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Now this might sound a tad fanciful, however, having sat
down to watch his movie debut in 8 Mile, it has to
be said the guy can act. Surprisingly well.
8 Mile follows Jimmy "Rabbit" Smith (Eminem),
a piece of factory fodder from Detroit, as he struggles to
get his life in order. So far, his existence has either been
terrible, or meaningless, but he wants to change that through
his one real ability - rap music.
Rabbit is a demon rapper and while his friends all know it,
he has yet to convince the world at large because he "freezes"
during Rap Battles where opponents diss each other to win
victory by the loudness of an audience's yells.
Now it doesn't help Rabbit's chances that the locals are
pretty hostile to a white rapper, but he keeps hoping for
that big breakthrough and a lucrative recording contract.
That would get him out of the trailer park where he lives
with his mother (Kim Basinger) and little sister.
So that's the basic plot. Weave in some nicely charactered
mates and a very dodgy love interest and that's 8 Mile.
The question is does the real-life angry young rapper pull
off the role? The answer is without question.
Eminem is a real surprise package in the acting stakes and
almost from the off you are drawn into his life and see him
as his character, rather than a Madonna-like performer wanting
to act.
The supporting cast does not bulge with household names,
but is excellent. In fact, the biggest name in 8 Mile
apart from Eminem himself would be Kim Basinger, who plays
his hopeless mother. In fact, Basinger is outstanding as the
once-beautiful woman who has little to look forward to expect
bingo, drink and a little affection from a scumbag boyfriend.
Also worthy of extra mention is Mekhi Phifer as Rabbit's best
buddy.
This is a DVD that is worth putting your prejudices aside
for and just hip-hopping on for the ride.
Conclusion: 85% Extras: 75%.
Continued: DVD
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