Cinema review '8 mile' (From Penarth Times)

Cinema review '8 mile'

HE IS the world's biggest rap star and now he has gone into movies. Eminem is set for Hollywood stardom with this hyped-up film.

Rappers like Will Smith and Ice Cube have proved that rappers can act, but can Eminem follow in their footsteps?

Living in his mother's trailer in Detroit, wannabe rapper Rabbit wants to hit the big-time and win rap battles. However, his life is filled with violence and he has no money to do anything.

With the help of his friends he tries to have a go at life, but his mother's problems mess up everything he wants to do.

If you have no experience of rap music then there is a chance you won't be able to connect with 8 Mile.

While I have no experience of it, I have always respected it and so this may have helped my enjoyment of the film.

Directed by the man behind LA Confidential and Payback, Brian Helgeland, 8 Mile is a film full of emotion, friendship and trust, while still being able to supply a great hip hop soundtrack.

There is not one thing that Helgeland does wrong. Hollywood has been afraid to add realism to its movies, but Helgeland has gone against that and made it so realistic that you feel completely transported into this world of rough streets and poor lifestyles. Eminem is amazing.

Although the film is loosely based on his life, Eminem does everything to perfection. Support from Kim Basinger as his mother is also excellent.

If you don't like or appreciate rap music, don't see that as an excuse not to see this.

8 Mile is a film that grabs your heart with Helgeland's gritty direction and Eminem's wonderful performance.