17. If you want to better understand street drug organizations, here's another good peek inside.
18. There were plenty of belly laughs... Sure wish I could tell you more, but somebody might behead me for giving away too much. I'll just say there are hilarious laugh lines here that will be embraced by urban culture for all time.
19. I loved seeing the relationship between Fiddy and his mom. She seemed like a sweetie and you really feel his loss and trauma in the film.
20. It was cool seeing Fiddy's very white, toothy smile. Ain't nothing as sexy as a rich chocolate gangsta with gleaming teeth and no fronts!
21. And good lord, when Fiddy and his girl are making love, one of his smooth moves sends an audible shockwave through all the ladies in the theater. I think Fiddy kinda hits a worldwide GGGG-spot!
I subtitled this review "Get Vic'd and Leave Cryin'" — using a slang term that means to be victimized or duped. But now having seen Get Rich and appreciating the art and adventure of it, I'll say the only possible "vics" here would be those who let this film pass them by on the assumption that a little-trained rapper couldn't successfully star in a quality film.
There was one point in Get Rich when I realized I was watching a film just about as enthralling as Goodfellas. This, coming from a person who has never purchased an album by 50 Cent, ought to tell you there's something here that actually backs up all the hype.
So do not "wait" to see this movie. Get dressed and try enjoying!
For more on Get Rich or Die Tryin' and other hot topics, visit the daily music blog Viqi French Fever.
Ed: JH
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