"Idlewild" (Universal Pictures)
A Musical Mob Movie
“Andre 3000” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton of “Outkast” co-star in the musical “Idlewild,” a film about gangsters, whiskey and music. Set in the 1900’s Prohibition era South, the movie looks at two men who are like brothers and stay that way throughout the film. The music adds enjoyment to a jumbled script, and some poorly developed characters. It isn’t a well made movie but it does deliver some entertainment in the end.
Rooster (Patton) and Percival (Benjamin) are two best friends from childhood. Rooster helps his family run whiskey while Percival (Benjamin) helps his father (Ben Vereen) in the family mortuary business. When the two men grow up Rooster works in a club called “The Church” while Percival still works with his father. At night however Percival plays piano at the club.
The supplier of the whiskey (Ving Rhames) is a friend of Rooster’s, so when he meets his demise Rooster gets the club. But Trumpy (Terrence Howard) keeps the alcohol business. He is a cold-blooded man who will kill you as easily as look at you. He keeps Rooster under his thumb and threatens him if he should ever try to break free.
A female singer appears at the club and says she has a contract to sing there. Her name is Angel (Paula Patton) and she and Percival develop a friendship. This angers Taffy (Macy Gray) who is also a singer there.
Eventually there is a final shootout and not all of the cast members are left standing. But there is always time for one more musical number. This fantasy movement between reality and fantasy gives the movie some of its charm.
Both Andre and Antwan are good in their roles. They each have a special energy on camera that makes them entertaining to watch. Howard is also excellent as the villainous Trumpy while Paula Patton is a standout as Angel.
The movie is rated R for profanity, nudity and violence.
“Idlewild” is not a movie for everyone. Some will be put off by its fantasy aspect, while still others will not like the musical side to it. Some may think it too violent, while others may find it too sexually explicit. But for those who liked “Moulin Rouge,” this prohibition era show with rapper songs will be an enjoyable film. It’s not for every taste but for a few it might be good entertainment.
I scored “Idlewild” a rapping 6 out of 10.
