3. Co-star Terrence Howard is a bit of a Denzel! His character is as compelling as Denzel's in Training Day.
4. The entire ensemble cast is on point. Everyone pulls through with dynamic performances that give the overall film quite a lusterous lift.
5. The cinematography is top-notch. If you pay attention to scene composition, camera angles, mood lighting, etc., then director Jim Sheridan & Co. have made a nice piece of eye candy you'll appreciate.
6. There's one jaw-dropping scene that reminded me of HBO's acclaimed prison series Oz. It will be one of the most talked about moments of this film.
7. This movie showcases a work ethic that "Many Men" (another song by Fiddy) would do well to emulate. Not at all condoning Fiddy's prior profession, but can't help but tip my hat to the discipline that he learned in the drug game and how he applied that focus to move up, out and away.
8. There is believable chemistry between Fiddy and Joy Bryant. A sweet, strong love between a thug and his goodie two-shoed squeeze.
9. I thought Fiddy's mumbling would be annoying. But for the most part, I understood him just fine.
10. The opening scene is a monster. And that's all I'll say about that.
11. Bill Duke is a monster. Ditto.
12. The actor who actually performed in HBO's Oz -- Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje — renders a complex and edgy character.
13. Quincy Jones & Co., of course, made a sophisticated musical score for this.
14. When thugs cry, sometimes they're just faking. Well, that's what Fiddy's tears looked like to me: liquid plastic. If you like special effects, then you'll like that somebody seemed to have gotten paid top dollar to create this man's stiff as hell tear streaks. I could be wrong, but those tears looked store-bought!
15. The boy who plays Fiddy as a nine-year-old looks just like him. Excellent casting, through and through.
16. Fiddy's skin looks pretty good. I don't think it was just the make-up, either. Maybe he, too, has been using that miracle acne product that Alicia Keys, Jessica Simpson and Diddy are endorsing.
Article comments
1 - Laron
Great review Viqi. Now the question is, will you start buying his CDs?
2 - Viqi French
Laron,
I have to admit, I'm considering buying one of 50's CDs. I'd say there's now a 15% chance that I would... Best not to put money on me spitting any of his lines just yet.
3 - Viqi French
PS -- I should add that there's a 95% chance that I'll cough up the money to see his movie again, though.
4 - Eric Olsen
Viqi, agree with Laron: great review. I am exremely predisposed against 50 Cent and the aggrandized thug life in general, but your review gave me an entirely different level of understanding. Thanks!
5 - Hassan
To say it's "terribly engrossing with never a dull moment," may be an overstatement, but there are a few memorable scenes. Who's this new actress playing Katrina? Clearly a talented performer who know's how to deliver her lines. In fact, she was one of the few that bested fity on the screen. Worth the time, not sure about the money.
6 - Viqi French
Eric,
Glad you enjoyed the review and now have a "slightly" different understanding of the film.
I, too, have problems with the agrandizement of thug life, but managed to put that aside to give the movie a chance.
Given that my favorite flick is probably Silence of the Lambs with Deep Cover, Goodfellas and Training Day vying for second place, I am hardly in a position to cry pacifist now, just because 50's in the movie. lol
Actually, 50's life story is a little tame compared to the main characters these other films.
7 - Viqi French
Hassan,
Joy Bryant is the actress who played 50's lady. She's good, isn't she?
She was in Antwoine(sp?) Fisher, which was directed by Denzel Washington. I believe she was a model before trying her hand at acting, so probably is better known in that world.
I saw Joy on Conan recently, with James Woods still sitting on the couch. I thought James Woods would just jump her bones right there on national TV! lol She was giving them quite the sweet sex kitten act, and both of these guys were beside themselves.
I'm thinking she's going to be the "new model" of Halle Berry. I certainly think she's potentially a better actor. I see depth and accessibility there that I've not quite seen in Halle.
8 - b.c.c.
you seem to like this but i don't think i could watch 50 Cents face that long. sorry.
9 - Temple Stark
This is an Blogcritics editors' pick of the week. Click HERE to find out why.
Also, NEW this week, we are requesting the honor of your very own "best of the week that was" pick for showing an interest and a dedication in your own writing, and as a second thank you for writing well. I will be e-mailing you separately on this as well, but for a little more info read the top of the link above.
Cheers. - Temple, BC editor / Special Projects Director
10 - Krasimir [FilmDailies.com]
I'm NOT going to that movie. Period. I saw 8th Mile but this one will be one rap movie too many.
11 - james
it a mint film and makes u realish how black ppl live