8 Mile ★★★ 2002 (R) 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. 118m/C VHS, DVD. US 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;
Director:
Curtis Hanson;
Writer:
Scott Silver;
Writer:
Rodrigo Prieto;
Cameo:
Eminem. Oscars '02: Song ("Lose Yourself").
