Movie Reviews

Hustle and Flow

Rated R (2005)

Starring: Terrence Dashon Howard, DJ Qualls, Taryn Manning, Anthony Anderson, Ludacris

Direction: Craig Brewer

Production: John Singleton, Stephanie Allain

Screenplay: Craig Brewer

by Vincent St. James

The Lowdown:

Terrence Dashon Howard is spectacular. Flow is highly entertaining, refreshing, thankfully keeps from becoming cliche.

Big Pimpin'

DJay (Terrence Howard) is pimping Nola (Taryn Manning), a country gal, but isn't living the life he wants to be. He develops what he calls a mid-life crisis, and is desperate to get out and do something else, not just pimp hoes all day and try to make rent. Inspired by the recent success of old-time friend Skinny Black (Ludacris), he goes to old friend Key (Anthony Anderson) who's living a legit lifestyle with his caring wife Yevette (Elise Neal). Key, along with Shelby (DJ Qualls) works well producing music for local choirs and such, but believes in DJay's rap skills and heart that he sacrifices all but his marriage to make it happen- it being the transformation of DJay from troubled pimp to glorified Artist.

What we get here is a lot of music with powerful lyrics. Those who are offended easily might not want to see this film, but the rest of us will be glued to the screen as the life of DJay poors through his music and his soul is released from his heart. The story is about not just doing what you have to do to survive and going all out because this is our only shot. Why pimp hoes when you could have your own record label?

Writer/Director Craig Brewer has done an excellent job. One of the strengths of Hustle and Flow IS its flow. Brewer's story is told concisely. Rarely, (with the exception of Keys wife) do we see a two dimensional, cliched character on screen. Instead Brewer gives us a consistent dose of dynamic development while presenting some of the harsh realities of life. The pimp, the hooker, even the white boy are portrayed in ways that they never have been before in other films. Brewer doesn't preach, he doesn't sugarcoat and he doesn't shy away from risks (such as DJay's encounter with Skinny).

Acting in this movie is magnificent. Taryn Manning is all eye candy at first, but as the film moves along she's able to pierce our hearts, but does it differently than other onscreen hookers-with-the-heart-of-gold types. Anthony Anderson as a nice turn here in a serious role, and he is believable as the husband conflicted between pleasing the wife and doing what has to be done to help release his friend from the chains of life as well as release himself. The rest of the cast is good enough to compliment the stars.