Review of Idlewild (2006) by Sterling H — 04 Mar 2008

Flask: Well, you know how that old saying goes, 'What goes around, comes around'!

André Benjamin: Percival.

Big Boi: Rooster (as Antwan A. Patton).

Paula Patton: Angel.

Terrence Howard: Trumpy.

Musical set in the Prohibition-era American South, where Piano playing Percival and club manager Rooster must contend with gangster villains who have their eyes set on the club while his piano player and partner Percival must choose between his love, Angel or his obligations to his father.

I knew ages ago I'd love this film being a massive fan of OUTKAST. Right from the word go the artistic range and depth of soul is apparent. Also being a huge fan of musicals this free-form style that Idlewild has really sparks my heart.

Andre shows he's a talented actor as well as musician, along with his partner Big Boi. Terrance Howard also plays a brilliant villain of the piece who will have you seething.

The songs will have you clicking your fingers and tapping in time and all that jazz.

Costumes, effects(Love the Rooster Flask with its scratchy cartoony voice) and the feel to the movie all just seem to click and gel, giving that 1930s resonance to the film on a whole. The story and characters are all multi-layered and have depth, making them more than 2D cutouts.

I think I'd go far as to say this is better than Dreamgirls.

An artful soulful musical movie that will stand out for years to come. Play the Rooster song again please...