That is until he encounters an old friend named Key (Anthony Anderson), a sound engineer with dreams of owning a record label. His only support comes in the form of Nola and Shug. After an arguement with Lexus, he throws her out of the house and out of his life. Things seem to be going downhill for DJay. Finally, Lexus (Paula Jai Parker) is a harsh and angry woman trying to raise her young son. Henson) is both sympathetic and homely, living with the others while nuturing her unborn child. Nola (Taryn Manning) is a young Southerner who remains loyal to DJay despite the position she holds. They are the only ones who understand his troubles. His only confidantes, however, are the girls he employs. His attitude seems cold from the bitter hand that life dealt him and he isn't happy with his current situation. Growing up in a poor neighborhood with no benefits, he is now living out his life as a pimp in the Memphis area. Nontheless, it's only minor complaints because all around it was a great end-product.Ī-, secon this year only to Crash (irnoicall another Howard starring film)Īll his life, DJay (Terrence Howard) has been yearning for something more. The most important scene towards the end felt like the halfway point of the movie, they needed to focus and shape that part up much better to flow and connect the ending with the rest of the film better. I wish they summed up or concluded all the story and character lines a bit better (I don't mean neater or tying up all the loose ends, but just a more definite conclusion even if it was left up in the air). For a film that built up so much heart and invested a great deal in maintaining our emotional momentum, the credits came almost too abruptly. The film kept building and climbing this emotional mountain and yet, while I liked and would not have changed the direction of the concluding scenes, I wish it hit harder than it did. The only factor preventing me from giving this film a solid A was the last act which I felt needed the biggest emotional punch. It was the strongest ensemble piece (along with CRASH) in almost a year! I was hit strong emotionally during this film and more than once! It offered fine and amazing performances all around, truly surpassing any expectations I had. It was definitely ambitious enough and on the right track to be a truly great film, but whay we saw was good enough. It was a magnificent piece of film-making. I went and saw Hustle and Flow today and I was in awe. Surprised to see such lackluster response and after a week!
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