Review of Idlewild (2006) by Filmboy O — 25 Aug 2006

Before I say anything I would like to point out that I am a huge Outkast fan and expected nothing less from spectacular from this film. The duo is probably the most eccentric and likable persona's in hip hop today.

Sure on paper the idea of a 1930's hip hop/blue/jazz scene may seem silly, but you'd have to see it to believe it. "Idlewild" is about two friends Percival (Andre 3000) and Rooster (Big Boi) that grow up in different lifestyles but have the same dream, that dream is make it out of Idlewild and into show business.

However both are stalled by family life and trouble with Trumpy (Terrence Howard). Percival meets a woman that goes by the name Angel Davenport (the stunning Paula Patton) and with her he plans to be loosened from his father's (Ben Vereen) grip.

The film serves as one big musical containing new original music and some songs from their 2003 diamond selling CD "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below", and is the directorial film debut of their long-time music video collaborator Byran Barber.

Barber does one hell of a job and makes the film so visually pleasing. Every cut and angle put you right in the middle of the frenzied action going on in "The Church". Also some familiar faces such as Cicely Tyson, Ving Rhames, comedian Bruce Bruce and Ms.

Patti LaBelle pop up from time to time. The boys from ATL do it again, but this time it's a visually entertaining film with catchy grooves that'll have you humming the songs on your way home from the theater.