This paper reviews, compares and
contrasts the 1991 film "Boyz N the Hood", directed by John Singleton and the 1995 Nick
Gomez film, "New Jersey Drive". The paper begins by summarizing the themes of "Boyz": the often unspoken battles between Afro-Centrism and assimilation; between action and resignation; between scholars and
gangsters. According to the paper, Singleton's formula was so successful that it spawned dozens of similar films, including Gomez's "New Jersey Drive." The paper compares and
contrasts each movie's treatment of racism and the struggle for the black characters in -- and against -- a white-dominated society. The paper also explores how each film treats the issues of urbanization and gang affiliation.