"Tupac: Resurrection" Opens in US Theaters

On November 14, 2003, Paramount released Tupac: Resurrection in US theaters. The film was produced by MTV Films and Amaru Entertainment, the company owned by Tupac’s mother Afeni Shakur, who served as executive producer. At its launch, it screened in 801 theaters.

Strong Weekend for a Documentary

According to figures from The Numbers, the film grossed around 4.63 million dollars on its opening weekend, while Rolling Stone reported just under five million. This meant that roughly 60 percent of the total gross was generated in the first three days alone. Worldwide, the film reached around 7.8 million dollars, against production costs that The Numbers lists at 300,000 dollars.

Praise for the Craft, Doubts About the Perspective

Variety praised how skillfully Lazin constructed a compelling narrative from archival material. However, because Tupac himself is heard exclusively throughout the film, it bypasses less flattering aspects of his career, such as controversies and charges. Skeptical viewers would not appreciate the benevolent stance. The publication anticipated moderate theatrical business and a larger audience later on DVD.

In early December, Rolling Stone took stock: aside from 50 Cent, no rapper had a better year in 2003 than Tupac, seven years after his death.