Who knew that Eminem and Ralph Macchio had so much in common?

Rating: 6/10 (14 August 2003)

8 mile is a decent movie, but the Karate Kid formula is getting old. It is this cliche Hollywood formula that drags down the movie for me. This is the urban retelling of the Karate Kid, just substitute rap battles for karate tournaments. And yes there is a Mr. Miyagi character played by Mekhi Pfifer, just none of the "wax on...wax off"...but wait he does tell the DJ to spin the record, so in essence he IS telling the DJ to turn the "wax" on and off. Hmmmmm.
There is even a group of rappers called the Free World that are this movie's equivalent of the Cobra Kai. And you guessed it, they harass our poor protagonist Eminem. The analogies can go on and on....see if you can spot the rap equivalent of "The Crane." Actually get together with some of your friends and this could be a great drinking game...see if you can spot all The Karate Kid similarities.
Granted, this formula is still fun to watch at times, and this movie is one of the better recreations of it, but I think what tainted it for me was the fact that this movie held itself out to be of dramatic importance and full of depth. Even some critics led you to believe that this film is full of dramatic power. It really isn't. Watch it for the formulaic fun that it can be, especially if you like rap music, but don't forget the formula from whence it came. Maybe we could even get a sequel where Eminem-san will use the rap equivalent of "The Drum." We can only hope. Til then..."Wax on...wax off...wax on ...wax off..."