Entertaining and Original

Rating: 7/10 (21 March 2003)

8 Mile is one of the surprise films of 2002, the reason why is because it was actually pretty good. Eminem makes a memorable debut as the star of this film. And most of the acting by the lead actors is pretty strong (Basinger and Murphy) are good as well, but some of the supporting cast is a little weak.
Overall 8 Mile is entertaining and original. It gives us a good look at the ghettos of Detroit and the life of those struggling to make it in the rap industry. The direction could have been a little stronger (there were some scenes that appeared "thrown in" and some of the acting and dialogue was weak, but other than that this is a solid film; easily it is one of the years top 20 motion pictures. B- or 7/10.