Amari-Sali Though I've seen The Wood in .gif sets and random mentions, due to it being released during the great Black renaissance of film in the 90s, it was never really on my radar. If just because, for one, I was born in the early 90s, and also because between The Best Man, Jason's Lyric, Love & Basketball, and many others, those films were the ones set on a pedestal and heralded as some of the best Black movies of the 90s, if not ever. Making you wonder if The Wood just got swept up because there was so many good movies that what it provided was more so normal than exemplary, or if maybe it was a disappointment? Hence why despite Omar Epps, Taye Diggs, and Sanaa Lathan being in it, their other movies from the 90s are the go to ones when you bring their names up.Characters & StoryThe story splits the focus between Mike (Omar Epps/ Sean Nelson), Slim (Richard T. Jones/ Duane Finley), and Roland (Taye Diggs/ Trent Cameron). As adults, the focus is Roland's upcoming marriage to Lisa (LisaRaye McCoy) which he is getting cold feet about. To the point he goes to Tanya's (Tamala Jones) house, the woman who was his first love, after getting ridiculously drunk. From there, the boys reminisce about how far they have come, when they were making bets about grabbing girls' booties, getting the most numbers, or who would lose their virginity first, to becoming men. Though when the film focuses on the past, Roland isn't the featured character but Mike. Which leads to an about even split between the movie focusing on Roland's problems in the present, and Mike's relationship with his boys, as well as his love interest Alicia (Sanaa Lathan/ Malinda Williams). Making for an interesting take on the coming-of-age sub- genre.PraiseBefore I watched this movie, I didn't see The Wood as one of the best films with a Black majority cast, from the 90s or ever, but I felt my opinion was instantly changed as soon as the jokes started rolling in. For with Mike and Slim breaking the 4th wall, and not taking any of Roland's BS, and them cracking jokes on each other, you see a beautiful brotherhood. One which likely suffered some trials and tribulations, but overall I don't think these men could think of anyone else they would want to share their joy or pain with.As for their younger selves, to me that is where the best parts of the movie come from. If just because it seems so rare to find coming of age stories featuring young Black or Brown people which doesn't have heavy handed topics like we saw in Precious or Pariah. And while Alicia's brother was a Blood, there isn't some overdone examinations of gang culture and all that. These young men are just horny teens who want to get with a cute girl, and for Mike, make love to the one who really mattered.CriticismLeading to perhaps the sole issues I have with this movie: Taye Diggs and the storyline of the adult versions of Mike, Slim and Roland. You see, in the film, as noted, the present day features Roland getting cold feet and getting drunk. Something which Taye Diggs doesn't play well in a comical, nor deep, way at all. In fact, he comes off so annoying you really do hope Slim will punch him in the face. Though what is the real problem with Roland is that he seems like an odd person to focus on. If just because Mike is the focus of their early years together and during that time Roland, much less Slim, aren't developed to the point you feel like you should give a damn about them as adults. Also, what doesn't help is Mike is so likable and charismatic that honestly it makes you question why in the adult years are we focused on Roland marrying Lisa? Especially when, after who knows how many years, Mike is getting to see Alicia for the first time. And with their relationship being built up so much when they were kids, the little we get to see when they are adults seems like a wasted opportunity. Add on us meeting Tanya, Roland's first love, and us not fully understanding why they broke up, much less why Roland and Lisa got together, and honestly it makes the story of the adults pale in comparison to what their younger selves have for a story.Overall: TV ViewingWhile certainly the films which are better remembered, and more often named, aren't without issues, they are a bit more consistent. And, in all honestly, despite The Best Man coming out after this movie, this honestly seems like the type of film which wasted a good story that Malcom D. Lee just so happened to have already planned to capitalize on. For getting cold feet before marriage, and having drama on the way to the altar, is a good premise. Especially when you add in this idea of the best man trying to make sure one of their close friends make it to the alter; however, between the kids having a better story than the adults, and Roland being a terrible focus considering how much Mike was built up, I have to label this as TV Viewing. For while the problems of the film certainly don't make this something which shouldn't be considered a classic, it is just the main plot it sort-of focuses on was sadly done better months after its release.

danceability Back In the Day Favorite Movies This movie was an absolute joy; one of the best black films I have seen in a long time. It definitely took me back to the days when all those great R&B songs were out and to my first crush and first boyfriend, etc. This movie just put together a whole bunch of good looking black people into a story that's not about violence or any kind of negativity, just pure fun; it's what life is all about for those of us who appreciate but can't fully relate to life in the hood. It was so much fun. I loved every minute of it. The story was great; the acting was convincing, the plot was realistic and it's a movie I will always think about with a huge grin on my face. Two thumbs way up in my book!

barbaracormeny I am searching for the soundtrack and a particular song which has a refrain Higher. I thought it was by Teddy Pendergast but am not sure. And I need to find the album which contains the song. The cast and script was great for it showed how men grow up together and support each other through some tough times. It also developed the character of the parents,the bride and groom,and the close friends around the Wood. Fortunately, the picture of the close families helps keep the movie on track.The mistakes of the bride and groom seem normal in this modern world.The forceful father made it far more realistic. The diting of the scenes helped it move faster as it began to drag during the scene outside the door when he is being held by the father with his head on the door. At the end when the groom throws out the arm band it was well done and effective.

Ernasto After I bought the soundtrack in the summer of 1999, with some superb songs by R. Kelly, Ahmad and JOE I wondered what type of movie this was. Absolutely no average ghettomovie. after seeing the pictures in the booklet supplied with the soundtrack I figured it had to be a black contemporary feelgood movie. I decided to import the DVD last year via Canada, as it was only until a few months ago it was released here in the Netherlands, Europe on Region 2 DVD.Two words: unexpected quality! Wow, this movie is indeed a trip to memory, as each 'classic moment' in that movie starts with an old school jam like "Eric B. Is President", "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume or "Back In Tha Days" by Ahmad, hearing him rapping about the old school days. Very great acting by Sean Nelson makes you realise his method acting is of a high level. Seeing him play in The Wood the younger version of Mike, you wonder if he truly lived in 1985/86?This movie was worth my 20 dollars and I've seen it probably 20-30 times since I own it. It ranks in my list of quality Black Urban movies, among The Best Man, Love Jones and Love & Basketball. I'd love to see more from this director..