ATL

**ATL** is a 2006 American comedy-drama film directed by Chris Robinson.

It was released on March 31, 2006 by Warner Bros. Pictures.

The film is loosely based on the experiences of the film's producers Dallas Austin and Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins (of R&B music group TLC) growing up in Atlanta, Georgia.

## Plot

As four friends prepare for life after high school, different challenges bring about turning points in each of their lives.

## Cast

* T.I. as Rashad Swann
* Evan Ross as Anton "Ant" Swann
* Lauren London as Erin "New New" Garnett
* Jackie Long as Benjamin "Esquire" Gordon
* Albert Daniels as Brooklyn
* Jason Weaver as Teddy
* Antwan "Big Boi" Patton as Marcus
* Keith David as John Garnett
* Mykelti Williamson as Uncle George

## Box Office

"ATL" grossed $11,544,404 during its opening weekend and $21,170,563 worldwide on an estimated budget of $20,000,000.

## Critical Reception

Tim Cogshell from Box Office Magazine called the film *"a light urban coming-of-age dramedy where the veneer may be darkly intriguing, but the finish is pure homily, of the sort where lessons are learned and dreams do come true."*

Marc Savlov from the Austin Chronicle wrote: *"[Chris] Robinson's film is a cut above the rest, seeming simultaneously wise beyond its years and electrically, youthfully playful."*

Variety magazine said: *"Warner Bros.' low-budget stab at capturing an urban niche audience is higher on stylistic dazzle than originality or coherence, making it an unlikely candidate to bust out of the box office ghetto."*

James Berardinelli of Reelviews said: *"[Chris] Robinson has assembled an impressive young cast comprised primarily of rappers (such as Tip Harris, a.k.a. T.I.) and fresh faces (newcomer Lauren London)."*

The Washington Post wrote: *"Notwithstanding the melodrama and the often ham-handed directing, ATL somehow works. A large part of this is thanks to Robinson's skill in evoking the hickory-smoked flavor of the ATL."*

Sean Axmaker from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer noted that director Chris Robinson *"makes these characters breathe, and they bring the film to life."*

The Seattle Times stated: *"For a run-of-the-mill hip-hop drama, ATL has some engaging hooks that set it apart from the predictable formula of urban youth struggling to steer clear of crime and pull themselves up to a better life."*

Carrie Rickey of the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote: *"Making his feature-film debut, music-video director Chris Robinson expertly choreographs the skating sequences, which are exhilarating fun."*

The New York Times said: *"The fun here is in seeing a new batch of rappers try acting, and some of them turn out to be eminently watchable."*

Scott Tobias of The A.V. Club said: *"Ultimately, the film could stand to be more inconsequential, because whenever anything happens to move the story along, it immediately loses its laid-back Southern charm."*

## Awards

**Black Movie Awards** (2006)

* Outstanding Achievement in Directing: Chris Robinson [*Nominated*]
* Outstanding Achievement in Screenwriting: Tina Gordon [*Nominated*]
* Outstanding Motion Picture: Dallas Austin, Will Smith, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Jody Gerson and James Lassiter [*Nominated*]
* Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Lauren London [*Nominated*]

**NAACP Image Awards** (2007)

* Outstanding Directing in a Feature Film/Television Movie (Comedy or Drama): Chris Robinson [*Nominated*]

**Black Reel Awards** (2007)

* Best Director: Chris Robinson [*Nominated*]
* Best Screenplay, Original or Adapted: Tina Gordon [*Nominated*]