Walk the extra mile for it. Review on 8 Mile Movie

The movie is based on a typical rags-2-riches story except it never reaches the ''riches'' part (sigh!!). After watching it you might have the ''been-there-done-that'' feeling about the movie since the script is nothing special. So what makes it work? The movie is set in da' Hood of Detroit city and works around the underground clubs which are rampant in Detroit suburbs. It is those true-2-life settings and down-to-earth performances which glue you to your seat.

The movie has an amazing soundtrack but sadly none of the songs make it to screen except a few brief clips which play on in the background. But to the director's credit ( or Eminem) he has used those clips wisely and they make an excellent background score. So travel with Rabbit Jr.(Eminem) and spend a week in his life. He is not alone. He has a mother whose full time job is playing Bingo and getting men into bed for their money. Sadly for her ( and our hero) the money never comes her way. Rabbit has a little sister too(played brilliantly by who-ever) and perhaps the only person Rabbit cares about in the whole world. He has his share of good friends who just know that he will make it big someday and encourage him to take part in rap wars that go on in the underground clubs. The movie is all about winning those (or atleast one of those) wars. We all know how it starts (the hero chokes the first time) and how it ends( wins the next time).

There are couple of ''deceivers'' on the way whom Rabbit trusts initially but as all feel good movies Rabbit realises who are his true friends and goes on to rap' n roll. The rap wars are nothing to brag about except the last one where Rabbit goes first. The disappointing part is where the movie ends. I would have liked to see Rabbit rise to become a star commanding millions. Perhaps a couple of songs from the soundtrack would have made it to the screen as well. Eminem comes out as a star in the movie silencing all his critics with his subtle but powerful portrayal of Rabbit. Rabbit's character is loosely based on him and it might have helped in getting inside Rabbit's mind. Still his emotions were believable and watching him was a treat. Kim Basinger (as Rabbit's mother) does justice to her role by portraying the anger as well as love towards her son brilliantly. Brittany Murphy is wasted in a thankless role , but she does her part professionally. So apart from the lame climax we have a terrific feel-good rags-2-riches story which is a must-see even if the nearest theater is more than 8 miles away.