The leading man is a gifted musician who, like his fellow Fugee alums, towers over the rap hoards. Indeed, the brief scenes when we see him performing or recording are the hands-down highlights of Turn It Up. But as an actor, he could have been carved out of wood. He certainly cannot hold his own against the likes of Tamala Jones, who plays his newly impregnanted girlfriend, and Vondie Curtis Hall, who plays the long-absent father who expands D s musical ideas. The other surprise ingredient in the movie is rapper Ja Rule, making his movie debut as D's childhood friend Gage, a loose cannon whose anger and impulsiveness ensure that he is always in over his head.
Gage is a character with great potential, portrayed with spirit and ingenuity.
It's a role that deserves more sophisticated treatment. Send questions and comments to The Webmaster .