I think this movie does an admirable job of portraying the struggle that youth in challenging situations must face: break free or succumb to environmental pressures. Cuba Gooding Jr was a top rate choice for the role as he exudes a look of genuine integrity. I really liked Laurene Fishburne as the father constantly trying to show the right path. His feisty talks about conspiracy against the black/poor were really well done. What was really well done in this movie was accurately showing the transition from childhood to manhood and the way choices were made.