Features > Movie Reviews > Hustle And Flow…

This film will only appeal to a certain audience. If you like american comedy films will black people in you will love this, dunno why they say drama its like a comedy with quality tunes. This film is a pure beast watch it!

Ok, so I enjoyed Black Snake Moan by the same director, and I have previously enjoyed Terrence Howard in other things, but this was a 'should I or shouldn't I' turn this off movie.

Acting is very good, but not brilliant enough to make this something you sit up and pay attention to. Sure, characters are flawed, but that should make them relatable, not ridiculous.

There are parts in this where it makes me think - where am I meant to relate to a pimp in Southern America with no talent in the music industry? Unfortunately, I was still thinking that towards and to the very end. I understand no relate-ability, but I don't understand partially glorifying being a total ba### for some partial shine. But maybe that's me.

very gd good copy funny at times not that fantastic though wouldnt watch it againthough. very clear not blurry very good copy

First things first, if you are not from the deep south of America I would advise watching this film with the subtitles on as, although everybody is speaking English, the accents are extremely thick, but that is a tiny flaw in a film that is altogether pretty good.

Even more than its thematic cousin, 8 Mile, Hustle & Flow harnesses the grungy essence of grass-roots hip-hop, the kind produced in basements and garages, and filters it through a truly intense performance.

From his 1970s title card onward the director has produced a blisteringly hip film, one that's as capable with iconic images as it is with penetrating a deeply complex antihero.

The central figure is Djay, played by Terrence Howard, who is a revelation of simmering menace, whose desire to escape his daily pimp-and-ho grind is a physical force. As coldly efficient as his methods are, this is clearly a man with a conscience, a stern yet secretly caring father figure to the stable of prostitutes who live with him in his home. The poetics of his street philosophies naturally evolve into the necessary rhythms and life experiences for rap. As he gathers a motley group of collaborators, the music takes shape with a booming and vibrating gristle that is absolutely invigorating. Inspired by the overnight fame of another local street figure, Djay channels his gifts of persuasion into everything from acquiring sound equipment to quieting the neighbours during recording.

The supporting performances add whatever the director and lead cannot. The most well known face in this film, for me, was DJ Qualls, and he truly excels as a talented white mixing geek whose ‘street’ attitude actually ends up seeming cool, something that really is different for a guy that is usually cast as the person who is anything but cool. Anthony Anderson clearly relishes a well-deserved respite from contemporary comedies, yet still joins with Qualls to contribute the film's significant doses of humour. Even rapper Ludacris is good! But the stars of this film, sharing the soul with Howard are the women; they really made the film for me, finding their fragile relevance throughout.

This is one of those rare MTV Films releases that actually use songs as enthralling and indispensable ingredients, and when I say enthralling I mean, this was some truly great hip hop. Because of the music, Hustle & Flow is a shot of cinematic adrenaline.

Although, for some reason, I didn’t enjoy this film as much as 8mile, probably due to the fact that I am neither a pimp nor a drug dealer so I failed to relate, I must acknowledge that this is a very well put together musical drama that has a great cast, great performances and most of all outstanding music.

If your looking for drive bys and kids with Glocks, then keep browsing, this isn't that movie.

This strong character driven drama will have you immersed in minutes.

Terrence Howard is fast becoming one of my favourite actors, but furthermore the supporting cast is excellent and i'd advise anybody to watch this film.