Tupac: Resurrection (2003)

2 1/2 Stars (out of 4)

All Eyez on Him

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

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