"8 Mile"

Rating: Null/10 (9 August 2003)

Besides being a fan of rap, I really liked "8 Mile."
Let me say that, first of all, if you're not a fan of rap, you probably won't enjoy the movie very much. Many of the best moments are when Jimmy Smith Jr., aka B-Rabbit (played by Eminem), is engaging in rap "battles." Outside of that, the movie, honestly, is kind of boring. It basically shows the lifestyle of Eminem's character: going to work and almost getting fired a couple of times, breaking up with and having encounters with an ex-girlfriend (Tarryn Manning), meeting a new girl (Brittany Murphy, ick), fighting with his mom and her boyfriend, as well as rival rappers in the city of Detroit. But through it all, all he really wants to do is get a deal as a rapper, and he shows a tough shell, but has a soft spot inside for his baby sister Lily (Chloe Greenfield). The movie is basically a bunch of trials and tribulations, but it does not disappoint.
All of the actors are in a range from alright to awesome. Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer, and most of the supporting cast has good moments and alright moments. Eminem is really good in his debut film role, which was sort of surprising--he really pulled the movie together. There are quite a few funny moments, and the film really delivers the atmosphere of Eminem's character's lifestyle.
Plus, to be totally superficial, Eminem is in it. Need I say more?
Not one you should miss, but if you do, you'll survive. 8/10.