8 Mile Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)November 14th, 2002
"8 Mile" – RAPsody
by Homer Yen
(c) 2000
It's a plus for any film that can bring the audience something that they normally do not see, yet can likely appreciate. And, in this case, it is the art of poetry slam and the fascinating subculture that revolves around it.
'Art' is defined as a skill acquired by learning and observation. And poetry slam can be very much considered a form of art because I would challenge you to come even remotely close to the cadence and verve that spontaneously pour out of their hearts, minds, and mouths. Of course, the movie is scripted and no one is actually coming up with those passages on the fly. But if you've seen slam artists in real life, it's impossible not to surprised by their energy and eloquence. The feeling you get from this film is similar to the kind that you felt after watching "The Fast and the Furious." You probably recall going back to your cars and revving them in the parking lot. In this film, you'll want to mimic the slam artists. But, you'll sound like a fool doing so.
It is partly Eminem's gift for this kind of speak that has vaulted him from the basement venues of Detroit's inner city to the fame that he now enjoys today. He stars in "8 Mile" as Rabbit, an underprivileged youth who, like so many others in that area, saw a bleak future with very few avenues of escape. This is a semi-biographic account of that time period when his fight for independence, his anger, and his ability to rhythmically communicate it began to come together to give him that avenue.
What partially holds him back is the lack of devotion and drive from those that influence him the most. This includes his unglamorous mom (Kim Bassinger) who pins her hopes on Bingo jackpots. Their love/hate relationship is compelling to watch, and we wish there were more time devoted to this angle. His pseudo-girlfriend (Brittany Murphy), who is more supportive than faithful, and his lovable but dilatory posse of friends also slows Rabbit. They all dream about Bentleys and Benjamins. But, they are more or less running in place.
Eminem is competent in this role, doing something that is already familiar to him and something to which we are accustomed if you've seen any of his music videos. But because we can feel his frustrations and can sympathize with his dreary surroundings, and because he has good screen presence to match those of the other accomplished actors, we like what see and especially like what we hear.
As with most inner city dramas, the "F" word is used with reckless abandon. . With so much anger circulating among the urban youth, they need a place to vent. Rabbit, so full of conviction and force, is ripe to be heard. And since Rabbit lives in a world that is so much about the words you use, there is one event, called The Battle, that could provide him with a shining moment.
It's a mixture of Showtime at the Apollo, poetry slam, and an opportunity to verbally bash your opponent from head to toe. You won't make any friends by winning, but it's all about earning one's respect. And Eminem and this film earn ours. Even if you don't leave the theatre with a further appreciation of the product of slam artistry, you'll certainly appreciate the effort and talent it takes to make it happen.
Grade: B
S: 3 out of 3
L: 4 out of 3
V: 2 out of 3
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
