If you had one shot or one opportunity, To seize everything you ever wanted in one moment. Would you capture it or just let it slip?

Rating: 8/10 (30 December 2011)

8 Mile may be about a rapper, but it isn't really about rap. It's about rap as much as Raging Bull is about boxing. 8 Mile is mostly a character study on Rabbit. Rabbit is a very interesting character and Eminem does a great job. Now, I realize Eminem is pretty much just playing himself, but that isn't a bad thing. Rabbit is a very likable character who just wants to make a good life for himself and his family. He's an easy character to get behind. By the end of the film, you are very invested in Rabbit's fate and you want to see him succeed.
The other characters here are also solid. Kim Basinger is great as Rabbit's mother Stephanie. At times you'll get so mad at her you just wanna slap her. But for the most part, you just feel sorry for her. Brittany Murphy plays Alex, the film's love interest. Murphy is great in this role and really sells that Rabbit would go for this woman. Probably the best supporting characters in the film are the members of Rabbit's crew. The group is made up of mostly unknown actors, but almost all of them are great. These characters aren't as deep as Rabbit, but they're interesting and likable anyway. A huge highlight of the film was just watching these characters interact. Of Rabbit's friends, my favourite was Future, played by Mekhi Phifer. The only character I have issues with is Cheddar Bob, played by Evan Jones. He provided a lot of comedic relief and while some of it was good, other bits seemed awkward and forced.
8 Mile is directed by Curtis Hanson (L.A Confidential). Hanson does a good job of capturing the setting and the world the film takes place in. The film feels very authentic. During a lot of scenes, you almost feel like a fly on the wall watching a conversation unfold.
Bottom line, you don't need to be a fan of Eminem to enjoy 8 Mile. While it does everything well to a degree, it's the performances in this that really make it worth watching. Particularly Eminem, who if you don't enjoy his music, you'll still enjoy his acting in this.