Hustle & Flow (2005)

What are we to make of the scene where D-Jay throws that ho out the house? Is this pimp to be condemned for violating both contemporary norms concerning masculine behavior AND age-old notions of gentility? Or do those rules no longer apply in this world, where her raw feminine aggression threatens the life of this strange family? Or can we see it as a metaphor for what the artist must sacrifice for the creative process?10* primarily, however, for most Bosworthian use of the word mode since _Beowulf_. I've always assumed that to be intentional.

My wife and I are HUGE of "Empire". So, imagine when I discovered two of my favorite actors, Terrence Howard ("Lucius") and Taraji P. Henson ("Cookie") had appeared together 10 years earlier in a similarly-themed movie about hip-hop. Unfortunately, while "Empire" is consistently entertaining, "Hustle & Flow" builds slowly and unpleasantly. While Terrence Howard's "Djay" is an earlier incarnation of "Lucius," Taraji P. Henson's "Shug" appears mentally-challenged. Worse, the two characters responsible most for the outcome are white. Also, the scene where "Shug" gives "Djay" comes out of nowhere. Just WHERE did the very-pregnant "Shug" get the money to give "Djay" this VERY expensive gift? Not to mention, the Oscar-winning song, "Its hard out there for a pimp" is not as good as the original song created for "Empire"; and it pretty much the only song in the movie.I fear many of those who see the reviews and awards for "Hustle & Flow" are going to be as disappointed as my wife. I liked "Hustle & Flow" for its raw honesty. However I resent the "tools" given to white racists who will watch "Hustle & Flow" and say, "See?" I give "Hustle & Flow" a "6".

"Hustle & Flow" bears some resemblance to the 2002 Eminem vehicle "8 Mile", which is a better-known, but not better, movie. Again we have an aspiring rapper, this time one chasing a dream once forgotten in order to make ends meet working as a pimp. He convinces an old friend to help him record a demo but it'll all be for nothing if they can't get their demo in the right hands.The star of the film is Terrence Howard and he delivered an excellent performance, one that was rewarded with an Oscar nomination. I'd like to say that everyone else was as good but the rest of the cast is of variable quality. The under-appreciated Anthony Anderson contributes the best performance in support while the rest of the cast is at least passable.Director Craig Brewer put in a workmanlike effort and the film is pretty much free of Hollywood gloss. I liked the retro opening and closing credits, too. Of course, there's lots of music and, even though I'm not much of a fan of rap, I'd have to say it was all well done, especially "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp", which (deservedly) won the Oscar for best original song.In the end, Brewer & company unfold a compelling story with enough grit to give it an air of authenticity. Quality music and a star-making turn by Terrence Howard add to the film's appeal, resulting in a movie that's likely to surpass your expectations.

I think I saw Todd Hood (previous reviewer) (from Hawaii and a crack head) on dog the bounty hunter. I just cant remember if it was before or after I saw this movie. Apparently no one actually previews any of these reviews otherwise this never would have made it onto this site. There was barely any relevant information on the movie at all in this review. the only thing I can be sure of from reading this is Todd needs a job, and rehab!! The movie was enjoyable but nothing to write home about. Terrence Howard did an excellent job and was the primary reason I enjoyed the movie. Apparently I need to fill in one more line to get this onto the site so here it is.