8 Mile (2002)

Rap star Eminem makes a strong movie debut in 8 Mile, an urban drama that makes a fairly standard plot fly through its gritty attention to detail. Jimmy Smith (Eminem), nicknamed B Rabbit, can't pull himself together to take the next step with his career--or with his life. Angry about his alcoholic mother (Kim Basinger) and worried about his little sister, Rabbit lets out his feelings with twisting, clever raps admired by his friends, who keep pushing him to enter a weekly rap face-off. But Rabbit resists--until he meets a girl (Brittany Murphy) who might offer him support and a little hope that his life could get better. Under the smart and ambitious direction of Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential, Wonder Boys) and ably supported by the excellent cast and the burnt-out environment of Detroit slums, Eminem reveals a surprising vulnerability that makes 8 Mile vivid and compelling. --Bret Fetzer Amazon.com

Hip-Hop Hoopla (3.5 stars)

Ever since his first single "My Name Is" hit the airwaves in 1998, Eminem has become a household name and with each album he releases, his listening audience is privy to the intimate details of his life. His candid alliterations have alluded to his mother's drug abuse, his strained relationship and estrangement from ex-wife Kim, a tumultuous childhood and his troubles with the law. Now comes a film that mirrors his hard-knock life and road to stardom (names and events changed for dramatic effect, of course).

"8 Mile" (an actual road in Michigan that separates Detroit proper from seven northern suburbs) is the story of Jimmy "B-Rabbit" Smith (Eminem), a down-on-his-luck Detroit mill worker with big dreams. He and pals Future (Phifer), Cheddar Bob (Jones), Sol George (Miller) and Wink (Byrd) spend their time throwing random lyrics and frequenting "The Shelter", a local haunt in the Detroit suburbs where rhymesters gather to quash egos. Unfortunately, Jimmy lacks confidence and when battling one evening, he "chokes" and decides never to go back. But Future has glimpsed Jimmy's unusual talent and urges him to take another shot, a showdown in order with Papa Doc (Mackie), the defending champion. While dealing with issues of low self-esteem and a reckless home life, Jimmy meets a runaway named Alex (Murphy) with dreams of her own. Assured by his friends of his talent and an acquaintance with contacts, Jimmy has a shot at a future in the music industry. Will he put his scruples aside and go for it or will his anxiety overwhelm him and keep him not only in poverty but misery as well?

Eminem does well in his first-ever movie role as Jimmy Rabbit, displaying a modest range of emotions and even a little bit of a soft side, something rarely seen from the man who has been labeled a hate-monger, misogynist and homophobe. Phifer, whom I first remember seeing in the MTV Hip-Hopera "Carmen", does an admirable job as Future. Murphy is merely an appendage, a love interest thrown in to produce more conflict but she does manage to create some steam with Eminem. Kim Basinger is far from her sex kitten image as Stephanie, Jimmy's negligent and temperamental mother; after playing a Veronica Lake look-alike in Curtis Hanson's earlier flick "L.A. Confidential", Basinger is stripped down to the bare essentials.

Bottom line: Most people will see this film simply for Eminem's motor-mouthed pace and the climax in which he returns to The Shelter to give all those creeps what-for. I guess the pen can be mightier than the sword in this case. Eminem fans will love this, in particular the soundtrack that supports it with the hit single "Lose Yourself". Those looking for a remarkable dramatic performance from a multi-platinum selling hip-hop artist will see only mere glimpses, with little to suggest he will pursue a career in film (he's on hiatus as far as making his own music, choosing to produce for up-and-coming talents). Take it at face value while nodding your head at the catchy beats and crafty alliterations.
June 24, 2008

8 mile

The movie is great !!!! the price not so great , people shop around , after I got it wall mart had it for 5 bucks !!!! March 29, 2008

One of my favorite movies of 2002

Even though 8 Mile can't touch Purple Rain or Krush Groove when it comes to music it was one of my favorite movies from last year. Like I said 8 Mile was clearly without a doubt one of the best movies of the previous year when it came to crowd pleasing. Director Curtis Hanson and screenwriter Scott Silver have tailor made a great first movie for Eminem. In his portrayl of Jimmy Smith Jr.,Eminem gives the charcter depth and while watching the film I didn't see Eminem, I saw Jimmy. Some of the film's best scenes invole no dialogue, scenes such as Jimmy writing and anazlying his surroundings are deep and give you a feel of what a rapper goes through trying to write hye lyrics. The supporting cast all give excellent performances Mehki Phifer who serves as Jimmy's main supporter contiunes to make star making movies. Omar Benson Miller as Sol and Evan Jones as Cheddar Bob provide a lot of comic relief. With the little screen time they are given Kim Basinger and Brittany Murphy do good as the female leads. The highlight of the film is truly the battle scenes though. I give the movie ***** stars. March 25, 2008

White Men Can't Jump...But They Can Rap!!

Marshall Mathers, a.k.a. Eminem, gives a rather humbling performance as Jimmy "Bunny Rabbit" Smith, Jr.; a wanna-be rapper with problems bigger than what we can imagine. He's down on his luck and has to move back home to his mom's house. Couple that with the fact that he has a fear of rejection. In more ways than one, his problems are our problems we face in everyday life. This makes the movie smart and easy to manufacture. It's not the best film, but it does entertain as well as tell an effective story about challenges and courage. January 21, 2008

Great movie...

I don't buy movies unless they are my favorite movies, and this is one of them. I love this move, its a great movie, funny and it has drama on it... Great for anyone that whats to be something in life and wont give up till they get it... "You only get one shot, Do not miss this chance to glow, cause opportunity comes once in a life time..." December 18, 2007

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