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8 Mile (Full Screen Edition)

8 Mile (Full Screen Edition)

List Price: $14.98
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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Dark, Sad, Triumphant, and Honest. (4.5 stars)
Review: Jimmy Smith Jr. is practicing his lines and verses in a dirty and dark bathroom before he is to hit the stage and partake in a battle, (rap-diss competition). He looks into the mirror as he practices and practices. He seems confident and ready, until he runs to the toilet and regurgitates. As much as he wants to do this, he's still scared out of his mind. But soon, it is time for him to go onstage and compete.

This is the story of Jimmy "Rabbit," Smith, and his struggles and life in 8 Mile. He has dreams of becoming a rapper, but he knows that until he is able to act out on it, that's all it is; a dream. Him and his buddies talk about how they're going to be rich and famous, but Rabbit appears to be the only one with potential and determination. The others, well, just like to talk, and it seems like that's all they'll ever do. A very important figure is Future, Rabbit's friend, and the host of the "battles." He sort of looks over him like a father figure, always encouraging him and telling him that he can be something if he puts his mind to it.

Things are going badly for Rabbit, however. He broke up with his girlfriend, which means moving back with his mother and little sister in a trailer home, along with his mother's boyfriend who can't stand Rabbit, (the feeling is very mutual). His mother doesn't appear to have much confidence in how Rabbit is living his life, thinking that he'll never amount to anything. He works at a job in where his boss is looking for any excuse to fire him. And as the days go on, he seems to be having more and more doubts about how things are going to turn out in the end for him. However, there is still something inside of him that will not let him give up, no matter what.

"8 Mile" is a sad, and yet triumphant film about how far someone will go to make their dreams come true, no matter what obstacles are thrown in the way. Rabbit very much wants to be a rapper, and to also get out of 8 Mile, where he knows he will never fully succeed until he gets out of there. It's a very well done movie, at that. Curtis Hanson does a terrific job of directing, and I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that he was qualified for the job. I don't think it would've been as good if it were done by anyone else. This isn't a dreamy or fantasy movie; it's real life. The struggles and achievements are real and not artificial.

Eminem brings great charisma onto the screen. All the critics are saying how good of an actor he really is. Although I thought he was awesome, I don't he had to do that much acting. He just had to be himself and get back into the mind frame of a struggling kid with dreams. However, that does not mean it's an easy task. Eminem proved that he could do a great job on screen.

The other actors are also really great in the movie. Kim Basinger turns out to be quite believable as Rabbit's troubled and alcoholic mother. Brittany Murphy does a terrific job of playing Alex, Rabbit's somewhat new love interest. (Trust me, "somewhat" is the right word.) Mekhi Phifer is also outstanding as Future, and proves to be a great friend to Rabbit, through the good times and the bad.

A lot of people have said that the movie is not really based on Eminem's life, but more inspired by it. I can see that, because seeing the movie really gives you more of an idea of what Eminem had to go through to get to where he is right now. He isn't some white kid pretending to be from the hood; this is really where he grew up. He's walked the walk and talked the talk. He is the real deal. There are things you can see where the inspiration came from; like the relationship between Rabbit and his sister is much like the one between Eminem and his daughter. Of course, there are differences, like the fact that the relationship between Rabbit and his mother, while troubling and painful, seems to have more hope than the real one between Eminem and his mother at this current time. (I can't really blame him, though. Sounds like she's been terrible to him.) Though this movie may be fiction, you can really see the truth in it all.

"8 Mile" was a terrific film that I really enjoyed. Do you have to be an Eminem fan to enjoy it? Not necessarily, although it might help a little. It is possible to still like the movie and not like Eminem. It's a story about hardships, obstacles, struggles, and goals. If you only had one opportunity to make it big and change your life, would you take it, or just let it pass you by? That's what the film "8 Mile" asks us. It's not about stardom and it's not a rags-to-riches story. It's a story that helps us realize that some things are possible, but it's up to us to make sure they happen.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: LOSE YOURSELF IN THE MOVIE:THE 8 MILE REVIEW
Review: I saw this movie Friday, November 22, at 5:15pm. Over all, I have to say it was pretty good. They had some funny scenes, such as the "Sweet Home Alabama" scene. That battle thing was cool. In the end, Jimmy (sLiM sHaDy) really comes down with the rapppppppppppppppppp. Kim Basinger does good as Jimmy's mama. What's up, America?? Peace out.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Give credit where credit is due.
Review: First, I'd just like to ask moviefan2002 a quick question. Did you even see the movie? "Rabbit" doesn't work at the club, he works at a plant. Brittany Murphy is NOT a prostitute. There are a million other things that makes me think you didn't even see the movie, and if you did, you obviously weren't paying attention.

Anyway, this movie was, in my opinion, very good. I even shed a couple of tears. It really helps you understand the way people live in Detroit (especially on 8 Mile Rd.), and hopefully it will make people think twice before they hate on someone they don't even know. (Eminem, for example.) I don't claim to know him, but I sure appreciate where he's coming from.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Can a rapper act?
Review: Do you want the answer to that question from someone who saw the movie? YES! I thought Eminem was just a rapper and will always be just a rapper. But after seing 8 mile...I was most definitely proved wrong! 8 mile is about a guy named Rabbit (Eminem) who simply just wants some respect. Respect is hard to find across 8 mile (a road in Detroit that seperates the blacks from the whites) if you are white, but Rabbit doesn't give up. He just keeeps trying, if you want to find out if he earns the respect, go see the best movie in the world: 8 mile.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: 8 mile
Review: I was very impressed with Eminem's acting. I hope to see him in other movies soon. I would like to see him in a different type of role. I gave 8 mile 4 stars because I have to acknowledge that this movis isn't for everyone (especially anyone under 17). Eminem is very natural in front of tbe camera and is a natural actor. I have to confess that I have a crush on Eminem as a result of this movie. I can't forget the other awesome performances as well, including Academy-Award-winning Kim Basinger. If you like hip-hop music I can guarentee you will like this movie for the awesome soundtrack alone. I couldn't help bobbing my head and tapping my foot throughout the movie.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Eric's review of "8 Mile"
Review: Don't believe all the hype. "8 Mile" isn't an excellent movie. It's good, don't get me wrong. But it could've been better. Controversial white rapper Eminem plays Jimmy (or "Rabbit" as hes called in the film) who lives in a Trailer Park with his daughter Lily and his Mom (Kim Bessenger). in Detroit. He spends most of his time working at a car plant, very appropriate for Detroit of course. But as we find out, that's only to make a living. He just so happens to have mad rap skills. His three friends keep the movie funny. His best friend of the group it seems is David (or "Future") played by Mekhi Phifer ("Save The Last Dance") who does an excellent job. Rabbit attempts several times to try and rap in front of a crowd where he would be noticed for record deals, but ends up freezing on stage everytime because of the crowd's booing. Eventually the plot thickens and a relationshjp with is Mom and Daughter grow. Rabbit also ends up meeting a girl with a similar background aspiring to become a model, played by newcomer actress Brittany Murphy. This movie seemed at times to be "Choppy" in some parts, and the other non-famous actors didn't seem to do that well. Oscar-nominated actress Kim Bessenger ("Bless The Child", "I Dreamed of Africa") did a great job as Jimmy's mother. The swearing in the movie was rather harsh and wouldn't be reccomended for anyone under 15. Because this movie is semi-autobiographical (similar to Mariah's "Glitter" in that case), we get a glimpse into what was once Eminem's life. After seeing this movie I also had a lot more respect for rappers who get popular by the streets as well as people who live in Trailer Parks. I would reccomend this movie if you are a fan of Eminem, or just want a fun Hip-Hop movie.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Not Horrible ** 1/2
Review: Eminem was actually pretty good in this film, and I am not a fan. The story was cheezy. I guess you have to be a big rap fan to really get into it. Kim Basinger seemed out of place. I said the same thing when I saw her in one of the most terrible films I have ever seen,"Bless the Child". It was soo bad! I am usually a fan of Brittany Murphy, but I thought she played a stupid role. Because of her newly found fame, I feel she has lost that spark that she once had in her previous films. 8 Mile is definately a teenager movie, it was not made to appeal to adults! But before you let your youngster see this film, be advised that there are a couple of racy sex scenes, violence and lots of foul language! The film is also very dark and gloomy. I really wanted to hate 8 Mile because of all of the Eminem hype, but overall, it wasn't that horrible. To the Eminem fan, you will enjoy him in this film.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A reasonable start
Review: I didn't go into this movie expecting a masterpiece. Expectations were met in some places, and not in others. The truth of the matter is, Eminem does a reasonable job in his first film. The major flaw I found was that this film didn't give him all that much to do until the end, when he truly becomes the film's focal point during the climactic battle scenes. Early on, the film can't seem to make up its mind who it wants to focus its attention most on. The supporting cast are effective, nothing spectacular, but are an excellent foil for Eminem to work off of.

Some on here have complained about the foul language, but this movie seemed to me a great deal more toned down than I expected it to be. I feared it would approach the excessive levels found on his album's worst songs. Instead, it showed a different side. It showed that there is more than just an angry man behind the microphone. And as for what to make of the supposed defense of gays, it seemed somewhat forced, yet somehow it worked just the same. In any case, it's not worth dissecting the movie over that one point.

If you're a fan of eminem's, definitely go see this movie. If you're not, go see it just the same. It offers a look into not just the life of the fictional character Jimmy "Rabbit" Smith, but also at the world of hip-hop that most people don't usually see in the day-to-day machinations of pre-fab hip-hop "artists" that pollute the airwaves today... It serves double duty here in acting as a kind of eye opener to this world. And as for those of you who claim Eminem is whining - he may be rich now, but this movie isn't meant to represent the here and now, something those of you writing such reviews might do well to remember. Do other actors/actresses who are now rich get lambasted so viciously for playing down on their luck characters? I've read enough to see that they don't. So get off the random hate bandwagon and open your eyes to what Eminem can do. You might just be surprised.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Great Urban Story
Review: I know this will probably become a painful cliche, but you do not have to be an Eminem fan to like this movie. The movie is a classic little guy makes it big, set in the urban blight of Detroit.

Eminem plays Rabbit, a biographical portrait of himself. His life is going no where, with a dead end low paying job, a failing mother, and a neighborhood torn with racial strife. The only way out is rap music. Every weekend, the young people of the ghetto converge and do "battle", which is a verbal version of Gladiator duels. These confrontations become the most entertaining part of the movie, with some real high intensity and humourous rhymes. Outside of the "shelter" as the club is called, Rabbit as to deal with his collection of friends, rival rapping gangs, and a romantic fling with a young girl from the neighborhood.

The story is very well paced and the picture well directed by Curtis Hanson, one of the best directors working today. While Eminem isn't absolutely amazing, he shows that he definitly has the potential to be a good actor. The supporting cast is superb as well.

A very good movie that anyone can enjoy.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: "Great entertaining drama"
Review: Controversial rapper Eminem stars in 8 Mile, a film that will leave viewers undissapointed despite its foul language, violence, and sex. 8 Mile is definetely not afraid to show the cold and violent streets of Detroit, where a crime is comitted every second. Eminem stars as Jimmy Smiths Jr., otherwise known as Rabbit. By day, Rabbit is a worker in a broken down factory. By night, he is a rapper working at "The Shelter" a club where rappers face off for money. He hardly wins because the audience always hates him and calls him a "white rapper in black neighborhood" After that, he returns to his trailer home (usually beaten up by the gangs that stalk the streets)where he has to deal with other problems, including his usually drunk mother (Kim Basinger) who continuously is dating people half her age. After Rabbit gives up at a concert, his friend Future (Mekhi Phifer) encourages him to go on and signs him up for a face-off against a black rapper who currently holds the championship at the Shelter. The movie displays a wide variety of events that happen from the the start of the week (Rabbit losing) and end of the week (Rabbit facing off against the other rapper). Included in the mix is Brittany Murphy, who plays a prostitute and Eminem's love interest.

Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential) did a fine job directing but I didn't feel like it was the right film for him to direct, partly it features so much rap and the "F" word is said about 175 times. Brian Grazer (A Beautiful Mind) was a good producer and really made the movie much better though the writer added so much foul language. Hanson and Grazer - Great combination.

Though this is a film meant for adults, some kids should be let to see it because its a very hard-hitting drama and features their idol. Excellent film!

Directed by Curtis Hanson.
Produced by Brian Grazer.
Time: 111 minutes.
Rated R for strong language, two scenes with some sexuality and one scene with strong sexuality, violence, drug use, and mature themes.


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