2002, R, 110 minutes

Compared to most music-star crossover films (such as Britney Spears' dreadfully dull Crossroads), Eminem's debut 8 Mile is like Citizen Kane. Of course, if you look at what I'm comparing it to, that really isn't the best compliment. I hate to say it, but Curtis Hanson, the director behind great films such as L.A. Confidential and Wonder Boys, is pretty much wasting his talents here. He makes a superior film to what most directors would have done with the same material, and his presentation of Detroit's underbelly is both convincing and filmed with the touch of a true expert, but as I continued to watch the story (or lack thereof) unfold, I couldn't help but think that he should have done something else.

The biggest problem with 8 Mile is that there simply isn't enough at stake or on the line to make us care as much as we should, and as a result the story drags from time to time (sadly, more often than not). Also, I'm not exactly a feminist stuck in a male's body or a big political correctness advocate, but it was just a little disturbing how every female character in the movie proves to be the equivalent of a whore. Screwing for money is the only option any woman seems to have, and while in some walks of life this may be the case, surely not all women in this situation actually do it. This is in no way attributed to Eminem as a person despite his notorious reputation; in fact, some viewers may be surprised when his character stands up for a homosexual man, eloquently explaining the difference between being "gay" and being a "fag," at least from his perspective.

Despite the problems leading up to it, the sequence at the end is still quite satisfying and enjoyable, and in general I admire the fact that anyone could create lyrics so quickly on the spot. Furthermore, I must admit Eminem gives a surprisingly subtle performance and demonstrates a lot of on-screen presence, and I could even see him playing more roles in the future that are less closely connected to him in reality. Unfortunately, in the case of 8 Mile, good acting and solid direction are not enough to overcome a deeply flawed screenplay, and the result is an average film at best. It may look good, but ultimately there is little beneath the surface.