Youngblood

The admitedly great soundtrack by War is probably the official reason why YOUNGBLOOD has never been released on video or DVD (licensing issues.) However, I'm pretty sure the movie's current owners (MGM) see that there probably wouldn't be that much call for the movie if they were able to iron out the music rights. It certainly has its moments - some great fight choreography, for one thing, and the cast is pretty decent - but at the end you have to wonder what the point was, especially since that ending happens at a point when it seems that there is still a substantial part of the story yet to go! It's also pretty slow-going at times, and your impatience just increases by some unbelievably stupid decisions by the characters. All in all, it's just one more piece of evidence to prove that American-International was much better at making in-house product than contracting outside production companies to make product for them.

I recently watched Youngblood (1978) on Tubi. The storyline follows a 15-year-old boy in Los Angeles who has a successful older brother trying to pull his family out of the ghetto, but the younger brother is unsure if he wants to leave. When one of his friends dies of a drug overdose, he joins a gang and wants to help them get revenge. Can the older brother save the young man before he gets too deep and can't get out?

This film is directed by Noel Nosseck (Best Friends) and stars Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (LA Heat), Renn Woods (Return to Green Acres), Bryan O'Dell (Street Wars), and Art Evans (Die Hard 2).

This is an underrated addition to the blaxploitation genre. The settings, attire, hairstyles, and dialogue all fit the premise perfectly. This is a well-written and well-cast film. The situations feel authentic and depict real family struggles. The storyline unfolds well, and the concluding shootout is perfect. The soundtrack is also excellent.

In conclusion, Youngblood is a worthy and underrated addition to the blaxploitation genre that's worth viewing. I'd score this a 6.5/10 and recommend seeing for fans of the genre.

I saw this movie when it first appeared. I was very impressed with the script, action and flow of movie then. All the actors were perfect for their parts, even though some were just starting out in their careers. WAR does the awesome sound track (especially the reprise)!!! I would love to purchase video, if I could ever find it! I'm still looking! >

Caught this for free on YouTube and might primarily be some sort of nostalgia and maybe my memory is failing me but not a lot of movies about young black youth were made in the 1970's. Just enjoyed it for what it was. Young black dude making his way through the streets.

A young and talented cast portray their roles with conviction in a film that was light years ahead of its time. 'Youngblood' is about growing up poor on the streets of L. A. , no matter your skin color. Drugs, gangs and gunfire all figure in the mix of a story of a young boy just trying to navigate the mean streets as he grows into manhood. It's true some of the elements of the film are a bit trite, some elements even perhaps stereotypical. But the great cast transcend any of the script's faults (particularly Ren Woods as the love interest and Ann Weldon as the Mom. I wish both had had more screen time.) Surprising, really, that this film didn't find more of a cult audience - like 'American Graffiti ' or 'The Warriors.' The cinematography is quite good, the score is made up entirely of songs by the band WAR. Laurence Hilton-Jacobs commits 100% as a Vietnam Vet trying to pull himself away from gang life. It's really an Oscar quality performance - not a false note or moment. These elements help the picture a good deal. We never lose interest throughout and the last 15 minutes or so are a real nail biter. A film of exceptional quality. An independent feature that retains a rebel spirit while elevating itself to something relevant and special.