Rating: 
Summary: 8 M!LE !$ @ GHETT0L!C!0U$
Review: I was talking last week to a female friend who had also seen `8 Mile.' She described it in a rather odd fashion as `ghettolicious' which kinda took me aback, but after musing on it over the time span of several classes, I realized that ghettolicious is the best way to sum up the film. It can be used to describe storyline, plot and characters, which would give me an easy one-word method for writing this review, but read on for the other words, please.In the slums of northern Detroit, a young dreamer, Jimmy Smith Jr. (Eminem) a.k.a. Rabbit, is stuck in a vicious circle of working in a metal-stamping plant and living at home with his alcoholic mother (Kim Basinger), his innocent younger sister, and his mother's live-in boyfriend (who happens to be basically Smith's age). Rabbit's only hope of salvation is in his innate talent to rap. Rabbit does have one thing going for him-a solid core of friends including the influential Future (Mekhi Phifer), the good-hearted (yet argumentative) brothers, DJ Iz (De'Angelo Wilson) and Sol George (Omar Benson Miller) and the dimwitted follower Cheddar Bob (Evan Jones). Also (sorta) on Rabbit's side is his muse and lover Alex (Brittany Murphy). In the span of a week starting when Smith chokes in a rap insult battle, the viewer sees his fall to the bottom of his miserable existence to the inevitable rising from the ashes and trailer parks of the grittiest part of Detroit, the 8 Mile district. Firstly, I need to admit that I am not a very big fan of rap-in fact my CD collection mainly consists of artists who have been around long enough to have `Greatest Hits' albums out. Nonetheless, `8 Mile' drew me into the entertaining and diverse field of rap, which was excellently articulated in Eminem's rap-parody of `Sweet Home Alabama,' which was one of the highlights of the film. But despite the whole entertainment quality of the ghettolicious soundtrack, I doubt I will be heading out to supplement my music with rap, but that's no knock against the film. In his screen debut, I was expecting Eminem to fall flat on his face and turn in a train wreck of a performance. Instead, he was excellent, or in other words, ghettolicious, here, displaying multiple facets of a considerable talent for characterization. It was not quite an Oscar-worthy performance, but it does stick out at me as one of the top ten that I have seen this year. Also noteworthy was Kim Basinger's ghettolicious showing as a stereotypical white trailer-trash single woman with a drinking problem. Through her man problems to her bingo addictions to her hard-boozing habits, she walks the narrow line of being a character to be both pitied and despised for her weaknesses. Plotwise, well there really was not all that much worth mentioning-basically, it is a musical adaptation of `Rocky' with all the suspense of the ending of `Rocky IV' (along with some ghettolicious additions that make it more pathetic in setting and up-to-date in timing)(thanks to a fellow IMDb user for pointing that out!). Look at `Rocky' vs. `8 Mile'-young white protagonist with authority problems fights his way to an improbable victory while along the way meeting a woman that changes his life. It's been done before, but `8 Mile' adds ghettolicious scenes, quite a few F-bombs and a richer (yet grittier) coating that makes the whole package seem nearly new. Despite my lacking of a background in the world of rap (who said movie reviewers were perfect?), I was genuinely pleased by director Curtis Hanson's final product, and with maybe a bit more suspense added to the unavoidable ending, `8 Mile' would have been the best film I have seen this year. Regardless, `8 Mile' is an excellent and ghettolicious film deserving of a 5 out of 5.
Rating:
Summary: Taking a Chance to Make a Change
Review: It's been little more than a year since Mariah Carey proved "Glitter" is not gold. A mere seven months have passed since Britney's "Crossroads" experience summed up the destruction of 40 years worth of feminist progress. And now Eminem, rap's bad, white guy, takes a drive down "8 Mile," making a case that he's both a serious artist and a serious actor. Critics argue he is neither; whether it's the PC crowd from the left or the "gotta be offended at something" crowd from the right, it's easy to hate someone who presents such an easy target. But, like Elvis, a figure Eminem references several times in his songs, he continues to appeal to youth and upset the adults, all while making oodles of money and, now, films worthy of praise. "8 Mile" (the name refers to the road in Detroit that separates the white suburbs from the black inner-city) showcases a week in the life of wannabe rapper Rabbit. Like Eminem, Rabbit fights for respect in the black-dominated rap underground. Like Eminem, Rabbit lives with his mother in a trailer park. And like Em, Rabbit is desperate for a way to get out. His friends encourage him to become involved with "battles," 45-second freestyle raps where two contestants try to insult each other, and the best insults win. Although Rabbit readily lets his rhymes slip at work and at play, when it's crunch time, he chokes. The movie opens with Rabbit blowing a contest, and then stumbling home to explain to his alcoholic mother (a perfectly cast Kim Bassinger) that he broke up with his "pregnant" girlfriend and gave her the car. The movie then moves through a series of vignettes - Rabbit at work, Rabbit at play, Rabbit in love, Rabbit rapping - with the desperation of his situation tightening like choke-collar. The "plot" is loose at best; "8 Mile" could best be described as a slice-of-life with a "Rocky"-like ending (like we didn't know that was coming). The utter poverty and hopelessness which pervades the film is superceded by a single ray of hope: that there may be a way, through talent, to rise above the cycle of poverty that has dragged every one of Rabbit's friends and family into despair. It finally becomes a decision between working overtime for guaranteed cash, or taking a risk and aiming for something more - a choice that any creative person will recognize. "8 Mile" works because it ignores its star and stays true to the spirit of creativity. What could easily have been a "look at me" movie for Eminem remains a "look at THIS' movie about creative people trapped in the worst of urban conditions. The ending of the film does not have Rabbit signing a multi-million dollar record deal, or marrying the girl, or becoming a superstar. It's a small but important victory in a person's life, and keeps the entire film in perspective. Director Curtis Hanson did the impossible: took a musical artist and turned him into a great actor in a very good movie. Take a walk down "8 Mile," but check your cynicism at the door. Final Grade: A-
Rating: 
Summary: The Eminem Show
Review: 8 Mile is a good movie. I don't mean it is a good debut for a rapper-turned-actor, or it is a good movie for it's genre, I mean it is a good movie. I'm not surprised either. I've heard all kinds of word of mouth on this film, but the bottom line is that if Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential, Wonder Boys)
decided to make the film he must have seen something. Whether it was in Emeinem as an actor, or the story, whatever, it works. Eminem plays Jimmy Smith, a poor kid from the wrong side of the tracks in Detroit. He goes by the stage name Rabbit when he is trying to rap, but he has terrible stage fright. Additionally his girlfriend dumps him and he is forced to move back into his mother's trailer. Sounds sunny doesn't it? His motivation is clear though. He doesn't want to be just another loser from the 313 (the area he grew up in). His way out is music, that's it. This isn't Hollywood. The film is "losely" based on Eminem's real life. From listening to his CD's I can pick some of these elements out, and this is important. Eminem is good in the film. He has screen presence, but he did not find some glossy action flick (as say DMX did), or some cheesy fluff (as say Britany Spears did), to make his feature debut. No, he stayed true to his roots, a smart decision. Eminem is an angry young man. Wanna know why? See 8 Mile. It may not be entirely a true story, but the point is there. This is how Eminem, the character, was created. His real name, like Jimmy Smith, is Marshall Mathers. There is a difference. Is he shocking? Is he vulgar? Is he violent? The answer to all these questions would be yes. If this was your life I think you would be too. After all, he's not from Commonwealth.
Rating:
Summary: SMILIN' BREW .........
Review: Now, who is laughing all the way to the bank???
It's a very worthy effort from our rapper boy -potent film-making from Curtis Hanson and daring character work from Miss Basinger; but after the fuss has died down [and Oscar noms. are quite in line for this puppy] - let's nurture a career here and see if the acting chops can last past the funk and da noise!
Rating:
Summary: What a great movie!
Review: This movie is by far, one of the best movies I've ever seen. I love Eminem in the first place, but after seeing this movie and realizing that he does have a true talent both acting and rapping, I was blown away. I saw this movie on the first night it opened and the movie theater was packed. For a good reason too. Whatever the critics say about Eminem, he does have a true talent and through this movie, we see his love and passion for music. Out of a scale of 1-10, I would give this movie a 12. I highly reccommmend this movie.
Rating:
Summary: Rabbit's Self-Expression and Struggle...
Review: Rabbit (Eminem) is a young rapper who has an opportunity to express himself on the stage in a rap-contest, but he chokes as he doubts his own rap skills. The insecurities and fears of being humiliated is a wall of self-denial that prevents Rabbit to reach success and happiness. In addition, he has a mother (Kim Basinger) who is emotionally neglectful and verbally abusive, which intensifies the insecurities of Rabbit. He is expressing his insecurities through rage that is expressed both verbally and physically; however, when it becomes to much for Rabbit, he has to face the music of his own insecurities. 8 mile is an entertaining film about self-expression and overcoming adversities.
Rating: 
Summary: White Rabbit
Review: Eminem's performance as Jimmy/Rabbit in "8 Mile" is as auspicious and as natural and un-mannered as Diana Ross's debut in "Lady Sings the Blues." The fact that both are singers, though their music is miles apart in style, should not be a surprise to anyone though, as it takes just as much emotional awareness and guts to sell a song, as it is to give a fully realized performance on the screen. Whether or not Eminem can or wants to sustain a career as an actor remains, at this point a mystery. The plot of "8 Mile" is very straightforward: a quick-tempered young man from the bad side of the tracks (Rabbit) has a talent not only for rapping but also for getting into trouble. He longs to make a career of his musical talent but chokes when he is asked to perform in front of an audience. Rabbit's mother (Kim Bassinger) is not available emotionally to him as she has her own problems: dealing with alcohol dependence and relationship problems.
At the outset, I thought this film was going to go the "rags to riches" route with Rabbit finding success and money only to lose the love of those closest to him as in "A Star is Born" or "Funny Girl." But the director, Curtis Hanson is too smart a cookie and too intelligent a filmmaker for that. Instead, Rabbit has a small revelation, a small turnaround, and a small success in his musical career that amounts to a less than expected catharsis on our part but a more realistic one on Rabbit's. As such, Hanson is looking for the truths in Rabbit's life not the fantasies in ours. And, more to the point...it works.
The best scenes in "8 Mile" are the sweaty, intense rap duels set in a dark, dank nightclub. I am not a fan of rap yet I felt the heat, the fervor, and the commitment of the rappers up front and in my face. Hanson sets these scenes in such a way so as to jam the rappers and their raps down our collective throats. If nothing else, this film will serve to educate/wake people up to the emotional connection and dedication that so many young people (of all races) feel for rap. There is a transcendent and spellbinding truth going on in rap that frankly I, along with many others, felt cut off from. Now, at the very least I understand.
Rating:
Summary: EMINEM IS SIKK
Review: EMINEM DOES A SIKK JOB PORTRAYING HIS CHARACTER B.RABBIT GO SEE THE MOVIE WELL WORTH ITT
Rating:
Summary: More than I expected
Review: I was expecting more profranity in this movie, more from Brittany Murphy's character., However, I still question which part is of Eminem's life and which isn't? I find this to be great. This movie delivers a fine thing line between the real and the fake. Something that I find pleasing. I certainly don't want to watch a movie where every word, every step and every thing is predictable.
One thing I am unsure of is why Brittany Murphy's character was written into the script. The only purpose I could see for her was to include her in the final battle. She was a love interest which I suppose is best to have in a movie. Or was it so that we could see some more T&A?
Eminem did a good job of acting. While many may criticize him for only playing himself, I think he was acting. Kim Basinger, who played his mum, did a great job. We have heard the rumours of Eminem's mum, and if they are true, then the movie did her justice. Having the movie based on Eminem's life, I think movie-goers can see where he comes from when writing his lyrics.
This is a great coming of age movie, that really in the end, has a point to get across. Don't give up on your dreams. Just because you fail once does not mean you cannot carry on with it. I cannot imagine that Eminem will walk away with an Oscar but, it would not be surprising to see this as one of the best movies of the year!
Rating:
Summary: Eminem on the big screen?!?
Review: I can't understand why people try to say that the film is terrible becasue there are 200+ f words, or that the rap battles are all about putting down people, or anything that is a little to harsh for their eyes and ears. This movie is an ACCURATE portrayal of what it was like to be a white male growing up on the wrong side of "8 Mile". The reason that there are 200+ f words is because that it was like in Detroit, 1995. Would you prefer to see a movie that tip-toed around all the bad things about its subject?, or would you rather have a movie that presents an accurate portrayal of, frankly, a terrible place to grow up? I can respect the fact that people don't like swear words and all that, and thats fine-there are plenty of movies that don't have a single offensive line. However, if you see 8 Mile, know that it is going to be an intense, comical, sad, and disturbing look at what it would be like to grow up in Eminem's home town. Eminem does a phenominal job acting in this movie, and there is nothing bad that you can say against him. Sure, people will try to say that it's so easy to just "play yourself", as Eminem supposidly does. However, do those people think that they could present such an emotional, funny, and heart-wrenching character as Eminem does for Jimmy Smith JR., even if they were only "playing themselves"? Mekhi Phifer is magnificant in playing "Future", one of (Eminem is referred to as Rabbit in the film) Rabbit's best friends, who constantly tries to push him to use his talents in the weekly rap battles. I was suprised by the relationship that Eminem had with his mother-I thought it would be much worse- but it was some of the scenes where Rabbit lectured his mom were very powerful. I think one part of this movie that stood out to me was the fact that I can relate many of my friends to Eminem's friends in the movie. Everyone has the bossy friend, who constantly pushes you to do more, either because that's their nature, or, like Future and Rabbit, they see something in you that they think you could use to your advantage. Everybody has a friend like the charater Sol Georger, played by Omar Benson Miller, who is a huge, smart, goofy, I'd like to say kid, but adult. Then there's the hilarious Chedder Bob, who looks up to Rabbit in almost everyway, and one of the most touching scenes in the movie is when Cheddar Bob had recently asked Rabbit what a good emcee name for him would be, and when Rabbit came to visit him after he shot himself, he called out "Emcee Bob", over his shoulder as he was leaving. The way his face lit up sense chills down my spine. I agree that this is not a movie for most kids to see, but that completly depends on maturaty level, so it is an individual choice. Parents, I would want to take a look in to your local theater to seen how strict they are about minors getting in to R movies because I (... was able to get into 8 Mile very easily without having an adult buy tickets. In the end, 8 Mile is a fantastic movie that sheds light on to a world that should NOT be sugar coated with love and happiness that is not there. I strongly recomend this film to anyone mature enough to view it.
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