It wasn't bad, but....

Rating: Null/10 (28 March 2003)

After viewing '8 Mile' I have to say that it definitely didn't deserve the accolades it received from critics, but it isn't a bad movie. However, to anyone that watches this movie and thinks it's the greatest thing since sliced bread I do have two words for you: 'Purple Rain'. This movie is basically a remake of the famous 80's movie starring Prince who battles his way from an alcoholic family and his own demons to "win" against the mean-spirited bad guy musicians played by Morris Day and the Time. Scene after scene copied Purple Rain to the extent that I kept expecting Eminem to bust out with "Baby, I'm a Star" in the final scene.
The film is shot well and the performances are actually good in parts. Kim Basinger is so good as the white trash mom that it makes you wonder how she channeled that performance without a little trailer park in her blood. Brittany Murphy is an exception (as usual) who fumbles around in her role like Ray Charles strapped in a Tilt-O-Whirl.
Eminem, for his part, does a fairly decent job glaring and strutting about. Although I am no fan of rap music, the music throughout the movie is enjoyable and the "rap battles" are fairly engaging and funny at times.

All in all, not a bad night's rental. It could have been much, much worse.