Review of 8 Mile (2002) by Carlos G — 02 Oct 2016

"8 mile" is a 2002 semi-autobiographical film about the early days of rapper Eminem. The film is directed by Curtis Hanson and written by Scott Silver and Jesse Wigutow, it stars Marshal Mathers (a.k.a Eminem) playing Jimmy "B-Rabbit" Smith, Jr, a fictional version of himself. The plot follows Jimmy (Eminem), a prominent rapper that struggles between his job, his family, and his life in the hip-hop world. The film stars Brittany Murphy as Jimmy's love interest Alex, Kim Basinger as Jimmy's mom, Stephanie, Mekhi Phifer as Jimmy's friend and battle host, who goes by the name of "Future", and Anthony Mackie as Jimmy's rival in the ring, "Papa Doc".

The film's plot works really well, due to the simple fact that is a story worth beeing told, different from other musicians turned actors who tried and turn their life into an unnecessary film, Eminem actually has a story to tell, a story that isn't your usual cliche fest, with the undiscovered star that moves to the big city to turn her/his life around. This is real, it is the struggle of this dude who's had a real life, not an easy one, and he stood and fought to be where he is now. Director Curtis Hanson does his work very well, doing justice to this great story about this great guy.

The movie has a fine cast of actors, leading em' is Eminem, and damn he did a great work. The rapper does fantastically for his first performance in a movie, much like the late reaper 2pac Shakur, Eminem proves to have a natural talent for the big screen, it is a true shame the rapper didn't do any more big screen projects after the"8 mile". Alongside Eminem, playing his love interest Alex, is Britney Murphy doing a great job, like Eminem she is another actress I would've liked to have seen more of (the actress died of pneumonia and anemia in late 2009). The cast of actors all do a fine job in the film, with no miscasts.

The music is another great aspect of the film. The director does not shove the hip-hop soundtrack in our face, we instead get a well-prepared track filled with fine rap music from the early 90s that are well adjusted within the movie. The end credits song "Lose Yourself", a music that Eminem himself composed for the movie, went to win the Oscar for Best Original Song, very well deserved. The song is one of Em's best, with great lyrics that not only relate to the movie but to other real life issues regarding rap. The song is great, and it is yet another great aspect of the overall film.

"8 mile" is a good film that does justice to its source material while providing some unexpected great acting from its lead, along with the supporting cast. All accompanied by a great rap-filled soundtrack. It is a must-see to any hip-hop/Eminem fan out there, as it is to any movie fans. 4/5.