Hustle & Flow

Starring: Terence Howard, Anthony Anderson, Taryn Manning, DJ Qualls, Ludacris, Isaac Hayes, Taraji P. Henson, Elise Neal
Directed by: Craig Brewer
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Crime
2005

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A pimp (Terence Howard) with aspirations of becoming a rapper works to create his first record and tries to get a local rapper (Ludacris) to help him get his big break.

Review:

Tim: When I first heard about this movie, I didn't think it would be very good. However, it is rightful for this film to be included among the best movies of the year. This is mainly due to Terence Howard and the hard hitting drama of the film.

2005 will be remembered for many things, but among them, that it was Terence Howard's breakthrough year. He gives such a strong, gutsy performance here. You can always tell when an actor gives himself over completely to a role, and Howard does that here.

Hustle & Flow is about a pimp whom wants to escape his life to better things. This is a novel concept, and while this could have appeared silly and absurd, it is portrayed with class and emotion. Despite its subject matter, we can all relate to the feelings Howard's character experiences.

The supporting cast is good. Any film where you can have Anthony Anderson and DJ Qualls acting and the film can still be taken seriously, well, you know you're looking at something special.

This film sets up where you'd expect to be able to easily predict how it ends (you saw 8 Mile, right?) However, it takes a different path and has at least a few surprises along the way. This helps the intense drama and the film's most popular song, "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" (which I don't like, but in the context of the film, was powerful) adds to the film's impact. Hustle & Flow is different and unique, and that is very, very good.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: 8 Mile, Crash