Eminem gives a worthy performance indeed

Rating: 8/10 (6 June 2006)

I was very surprised at the show that rapper Eminem put on in his fictional biopic '8 Mile', named for the very street near which Eminem grew up. Curtis Hanson does a good job directing the film, making sure it doesn't stray towards a gang film, and away from the good personal story that it is. It explores one young man, Jimmy 'Rabbit' Smith (Eminem) and his quest to escape the slums of Detroit to rise to hip hop stardom, thrusting his daughter Lily and mother (Kim Basinger) out as well. One thing that stands out besides Eminem and Hanson's direction is the supporting cast. Mekhi Phifer, Kim Basinger, Evan Jones, and Brittany Murphy stand out in particular. Basinger gives a great performance as Jimmy's emotional and struggling mother. In every film about one man rising above the rest, he needs his friends, and Mekhi Phifer's character, Future, provides the steadfast, older, kind, yet tough friend for Jimmy to turn to when he needs help. The story has some well written moments, but can seem unnecessary at times. There is also a large overuse of the f-word in the film, but it doesn't take away from the great story that should inspire any viewer of the film. I really hope Marshall Mathers gives acting another shot, because he did very well in this film.
8/10 --spy