Completely overrated, lacks direction

I agree the movie lacks direction. Certain elements like the band just weren't scripted well. The biggest problem is the movie is mostly slapstick and then takes a sharp turn to attempt a more wise and philosophical tone in the very end. The main character's monologue in the final act was undermined by him becoming the very example he disavowed. He adds to the destruction of his community by helping to filter illegal drugs onto the streets, and then commits bank fraud and issues threats to get into his choice university. He played a part in creating the conditions and circumstances that he blamed on society.

I would much rather like to talk to the people who genuinely find this film true and insightful. Because, for a million con arguments I only see a single pro one: it did try to look different than the majority of the movies about the underprivileged black people (although "different" doesn't mean "realistic" in this case).