This Story's Been Told Before, but not Like This

Rating: 8/10 (5 August 2006)

When word got out that a movie starring everybody's favorite person, Eminem, was in the making, people flocked to see it. A few years earlier, Marshall Mathers caught the nation's eye screaming "I just don't give a ****!" But what wasn't known was whether the movie would follow the general consensus that Eminem can't entertain for whatever reason, and that you either love him or hate him. I can gladly say that whatever your stance is on Slim Shady, there's a 96% chance you won't be drooling on your shirt (or even making out) while you watch this movie.
When you're watching this movie you won't see any plot twists, maybe a few unexpected things, but for the most part you'll know what's going to happen. But still, that doesn't stop this movie from being enjoyable -- not to mention inspirational. A classic rags-to-riches/Rocky sort of story, the plot follow's Eminem's character, Jimmy Smith Jr. (Who is known as 'Rabbit' or 'B-Rabbit' by his friends, the B I'm assuming stands for Bunny) Jimmy who is still in his twenties, but already taking on the problems and challenges of a married man, has to juggle a multitude of problems daily ranging from taking care his little sister to trying to keep peace between his friends.
(Ahem, possible spoiler) The movie starts out with a scene most people can relate to, Rabbit is in the bathroom of a local club and is getting ready to freestyle in a rap battle. Clearly nervous, he is shown singing along to a song he is listening to on his Walkman (Which can be heard by the audience). Right before he leaves he ends up throwing up on himself and goes around back to change his shirt before getting up on stage. Scenes like this, showing Jimmy's personal struggle are commonplace throughout the movie.
The movie continues on and introduces new characters for the first few scenes, each establishing another sub-plot. As the movie wears on and Jimmy struggles to keep his life in order, relationships between characters and the audience are firmly established, especially that of Rabbit's, which is of course is needed when the climax roles around and Jimmy inevitably triumphs.
The movie flows smoothly for the most part, no boring scenes at all. However, if you can't stand to listen to rap (Not necessarily what they sing about, but the actual rapping part of it) you may get sick of this movie as some scenes are centered around this (As expected). The music and rapping are very while done, not surprising as Eminem composed a lot of it. Eminem's winner "Lose Yourself" is the theme song, along with "8 Mile". The characters seem to fit and Mathers plays the part of a hot-headed, but at the same time reserved, character quite well. Kim Basinger plays his alcoholic mother believably, even his younger sister's part is played well.
Overall, in general, 8 Mile is an excellent movie, if a bit clichéd. Providing you don't mind that little bit, or hate Eminem with a passion (or rap in general), 8 Mile and it's very urban feel should be worth a rent and who knows, maybe you'll even decide to buy it.