That's a great hero we have here..

Rating: 2/10 (10 November 2005)

I cannot imagine how one can see this movie and not be completely disgusted with the main character, DJay: A drug-dealer, a pimp, heartless and a liar, with childish allures and incapable of self-control. He does not deserve a shred of sympathy, yet the movie at the same time tries to depict him as somebody to look up to; a true hero of the underclass who fights himself to the top. But with what means! This movie perpetuates negative stereotypes, and while some of it surely reflects the grim reality, I don't think things should be treated this way in a movie (which might just possibly have an influence on people - especially minors - viewing it). Most of DJay's actions remain without consequence, in fact even the brutal beating and shooting he goes to prison for is only a means to complete the image of a typical gangster rapper, the missing puzzle piece for his success.
Even if you are talented, you can still be a bad person. Why should we cherish this talented (well, he can rap) criminal? I would much more have liked to see the struggle of a talented and yet good-natured person to escape from his circumstances, using hard work and perseverance (DJay uses other persons - a lot).
In other aspects the movie is just average, maybe a bit too slow-paced even for a drama. The characters look and act authentic, and on the whole the atmosphere is portrayed well. But this is not the real world, and while some may climb the ladder to success by stepping on others like DJay, most do it using their talent and hard work, like Isaac Hayes, who has a guest-appearance in the movie.