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Drama

Roxanne Roxanne (2018): Cast & Ratings

Roxanne Roxanne (2018) movie poster

Roxanne Roxanne is a 2018 drama directed by Michael Larnell, starring Chanté Adams as Roxanne Shante, Nia Long and Adam Horovitz. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes. Critics gave it 68% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.

IMDb rating
6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
68%
Echo Score
70
Metascore
74
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Roxanne Roxanne (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Director
Michael Larnell
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Roxanne Roxanne About?

The premise of Roxanne Roxanne without spoilers.

Set in the 1980s in Queens, New York, this film follows Roxanne Shanté, a 14-year-old who unexpectedly sparks a resurgence in battle rap. Facing poverty and the challenges of urban life, the determined teenager uses her sharp rhymes and fierce spirit to rise above adversity. Her journey explores themes of courage, resilience, and the power of self-expression within the burgeoning hip-hop scene.

Roxanne Roxanne Themes & Keywords

· 31 tags
  • repetition in title
  • rapper
  • mother daughter relationship
  • dancing
  • first day of school
  • cursing
  • swearing
  • teacher
  • class room
  • sister sister relationship
  • teenage boy
  • teenage girl
+19 more
  • babysitting
  • combing hair
  • taking a test
  • skipping school
  • cell phone
  • licorice stick
  • licorice
  • birthday cake
  • birthday candle
  • birthday
  • koolaid
  • drugs
  • doing laundry
  • police siren
  • listening to music on the radio
  • radio station
  • disc jockey
  • hip hop music
  • based on true story
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Cast & crew

Roxanne Roxanne Cast & Characters

Chanté Adams leads the cast as Roxanne Shante, with Nia Long as Ms. Peggy and Adam Horovitz as Attorney Schwartz. Directed by Michael Larnell; 20 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Michael Larnell

One more film directed by Michael Larnell: Cronies.

Full filmography
Ratings

Roxanne Roxanne Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Roxanne Roxanne 68% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).

70 /100

Roxanne Roxanne Echo Score Breakdown

Roxanne Roxanne presents a balanced yet broadly affirmative biographical portrait of its subject. Its gritty sincerity and committed performances lend authenticity that resonates with viewers, even as episodic structure and uneven pacing introduce moments of narrative uncertainty. Visual and auditory elements effectively evoke the mid-80s hip-hop milieu without overshadowing the central story. On balance, the compelling lead performance and cultural insight outweigh structural limitations, resulting in an engaging but imperfect cinematic experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, the film offers a solid directorial approach and thoughtful cinematography that capture its mid-80s setting with clarity. Production design and editing contribute to a coherent period atmosphere, though the visual style rarely ventures beyond functional realism. Camera work emphasizes key performances effectively, even if it stops short of distinctive flair. Overall, the film’s craftsmanship supports its narrative without calling undue attention to itself.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film is anchored by a commanding lead performance and strong supporting turns that convey personal conviction. Depth is conferred through nuanced portrayals, yet some character arcs feel truncated or stereotyped, limiting emotional payoff. Chemistry among the principal cast enhances investment, although select familial dynamics verge on melodrama. The net result is a performance-driven tapestry that underscores the film’s heartfelt core.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative delivers a series of vivid vignettes that illuminate the protagonist’s early journey. Pacing shifts between immersive moments and abrupt transitions, resulting in occasional engagement gaps. Originality shines in its female-focused hip-hop context, but the episodic structure and rushed turning points hinder sustained momentum. As a whole, the plot offers insight but falls short of fully cohesive storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    When evaluating sensory experience, the soundtrack integrates period-appropriate hip-hop tracks effectively, enhancing the film’s energetic backdrop. Sound design remains unobtrusive, allowing music and dialogue to take prominence. Visual style adheres to a muted palette that evokes the era without overwhelming the drama, though it rarely achieves a distinct visual signature. Overall, the film’s sensory elements reliably support its thematic framework.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Regarding rewatch factor, the film’s strong lead performance and cultural authenticity provide reasons for subsequent viewings. However, episodic storytelling and uneven narrative progression may limit its lasting appeal. While the period atmosphere and soundtrack merit revisiting, some structural inconsistencies could deter repeated engagement. Consequently, the film holds moderate replay value.

Videos

Roxanne Roxanne Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Roxanne Roxanne.

Roxanne Roxanne | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix
Cars

Cars in Roxanne Roxanne

11 cars on screen, including the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC C126 and the 1982 Buick LeSabre.

All 11 cars
  • 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC C126 in Roxanne Roxanne 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC C126 Important role
  • 1982 Buick LeSabre in Roxanne Roxanne 1982 Buick LeSabre Minor role
  • 1986 Dodge Ram Van in Roxanne Roxanne 1986 Dodge Ram Van Minor role
  • 1974 Mercedes-Benz SL R107 in Roxanne Roxanne 1974 Mercedes-Benz SL R107 Minor role
Details

Roxanne Roxanne Also Known As

7 alternative titles, including “Roxanne 2017” and “록산느 록산느”.

Also known as
  • Roxanne 2017
  • 록산느 록산느
  • Με Λένε Ροξάν
  • 지금부터 들려줄게 록샌의 이야기
  • רוקסן רוקסן
  • Роксана Роксана
  • 嘻哈女孩罗克珊

Seen Roxanne Roxanne?

FAQ

Roxanne Roxanne FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Roxanne Roxanne, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Roxanne Roxanne?

Roxanne Roxanne runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was Roxanne Roxanne released?

Roxanne Roxanne was released on March 23, 2018.

Who directed Roxanne Roxanne?

Roxanne Roxanne was directed by Michael Larnell.

More films by Michael Larnell

Who is in the cast of Roxanne Roxanne?

Roxanne Roxanne stars Chanté Adams as Roxanne Shante, Nia Long as Ms. Peggy and Adam Horovitz as Attorney Schwartz, among 20 credited actors.

How is Roxanne Roxanne rated?

Roxanne Roxanne has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74 on Metacritic and 60% on TMDB.

Does Roxanne Roxanne have a post-credit scene?

Yes. Roxanne Roxanne has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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