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IDLEWILD |
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By : Suzanne Philips |
Movie Reviews List | |
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IDLEWILD Written and Directed by: Bryan Barber (Outkast videos) Starring: André 3000 Benjamin, Antwan A. Patton (Big Boi), Paula Patton, Terrence Howard, Ben Vereen, Ving Rhames Rated R Running Time: 1 hour 30 min Set in a small town in prohibition-era Georgia, IDLEWILD tells the story of Rooster (Antwan Patton) and Perceval (Andre Benjamin), childhood friends who work as a club manager and piano player at a gangster-owned club. Both have big ambitions and are trying to find lasting love and a place for themselves in the world. As the hip-hop group Outkast, Benjamin and Patton have always been known for pushing the envelope with music, fashion and lifestyle. In IDLEWILD, they have managed to continue this trend. The music is a great mix of classic jazz and swing music combined with Rap and Hip-Hop beats which create a whole new style of music. The film manages to be a "retro" film while still appealing to the Hip-Hop set. The choreography by Hinton Battle (THE TAP DANCE KID) is extraordinary. He effortlessly switches between classic swing dancing and very recognizable Hip-Hop choreography to create something that is both contemporary and old-school. The dances are well executed and visually breathtaking. The whole visual style of the film is very unique and interesting. Director Barber, best known as a music video director, uses some innovative techniques such as slow-motion, stop frame photography and 3-D to inject a style into IDLEWILD that feels different from most of the films that we have seen lately. While the script does drag a bit at places, the story is a basic human tale that is ultimately very relatable. The cast is very good with quite a few lovely performances from Ving Rhames, Terrence Howard and Ben Vereen. Patton and Benjamin also do a very admirable job and make you forget that they are musicians that are trying to venture out to the acting field. While not a film for everyone, if you enjoy musicals or period films, you will most likely enjoy IDLEWILD. Fans of Outkast will be very happy with the host of new songs found in the soundtrack. 3 3/4 out of 5 |
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