"Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood" is a raucous American comedy film directed by Paris Barclay, released in 1996. Written by and starring Shawn and Marlon Wayans, this parody skewers the wave of '90s hood dramas like "Boyz n the Hood" and "Menace II Society" with over-the-top humor and absurd satire.
The story follows Ashtray (Shawn Wayans), a young man who moves to the inner-city neighborhood of South Central to live with his father—who’s inexplicably younger than him. Alongside his wild cousin Loc Dog (Marlon Wayans), Ashtray navigates a world of gangbangers, gunfights, and quirky characters, including the tough-talking Grandma and the lovestruck Dashiki (Tracey Cherelle Jones). The film revels in poking fun at clichés, from dramatic slow-motion shootouts to melodramatic life lessons, all while delivering a barrage of slapstick gags and irreverent one-liners.
Known for its outrageous comedy, memorable cameos (like Keenen Ivory Wayans as a mailman), and a hip-hop-infused soundtrack, "Don’t Be a Menace" embraces its low-budget charm and fearless absurdity. It’s a love letter to the genre it mocks, blending sharp social commentary with unapologetic silliness.
Released in 1996, the film became a cult favorite among fans of spoof comedies, cementing the Wayans brothers’ reputation for boundary-pushing humor. While not a critical darling, its quotable lines and chaotic energy have kept it alive in pop culture memory.
