Video/DVD Review: 8 Mile
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that the movie is rated R for nonstop
profanity, violence, drug references, and very explicit sexual
references and situations. Characters vandalize and burn down
an abandoned house, and a character accidentally shoots
himself. There's a reference to child rape. Eminem's character
has an unstable mother who's living with a boyfriend his age,
and she speaks to her son in very inappropriate ways about her
sexual relationship. Some viewers will be upset by the neglect
of the main character's sister, a little girl who witnesses
violence, family fights, a mother who drinks and has sex with a
young man, and other abusive situations.
Families can talk about what changed in Rabbit's life to give
him the guts to perform. Why was his willingness to insult
himself before anyone else could a show of strength that was
more devastating to his opponent than an attack could be? Why
did Future support Rabbit? Why did Rabbit support Bob? Families
can also discuss the way the movie makes clear that having sex
with someone shouldn't be confused with thinking that you know
the person or that you have a relationship. What were the signs
that Alex was more interested in her career than in getting to
know Rabbit? Last but not least, how do you feel about Eminem's
lyrics? Why do you think they've been so popular with both
teenagers and critics?
Loosely based on the real-life story of white rap superstar Eminem, this movie is very much in the tradition of other "poor kid with a dream" stories like Saturday Night Fever and Rocky . The structure of these stories is simple: a talented character has to learn to take risks and believe in himself. He has some setbacks, but ultimately triumphs.
Despite 8 MILE's top behind-the-scenes talent like director Curtis Hanson (of L.A. Confidential and Wonder Boys ) and producer Brian Grazer (of A Beautiful Mind), this movie's primary appeal will be to the fans Eminem already has.
For those who accept the premise that rap is an art form, this movie will be easier to believe. This is not the genre-transcending triumph that it was intended to be, but it is far ahead of instantly outdated bombs like Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo. Eminem has the ability to hold the screen, and if he is not exactly an actor, he is able to muster the few expressions required: tender when he looks at his sister (Chloe Greenfield), hopeful when he looks at Alex ( Brittany Murphy), and sullen most of the rest of the time.
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