Excellent!

Rating: 10/10 (23 July 2005)

I really thought this movie was excellent, if not one of the best I've seen this year. Great story, very inspirational to the "little guy with a big dream". I've been a fan of Terrance Howard for years and am very happy to see him finally get the spotlight he should have had a long time ago. Why he hasn't is beyond me. He's got the talent in bucketfuls and has a great yet unique look. Before I knew his name, I used to call him the "really good black guy with the green eyes" that was in so many films and the occasional music video. Taryn Manning also really helped make this movie for me as the lovable hooker with a sweet heart. One thing I appreciated - that usually drives me nuts - is that you really got to know and CARE about all the characters. You know how they met, why, what their dreams were and you cared to see them achieve it. The entire audience was laughing, gasping or sucking in their breaths during the film and it's just a shame I had to drive so far to see it. It's not playing in any of the theaters around my house...but I'm OK to get in the car for something good. Did it for Layer Cake, too. Anyway, no spoilers here...just a great film (Singleton can't make anything bad) that was a real inspiration. Speaking of real, I'm glad he kept it real with the Skinny Black/bathroom scene and didn't "Hollywood" ending it. That's exactly what usually happens in that situation.