AboveDeepBuggy Some things I liked some I did not.

Nonureva Really Surprised!

Afouotos Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Cheryl A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

Lee Eisenberg Memphis is best known as the domain of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, etc. Jim Jarmusch's "Mystery Train" showed a decrepit Sun Studios in a dismal neighborhood, while the main part of the city appeared in the background. Craig Brewer's "Hustle & Flow" features a new kind of look at the city. The focus is DJay, a pimp who aspires to become a rapper.Nothing about the story is cute or glamorized. The movie shows how most of the characters live a grim existence. It's well known that rap originated as the voice of the ghetto, and DJay's songs make no secret of his disillusionment with his life. Just like in "8 Mile", the no-punches-pulled songs are the only chance of a new beginning.Terrence Howard had appeared in some movies before "Hustle & Flow", but this was truly his breakthrough performance. The rest of the cast also turn in fine performances - Taraji P. Henson's character is an intense one - but without a doubt, the theme song sums up the plot. After "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" won Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, host Jon Stewart proclaimed "I think it just got a lot easier for a pimp." All in all, the movie is exactly what a movie should be. I can't believe that it took me until now to finally see it (I've recently been making an effort to watch a number of 2000s movies that I hadn't gotten a chance to see). Definitely see it.

g-bodyl Hustle & Flow is a good tale although it's slight Hollywood-ized version of a rags-to-rich story. But that doesn't stop this movie from giving effective performances and a gritty hustle and pimp story. This story is one that the small-town people can relate with and it's well-written one at that. Now, this is not my kind of music but I can still appreciate the way people have come to succeed in this music industry especially when things seem the darkest.Craig Brewer's first feature is about a full-time pimp named Djay. Djay wants to get out of that business and prove to the world he has skills to be a rapper. When his childhood friend, who is a millionaire rapper plans on coming to town, Djay enlists the help of his friends to make sure he can succeed.In 2005, this film as well as Crash put Terrence Howard on the map. He is brilliant as Djay. We can see his earnest passion to become a rapper and he brings much to this role. This character is what brought Terrence Howard to stardom. The supporting cast is decent as well even though some of the female characters are quite annoying.Overall, this is a borderline great film that tells the traditional rag-to-rich tale. This is not my kind of music, but I can appreciate all the hard work these people do. I don't know where this film would be without Terrence. I enjoyed this gritty tale for the most part. I rate this film 8/10.

callanvass Hustle & Flow has the perfect balance of. Drama, Music, and performances. I firmly believe without the passionate performances, this movie wouldn't have been as strong as it was. Terrence Howard's character is a tad bit abrasive at times, but his heart of gold, and his never-give up mentality made the character perfect in my opinion. What really made the movie for me was it's realism.. The characters felt real, the situations seemed real, and the ending wasn't all that far-fetched either, and really made me smile. The ending is one of the best things about the movie because it wasn't all that unbelievable. You will hate Skinny for what he does, and it will certainly mess with your emotions. I firmly believe this movie isn't for everyone, due to its violent language and the fact that not everybody is into Rap. But it is worth it in my opinion.Performances. Terrence Howard is Oscar worthy here. It truly was a star-making performance, and I loved everything about his character. Despite some of his abusive and abrasive actions, he remained likable. He was the heart and soul of this film. Anthony Anderson can actually ACT!. I was shocked at his maturity and how good he was here. Taryn Manning is fantastic as the vulnerable, and often overlooked woman. I felt for her on many occasions, and thought she did a great job. DJ Qualls is excellent as well surprisingly. He injected a nice amount of humor into his part. Taraji P. Henson is solid as the love interest. She was likable and never overdid it. Ludicrous played scum perfectly. I couldn't stand him as Skinny.Bottom line. It's powerful, engrossing and a joy to watch. Don't be turned off by it, because of its subject material. Critics were 100% right about this one. A must see.9/10

dj56 When, people originally are told about this film, understandably the idea of rappers and gun crime can seem a little cliché, and almost annoying watching another film about idiots shooting each merely for the sake of it.However, this film could not be further from that, this is deeply psychological movie, which in its own way can make you sad and Happy at the same time. Terrance Howard (D Jay) plays a what can only be described as a philosophical pimp, whose desire to better himself is truly up lifting.Though whats makes this film so spectacular is not really the music, but how the music is made. In this film we watch the process of not only the lyrics but the beats and original sound, that separates this movie from its grotty genre and elevates it to that same level as pulp fiction and reservoir Dogs.