Jason’s Lyric: Blu-Ray Review

Available for the first time on Blu-ray is director Doug McHenry’s 1994 romance-drama, Jason’s Lyric, starring Allen Payne, Jada Pinkett Smith, Bokeem Woodbine, Anthony ‘Treach’ Criss, Eddie Griffin and Forest Whitaker. While McHenry was a producer on a handful of hip-hop artist’s big screen vehicles like Krush Groove, Disorderlies and New Jack City, his first directing gig was 1991’s House Party 2. In 1994 he followed that up with Jason’s Lyric.

Brothers, Jason (Payne) and Joshua (Woodbine) have not had an easy life. When they were young, their father Mad Dog (Whitaker) returned from the war a broken man. The experience and loss of his leg had him turn to drinking and with that came abuse towards his sons and their mother. This led to a tragedy that resulted in the death of Mad Dog. While Jason has grown up into a responsible young man, holding down a job and looking after his mother, his younger brother has spent most of his time in and out of prison. While the two experienced the same childhood trauma, they grew up into completely different people.

When Jason meets Lyric (Pinkett Smith), he persistently tries to win her over and eventually does. The two have a budding romance going, but it doesn’t take long for Joshua to get into the middle of their love. It doesn’t help that Jason’s brother is now starting to work for Lyric’s criminal sibling Alonzo (Criss). Time after time, Joshua gets himself into trouble and Jason is there to pick up the pieces. However, Lyric can only handle so much, and Jason is going to have to make the choice, family or happiness.

While Jason’s Lyric is extremely melodramatic, it is also very violent. McHenry’s delivered a uniquely poetic and well-shot feature thanks to cinematographer Francis Kenny. It feels much different than some of the films the director worked on as a producer. What sells this one, are the performances by the leads. Woodbine, in-particular is great as the out-of-control Joshua.

There isn’t much here in regards to bonus content but for fans of Jason’s Lyric, you should be pleased to finally have this mostly-forgotten film in HD.

Blu-ray Extras:

• Theatrical Trailer
• Optional English Subtitles

By: Marc Ferman