Movie Review

8 Mile

8 Mile follows the underdog story formula but here it takes on a whole new identity, mainly because of its subject.

This is closely based on Eminem's early days and rather than being centered on the controversial style in which the rapper uses, this movie touches upon a more personal level and the result is something even more brutal and thought provoking than the lyrics he spits out on each of his best selling albums.

Unlike many of the musicians trying to become movie stars, Eminem cannot only act but he can do so incredibly well. Here he plays Jimmy Smith Jr., a white would-be rapper on the streets of 8 Mile in Detroit. His friends know he can rhyme, especially his buddy Future (Mekhi Pfhifer), who hosts rap battles down at the local shelter. Only thing is, Jimmy has a much tougher time convincing the black audience during these lyrical duels.

Through chants from the audience of "choke, choke, choke," Jimmy, whose rapper name is Bunny Rabbit, does exactly that every time. After all, the best way to describe a white rapper is that he's nothing but a poser. Still, him and his friends remain optimistic that one day they'll be able to make a studio demo, which in turn, will lead to a much better life for all of them.

It's that kind of wishful thinking that keeps Jimmy going because in reality, his life is a mess. His girlfriend dumped him, he works down at the steel mill, and he has no other option but to move back in with his mom and little sister at the trailer park until he can come up with some money for his own place. His mother has troubles of her own, as she is in danger of being evicted, lacks a job, and is involved with a guy that Jimmy went to high school with. Other characters that come in later are played by Brittany Murphy, who plays an aspiring model and love interest, as well as Eugene Byrd, a manager of a violent rap group named Free World (who, as it turns out, is in an east coast-west coast battle with Jimmy and Future's 3-1-4 group).

Director Curtis Hanson and writer Scott Silver do a good thing here in not overproducing any of the film's dramatic elements. This movie tells the story through atmosphere and words. 8 Mile is portrayed as the kind of place where acting tough is considered a way of survival, and opportunity is considered a myth. No one is waving a gun around here or performing drive-bys. Instead the film gives rap more meaning than ever by pitting the two aggressors into lyrical combat, whereas they take turns insulting each other to a beat and the crowd decides who does it better.

This film is about following your dreams, but also about learning what it takes to be able to achieve those ambitions. As an actor, Eminem makes learning this experience all the more enjoyable. There is no question that he's charismatic, but he is also a powerhouse of emotions that never lets up. From the caring way he looks after his little sister and his friends, to the never-say-die attitude he takes with life and work, to the deeply quiet rage that he summons before each performance - the guy gives Jimmy a full personality and makes you want to root for him all day long.

Many of the other characters, however, seem vaguely drawn out, especially Kim Basinger who seems like a drunken whore one minute and then the perfect mother the next. The relationship between her and Jimmy also seems lacking and unneeded. Nonetheless, this is a movie for Eminem and his fans. It's better than anybody could have imagined and the same goes for him as well, so take that and shove it Britney Spears.

Craig's Grade: B+

A	10.9%
B	41.8%
C	31.8%
D	15.3%
F	0.3%