An Incredible Experience
LA Lawyer | 09/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm no fan of most rap and hip hop or most poetry, for that matter, so I was amazed by this movie. It captured me. Not only did it give me a new appreciation for the art of "rhyming," but the compelling story and talented cast really won me over.
At the risk of mis-branding this film a "chick flick," Lisa France has tapped into an inner voice and angst that's too typical of American teenage girls (and women). When we allow others (let alone ourselves) to discourage us from pursuing our dreams and talents, we are our truly own worst enemies.
In reality, this is no "chick flick." It's a gritty slice of city life, with its share of violence and loss. You won't find any incarnation of Meg Ryan here (not even in the pleasant surprise of Jackie Martling's brief stint as a curmudgeonly teacher).
Simply put, I was swept away, by the music, by the energy, by the writing, by the acting, by the vision and visuals, and, of course, by the unique play of words flowing from the experience of this aspiring teen "rhymer" against the inspirational words of Anne Frank and the resulting evolution of this teenage girl.
This is a movie you will want to own and share with friends of all ages and watch over and over again.
"
Anne B. Realistic you are!!
Tweenie | NYC | 02/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Funny, my sister who is 13 years old wanted me to watch this movie, because it reminded her of me (some parts) by watching this movie, I already knew which parts she was talking about and SHE WAS RIGHT!! I like this movie a lot, and I was not expecting to hear TIGHT rhymes, although they were not "wh#re rhymes" like some people probably expected because of the ratings they gave this movie which is just ignorant. Her rhymes talk about REALITY. But I was expecting an inspirational approach, which was what I got. SOOOOOOO many people discourage me from my goals, talents etc... And I saw myself through this movie (in SOME PARTS). I mean, it seemed like I was watching myself on TV.
I do agree that you KNOW this is a black woman (like I am) who is portraying latina woman. Well, I dont think it is a difference, but Has anyone noticed that three of the characters from this movie were from the series OZ, which I am also a big fan of as well. The music that they played during the movie sounded like that video wh#re Gloria Velez, because she "raps" too. Also, the woman that played the main character did not seem like she was really rapping in the end. It seemed like she was lip singing. But, if someone is expecting this to just be a movie about Hardcore Gangsta rap, then this is NOT the movie for you, go to a concert. I was also expecting her to be really big in the end, but this movie showed more than just being a successful rapper with fancy cars and clothes and bags of money. Just putting yourself out there to alteast KNOW that you can do it is what really counts. So, I am glad that this movie did not show her becoming a big time rapper. Lets be realistic, it just does not blossom like that for everyone.
If you are looking for an inspirational movie that is REALISTIC (to me its realistic) then this is the movie for you."
Fantastic film!
DreaGFunk | Nashville,TN USA | 07/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although I love the music, I'm not normally a fan of hip-hop/rap movies, but this one really struck a cord with me.
Anne Frank's diary has been my favorite book since I was a small child. It's one I've related to through my life just as Cynthia did in this film.
It's very rare I can say this, but...I have nothing bad to say about this film. It is just phenomenal!"