Of this coming weekend's new releases, I think Idlewild holds the most promise. It is not an action movie, or a comedy, or a new science fiction or horror film, nor does it immediately seem like an Oscar contender. What it does look like is a dramatic, music-filled tale set around a 1930s speakeasy.
Idlewild stars Andre Benjamin and Antwan A. Patton, better known as Outkast, as longtime friends from opposite sides of the track who find a common ground in music. Despite their obvious differences in how they lead their lives, they come together to make some great music at a club they run.
The trailer looks very good. The movie promises new music from Outkast, plenty of choreographed dance sequences, and a story potentially worth watching. It has a lively look, and plenty of recognizeable performers, including Ving Rhames, Macy Gray, Patti Labelle, Terrence Howard, and Ben Vereen.
Andre Benjamin has impressed me the few times I have seen him. He was funny as Dabu in the otherwise drab Be Cool, and was excellent in Four Brothers, so hopefully the streak will continue here. I don't care for Macy Gray, so hopefully she won't have a big role.
The movie was written and directed by Bryan Barber. Barber is making his big screen debut with this outing. Previously he has been a collaborator with Outkast on some of their music videos. It looks like he has the right vehicle for making the move from the small screen to the big.
There is a music postcard up, where you can sample some of the new Outkast songs from the film. In addition, there are also a number of clips online, including the trailer: Trailer, Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3, Clip 4, Clip 5, Clip 6, Clip 7, Clip 8
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