One of the best films of 2002.

Rating: Null/10 (31 March 2003)

Based somewhat on Eminem's true life story of growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, 8 MILE is really not as bad as you would think. The film is actually pretty exciting and Eminem acts so good, you would think he had been doing it for years. He certainly delivered one hell of a performance and I was extremely impressed. The remaining cast members were also very good.
The story is very powerful and above all- enthralling. I was generally absorbed by every second of 8 MILE. After hearing numerous terrible reviews from several of my friends, I was expecting a crap film. But, no. This is a true masterpiece.
What I think let a lot of people down is that rap music is not really the entire plot of the story, but it is more of a sub-plot used to show the life of a young man trying to deal with the problems of life. The film is not only about rap and really isn't what all the little blurbs lead you to think. 8 MILE is really a moving tale of trying to survive in the world.
I recommend that you see SAVE THE LAST DANCE if you like this film. That is somewhat similar. All I know is that 8 MILE is a film that makes you think about your life and will surely make you not want to waste any of it. Plain and simple, I loved this movie. 8 MILE gets 5/5.