Tupac: Resurrection (2003)

All Eyez on Him

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Buy Tupac: Resurrection on DVD.

As if from beyond the grave, Tupac Shakur (1971-1996) narrates this documentary about his own life and early, violent death. It's comprised of old video footage, found footage, clips from television, interviews and digitally manipulated photographs. Clips from his impressive acting career turn up (Juice, Poetic Justice, etc.). And wall-to-wall songs layer the soundtrack, from a large collection of Tupac's own music to a costly collage of Stevie Wonder, Tracy Chapman, Kate Bush, Jimi Hendrix and many others. It's a good rags-to-riches story, and the well-educated Shakur has lots of interesting things to say, but the whole enterprise is officially sanctioned and approved; it comes across as a bit too clean, controlled and one-sided. The film touches upon Shakur's many brushes with the law, and his association with the controversial Death Row Records, but everything is explained and justified from one point of view. It almost sounds like one of those college application essays. For a far more fascinating, unruly look at this vicious talent, see Nick Broomfield's Biggie and Tupac.

Starring: Tupac Shakur
Written by: Lauren Lazin
Directed by: Lauren Lazin
MPAA Rating: R for strong language and images of drugs, violence and sex
Running Time: 90 minutes
Date: November 14, 2003