“Hustle & Flow” (Paramount Classics)
“Hustle & Flow” is a depressing movie about pimps and ho’s, but it has some of the best acting in it you will see this year. Terrence Howard leads a cast of performers who let their roles absorb them. It is easy to get excited about the performances but difficult to be enthusiastic about the film.
The focus of the movie is D-Jay (Howard), a pimp plying his trade in Memphis. He has three girls he works and they keep him in money while he dreams his dream of being a rap artist. One day he learns that big time rapper “Skinny Black” (Ludicris) will be in Memphis on the fourth of July. He knows this is his one chance to get his music heard.
But first he has to get his music made and to do this he partners up with an old friend named Key (Anthony Anderson). He will serve as the producer of the demo tape. Key’s friend Shelby (JDJ Qualls) signs up as the musical director. Shug (Tariji P Henson), one of D-Jay’s girls, sings backup.
The creation of the demo tape takes up most of the screen time, and it is an interesting process to watch. But we also get a birds-eye view of D-Jay’s ability to subject his “girls” to the most degrading tasks in order to provide for his needs. Nola (Taryn Manning)is his number one girl and she seems to suffer under his guidance the most. But for some reason she is also his most loyal supporter.
Howard is brilliant as D-Jay. He is such a charismatic actor that you sometimes forget how amoral his character is. His eyes radiate with a fervor to be a star, and his emotions are always right on the surface.
Also good is Anderson. Usually cast as the comic in his films this role gives him a chance to show he can act and boy can he. When Anderson is on screen your attention is usually on him.
Henson is another solid asset to the movie in the acting department. She gives Shug vulnerability and heart. If there is anyone in the film who is a totally sympathetic character it is she.
The film is rated R for profanity, violence and nudity.
The subject matter of “Hustle & Flow” is so downbeat that you are uncomfortable for most of the movie. Like “8 Mile” this film is populated with people who swear profusely, treat sex as something to barter, and are one second away from violence. They may have some dreams but most of the time they are their own worst enemy.
Howard shines in “Hustle & Flow” but overall the movie is not worthy of his talent.
I scored “Hustle & Flow” a rapped 6 out of 10.
