Character-driven drama spotlights Terrence Howard...

Rating: 7/10 (12 January 2007)

...as an actor to watch, along with several of his supporting cast mates.
Writer/director Craig "Black Snake Moan" Brewer tells his hometown story with economy and conviction, rarely straying into Hollywood-ish excess. Aging pimp Djay (Howard), in the midst of a self-identified "midlife crisis," capitalizes on a chance encounter with homey Key (Anthony "The Departed" Anderson) to pursue his dream of becoming a pro rapper. The outcome is unsurprising, given Djay's temperament and environment, but "Hustle & Flow" draws its audience into Djay's sordid, dead-end world almost without effort, and actually makes that audience root for people they might not otherwise grant the time of day. Superior acting all the way around is provided by stars Howard, Anderson, Taraji "Four Brothers" Henson, the very foxy Taryn "Cold Mountain" Manning, Paula Jai "The Proud Family" Parker, Elise "All of Us" Neal, and DJ "The Core" Qualls, along with actor/performers Isaac Hayes and a very effective Ludicrous as Skinny Black, the rap mogul that Djay pins his hopes of success on. All in all, a very impressive ensemble.
Production costs were relatively low, but "Hustle & Flow" looks great. Production design, art direction, and costuming are all flawless, placing the audience smack in the middle of Djay's world. Amy "Black Snake Moan" Vincent's cinematography abjures showiness for solid storytelling, along with Billy "Band of Brothers" Fox's editing. Scott "Black Snake Moan" Bomar's music sets the appropriate tones, along with the ostensible Djay hit, "Whoop That Trick." There hardly seemed to be a false note in the entire production.
A bit rough for delicate sensibilities, "Hustle & Flow" delivers solid human characters caught up in the web of their own sins and proves them to be as worthy of our consideration as anyone else. Definitely worth a watch.