Brilliant with one Slight Flaw

Rating: 8/10 (12 April 2006)

HUSTLE & FLOW is one of those rare movies that reminds you of what cinema should be. It has a gritty and raw story, flawed characters, solid performances, and a catchy tune. Craig Brewer does an excellent job balancing the performances of the characters and leaving us wanting for more at the end. Djay is a struggling pimp, trying to make ends meet taking care of a pregnant girlfriend and keeping business moving during the hot summer by selling the services of young Nola, a disturbingly good Taryn Manning. Djay goes to his friend, Key, to produce a demo, one that Djay promises will be heard by local superstar Skinny Black. With Nola earning hard cash, Djay and Key, assisted by Shelby, start making music (and living the dream). The one flaw in the film is that Brewer might have thought the audience wouldn't want a twist. We learn early on that Djay really doesn't know Skinny Black and is lying to Key about their friendship. Brewer even has an ended flashback / summary to remind viewers that this relationship never existed. It would have been more powerful if Brewer had let us, as the audience, believe the lie and then we learn the truth as it's happening. All in all, a fine movie with a great cast.