User reviews

Don't waste your time. The movie is poorly directed and the writing is stale and boring. Don't waste your time. There are film school movies that are more compelling than this garbage.

B-Boy Blues is a complex film, with a script that doesn't go much further than being one more illustration of reality. It's hard to appreciate his efforts to portray another world when the speech itself falls short. The lack of concepts is just ridiculous.

I found it hard to get engaged with this film. Some of the scenes seemed a little disjointed. The acting was just okay. Lots of eye candy, almost too much. Not everyone looks like a GQ model. I had high expectations for this story because the book was wonderful.

Very impressive. It gives a bit of early Spike Lee's jittery cam style set in Brooklyn. It also is an honest tale of the black b boy gay culture whose narrative is brazenly missing in the LGBTQ film arena. The acting was great all around and if her role was longer rapper/talk show host Heather B who played a supporting role could have easily received an Oscar nod for Supporting Actress as her role of the caring auntie.

Putting politics aside, the film was excellent. I was thinking I might see something like a YouTube flick, but this film is a cinematic accomplishment. It is well shot, great acting and a nice adaptation of the book- using current themes while staying true to the overall premise of the book. Great job for the director Jussie Smollet, whether you like him or not.

After reading this book some years ago my anticipation for this film was right up there!

This film adaption of the book and directorial debut by Jussie Smollett is beyond impressive and does not disappoint. A surprisingly (laugh out loud) funny in parts film that keeps a smile on your face throughout. It's also equally serious and in parts with some great acting from majority of lead and supporting cast. I love the main character casting choices with Timothy Richardson & Thomas Mackie who capture the Pooqui and Little bit book characters accurately.

The ending seems to suggest a continuation (or at least I hope!) of the story on film, just like the book series. I'd love to see these character brought to life again in a part 2.

Jussie Smollett has clearly shown huge talent with this his first film, so much and full respect to him. Whatever happens, based on this, I truly hope he continues to make films because I will absolutely watch what he puts out in the future.

Lastly the music soundtrack is all over the place, but in the best way! I Hope they release it in album format.

Overall, a film to recommend! So bravo and Well done to all involved!!

Such a wonderful production ! It's very well done!! Nicely directed and great acting!! It's a very interesting to watch! Would see it a million times over!!

This movie may lose some points with timing and cinematography but it will be the stepping stone for many more mainstream same gender movies epitomizing loving relationships and meaningful friendships chronicling POC!

From action to cut this movie was amazing. The screenplay adaptation from the novel was perfect. Congratulations James Earl Hardy, Jussie Smollette, and the wonderful cast. Great job!

Jussie S. Is a tremendous artist and with a clear understanding of what he is doing. He shared a bit of himself, I choose to believe, without crashing the original story (book). We have a cast so relatable navigating through these layers of blackness and queer black love, without falling into places of dungeons and endless pain. The cinematography choices are so detailed and easy to embrace, the colors are perfect. Blue is not a sad color and blue goes where Jussie wants the audience to go and feel. Blue is human, is feelings, is action, is contemplation, is waiting or to know how to wait. He waited and the world says "we see you. We see us. Than you". Utterly beautiful.

I'm just assuming the low ratings came from people that didn't finish? I Love it! Strong film and I can relate to the main character. The story was well written and the film was well directed. Great job! I want this one on Blu-ray.

Makes you laugh and cry and moves you to really care about the outcome for the characters. Interesting and relevant take on modern class and identity politics. The impact of class and race on a person's values and personality are explored and portrayed well without being in you're face.

*Update* Before i start this review I want you to separate the director from the movie once you do that you will see the film for what it is.... an outstanding realistic portray of a gay couple.. I will admit the lead actors were the reason this movie drew me in but what kept me from just leaving the movie was the fact that these characters are genuine and you can tell they gave there heart out in this movie.

It's been 6 months since I made the original post and I'm back After reading the book If I can give the movie an 11 on here I would The movie brought so many of the key elements of the book into the film and I very much appreciate a director who actually knows what he's doing.. If you haven't seen the movie or read the book I advise you to watch the movie and then the book you will really appreciate the fact that even some dialog in the film are word for word what the author wrote in the book and that tell me the director actually sat down and really paid attention when reading the story

As for the very confused and I'm sure bitter people writing reviews about the DIRECTOR and not the actual MOVIE please so eat a snickers or something.... I need me a second movie! I'm definitely buying the book now!

Fantastic film and directing. The realistic depiction of gay relationships and culture that resonated with my entire family. The love scenes were tasteful, artistic, and romantic. The music was phenomenal and perfectly interwoven, The movie left me wanting more of each character. Well done!

In spite of Mr. Smollett's personal flaws, he did an excellent job in directing to this screen adaptation of the first mainstream black queer oriented novel. If you are ignorant enough to allow Jussie Smollett's legal issues to keep you from watching this movie, you are really doing this film and the performers a disservice.

There not a lot of black gay films, especially with men that aren't extremely flamboyant. This was great to watch and Jussie did an amazing job Directing this beautiful cast.

This film brings to light the struggles of love when you're gay, it shows family and heartache. The soundtrack is fantastic with new songs from the director and singer Jussie Smollett. The acting is great and it has the right amount of humor to keep anyone entertained. Filmed in NYC is captures life in the Big Apple perfectly.

Just pure poetry. Period. I loved every bit of it. From the scenes to the script. It was realistic, it wasn't fantasy. Absolutely beautiful. The cast was beautiful, I absolutely loved the acting, it was long overdue! A breath of fresh air.

I have been waiting for the day when this novel would actually become a movie and here we are. It captured pretty much everything from the novel but brought it to present day. I found myself watching it at least 3 times so far. It was refreshing to see another aspect of the SGLBTQ+ communities instead of the standard stereotypical portrayal. I recognized a couple of the actors from TV and web series. My hope is that if this is hit that Jussie and Mr. Hardey will direct and produce another movie from the B-Boy Series. All I can say is thank you.

I liked that this movie had some negative aspects to the main character's relationship. You can tell this movie had a certain budget to work with to get produced... but overall I loved the storyline.

In celebration of its 25th Anniversary, James Earl Hardy's groundbreaking novel, "B-Boy Blues," bursts onto the screen, capturing the essence of love, desire, and identity within the African American LGBTQ+ community. This film adaptation brings to life the tale that pioneered the Africentric gay fiction genre, imprinting Black-on-Black male love onto the cultural landscape.

Set against the backdrop of New York City's vibrant hip-hop scene, "B-Boy Blues" introduces us to Mitchell Crawford, a man longing for a RUFFNECK: a hip-hop-loving, street-smart, larger-than-life brother. His desires manifest in the form of Raheim Rivers, a mesmerizing vision of lust, standing tall at six feet and 215 pounds of mocha-chocolate muscle. What ensues is a passionate journey that takes Mitchell on a wild ride, not just in the sheets, but into the depths of Raheim's complex soul. Unmasking the layers, Mitchell discovers not only his own desires but a profound and genuine love that defies societal norms.

"B-Boy Blues" skillfully captures the raw energy and complexity of Black male love, a narrative beautifully rendered on screen. Hardy's storytelling prowess translates seamlessly into this cinematic adaptation, making the characters feel authentic and their emotions palpable. The chemistry between the leads, portrayed with remarkable depth and nuance, adds a layer of intensity to their relationship.

The film's resonance lies not only in its exploration of love but also in its cultural significance. Long before terms like "homo thug" and "down low" gained prominence, "B-Boy Blues" dared to portray same-gender love unapologetically. Its impact reverberates through the years, standing alongside cultural touchstones like Omar Little from HBO's "The Wire" and Lil Nas X in the realm of pop music.

Critics have lauded "B-Boy Blues" as a masterpiece of both Black and gay literature, a sentiment that echoes powerfully in this cinematic adaptation. The film doesn't just celebrate love; it redefines it, reminding audiences that love knows no boundaries, no race, and no gender.

In conclusion, "B-Boy Blues" stands as a testament to the enduring power of love stories, breaking barriers and hearts simultaneously. It's not merely a movie; it's a cultural landmark, inviting viewers to witness the beauty of love in all its forms.

Grade: A+

This is a great movie, and the story at the heart of it is very real. Seen a lot of LGBT+ content, some good, some very bad, and I would have loved to see these characters on a TV show, similar to Looking (2014) as I think they touched on quite a few different topics that are important to be discussed and have dialogue around.

There may have been some parts of the visual aspects that I did not always click with, and not sure of their part in the overall story being told, or their relevance. This may be due to not having read the book, but the film has stuck with me the next day after watching, which doesn't always happen with films.

All of the characters are absolutely gorgeous, which definitely kept my eyes interested, but I fear some of the negative feedback may be related to the staff on the film's private lives, rather than the film, the content, the actors' portrayals and the actual direction itself.

However you identify, I think there is a solid move here worth your time of day. I hope to see a lot of these actors in other roles, as well as other projects from the Director.

This was an iconic book in my early gay life. So I was both excited and terrified when the announcement came that B Boy Blues would become a movie. Within the first 10 min my fears were laid to rest. What was most important to me was that they got the tone of the black gay experience correct. Jesse Smollet got that right! This feels like a gay version of Insecure.

It's a good directorial debut. He needs time to develop his style and vision. The casting of both Mitchell and Raheem (I've had a crush on Thomas Mackie since his days in the web series Triangle) was perfect. Their chemistry was perfect. Brandee Evans steals every scene she's in just like she does in P Valley. I cannot wait to see what's next for her.

Reading that book was like a fairytale in my early years. There are way to few movies featuring black gay men. Thank you BET+ for releasing this on your platform. As for the low reviews. Ignore them! Whether you are lgbt+ or an ally this is a good movie to get exposure to the black gay lifestyle.

I don't know who gave it low ratings but this movie played like the book!!! If you loved the book you'll really love the movie!!! It gave me butterflies bc it was such a catchy love story😍😍😍. Great job Jussie Smollet 🌹🌹🌹

Jussie Smollett talent is .limitless it seems!! What a triumph his debut is almost flawless almost like a younger Spike Lee... Sometimes sad sometimes glorious sometimes laugh out funny the movie is definitely one for the ages...... Jessie you are amazing.