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Jason's Lyric

Jason's Lyric

Love is courage.

1994119 minRMidcredits score: 69th percentile of all films
Director
Doug McHenry
Starring
Allen Payne, Jada Pinkett Smith, Bokeem Woodbine, Eddie Griffin

The story of a young man who must confront his own fears about love as well as his relationships with family and friends.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Jason's Lyric?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Jason's Lyric streaming on Pluto TV (free), Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free).

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Jason's Lyric?

Jason's Lyric earns 9 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Box Office Hit.

Show 1 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Jason's Lyric worth watching?

Jason's Lyric's Midcredits score is the 69th percentile of all films, from 8.5K ratings across 4 sources. 60% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

69th percentile

Better received than 69% of films

71st percentile among Crime71st percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)70th
Approval (how many liked it)66th

67 /100

70th percentile of all films

73rd percentile among Crime74th percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

60% liked it

66th percentile of all films

66th percentile among Crime68th percentile among 1990s
60% rated it 7–1040% rated it 1–6

Critics 58% · Audience 90%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

77th percentile

8.5K ratings across platforms

72nd percentile among Crime71st percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 34% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$7M
Opening weekend$5.1M
Domestic gross$21M
Worldwide gross$21M

Returned 3.0× its budget — 85th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is an urban love story centered on a good brother and a troubled brother, with strong performances from the cast.

Fans praised

  • powerful acting from Payne, Pinkett, Woodbine, and Whitaker
  • emotional brotherly bond and family drama
  • hopeful love story with chemistry and romantic intensity

Detractors panned

  • amateurish direction and lack of visual style
  • illogical character choices and incoherent motivations
  • forced, cliché-ridden urban drama tropes

What stands out

ActingDivisive78

electrifying performances from Payne, Pinkett, Woodbine; Whitaker stands out

Sound and musicDivisive75

superb soundtrack; final song felt tacked-on to detractors

Emotional impactDivisive72

deeply moving love story; detractor calls it sappy

CharactersDivisive70

well-developed family dynamic but some characters feel like caricatures

Atmosphere65

gritty Houston setting with immersive world-building

Plot and storyDivisive55

engaging brotherly conflict undermined by contrived resolutions

EndingDivisive50

full-circle resolution but feels forced to some

Originality45

mixes genres but feels derivative of earlier urban dramas

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 25 points higher than men.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 26 points higher than non-US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Jason's Lyric like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
MelancholicTenseRomanticHopeful
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its characters' struggles with gravity and affection, balancing a heavy familial drama with a hopeful romance.
The rideThe film blends melancholy and tension from family conflict with romantic warmth, building to a climactic stretch that carries the heaviest emotional weight.
StructureThe synopsis suggests a straightforward chronological narrative of Jason's struggle and romance.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves viewers with optimism about Jason's new love while acknowledging the lingering pain of his past.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe story follows a young man confronting his trauma and family history to build a new life with love, a classic healing journey.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfTraumaSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% (this title) · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

Trauma · 7% of filmsFamily bondsRomantic love · 15% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on how past trauma—from war, family violence, and loss—shapes Jason's ability to trust love and move forward.
StanceThe film examines trauma's grip on a young man's life without offering easy answers, maintaining an intimate focus on Jason's inner struggle.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Foreground music · hybrid · Afrika
Settinga Houston-area working-class neighborhood
MusicThe soundtrack features prominent 1990s R&B and hip-hop, integral to the film's cultural and emotional atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Jason's Lyric okay for kids?

R

Jason's Lyric is rated R: “Rated R for strong violence, sexuality and language, and for drug use” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (73/100), sexual content at severe (80/100), language at intense (78/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (56/100) and frightening material at moderate (57/100). Its drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 75% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • Germany16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 85% of all filmsHeavier than 75% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 55%
Sex & Nudity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 97%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 69%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (7 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is sexual content, language, and violence.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Jason's Lyric have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Jason's Lyric?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Allen Payne
as Jason Alexander
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jada Pinkett Smith
as Lyric
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Bokeem Woodbine
as Joshua Alexander
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Eddie Griffin
as Rat
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Suzzanne Douglas
as Gloria
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Lisa Nicole Carson
as Marti
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Lahmard J. Tate
as Ron
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Forest Whitaker
as Maddog
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Pepa
as Sandy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Anthony 'Treach' Criss
as Alonzo
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Jason's Lyric?

Movies like Jason's Lyric include 6 Years (2015) and The Lost Husband (2020), both films set in Texas and the Southwest.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Jason's Lyric?

485 other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: sibling rivalry. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.