8 Mile Movie Review 2002

Although claiming to be fiction, director Hanson's thinly veiled bio of star Eminem's escape from the streets of Detroit will please more than the rapper's fans. Rabbit (Eminem) is a joyless autoworker living in the trailer park with his loose mother (Basinger) and little sister Lily (Greenfield). The only time that Rabbit has a chance to shine is at the rap battles organized by pal Future (Phifer), who sees talent in his friend. Also recognizing greatness (and a possible ticket out of the 'hood) is aspiring model Alex (Murphy), who quickly consummates a calculating relationship with Rabbit. The climactic rap battle allows Eminem to showcase the talent that made this "Rocky"-esque vehicle possible, although it wisely ends with Rabbit on the cusp of success and not at the pinnacle. Shot on location in Detroit.

Distribution

Universal Studios Home Video, 100 Universal City Plz., Universal City, CA 91608-9955, Phone: (818)777-1000, Fax: (818)866-1483, URL: http://www.universalstudios.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 118 minutes.
Originally from United States.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Hip-Hop/Rap, Detroit, Biopics: Musicians, Hard Knock Life

Screenplay

Scott Silver

Cast

Eminem, Kim Basinger, Brittany Murphy, Mekhi Phifer, Evan Jones, Eugene Byrd, Omar Benson Miller, De'Angelo Wilson, Taryn Manning, Michael Shannon, Anthony Mackie, Chloe Greenfield, Paul Bates, Craig Chandler

Cinematography

Rodrigo Prieto

Director

Curtis Hanson

Music

Eminem

Other

Danny Michael, Jay Rabinowitz, Craig Kitson, Kevin Kavanaugh, Mark Bridges, Philip Messina

Producer

Brian Grazer, Curtis Hanson, Jimmy Iovine, Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment, Universal Studios

Awards

Oscars 2002: Song ("Lose Yourself").