. Cookie's brush with death turns out to be a serious reality check for Stretch and Spoon, and they decide that it's time to kick drugs and get clean and sober. But both men know that they can't get off heroin on their own, and therein lies the problem; as they try to navigate a complex maze of social service agencies (who can't help them get treatment because they aren't on welfare), drug treatment facilities (one of which turns them away because they're only equipped to handle alcoholics), and hospitals (where, in order to be admitted as emergency patients, Stretch and Spoon ponder how to go about stabbing each other) in search of a detox program. The two friends begin to wonder if it might simply be easier to stay on drugs than to get healthy. Gridlock'd marked the feature film directorial debut for actor Vondie Curtis Hall, best known for his work on the TV series Chicago Hope; Elizabeth Pena and John Sayles both appear in supporting roles. Rap musician-turned actor Tupac Shakur, who played Spoon, died in a drive-by shooting four months prior to the release of this film. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

This 1996 episode of Saturday Night Live is hosted by Tom Arnold and features musical guest Tupac Shakur. ~ Skyler Miller, All Movie Guide

A young aspiring professional basketball player must make some tough decisions in this sports melodrama. Kyle Lee is a talented basketball player in high school. While he waits to find out if he will receive a scholarship to Georgetown he finds himself in a difficult dilemma over a playground basketball tournament. He must decide whether to follow his good-hearted coach or Birdie, the local gangster. Kyle is also feeling resentment for the security guard his mother is falling for. The coach also wants the guard to play, but due to the tragic death of a friend, the guard cannot bear the thought of playing again. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Filmed on location in South Central Los Angeles and featuring a largely non-professional cast comprised of real gang members, this fact-based urban drama offers a moving, unforgettable account of the effect a drive-by shooting has upon the community, from the families, to the friends and neighbors of the victims, and the perpetrators. This direct-to-video effort features live concert footage of the late rappers Tupac Shakur and Notorious Big (Christopher Wallace) near the end of the story. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide