Notorious Movie Review

22 January 2009, Andre @ 6:00 pm Notorious Movie Review

Christopher Wallace, a.k.a the Notorious B.I.G – is arguably the epitome of hip-hop’s “American Dream”. Emerging from the drug infested streets of Brooklyn, his story was centered around dreaming the unfathomable and accomplishing the unachievable. In other words, Big was all about going from “ashy to classy”.

With the huge success of semi-biographical hip-hop films such as, 8 Mile and the mild success of Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, the film world was due for another hip-hop flick, which came in the colossal form of one of the greatest MC’s to touch the microphone. Notorious is an attempt to encompass the short-lived life of the late rapper, as his life was tragically cut short before the release of his sophomore album. The film follows Big’s rise from nothing and his unprecedented fall from fame.

I’ve heard and read the mediocre and unflattering reviews about the film prior to viewing. The trailer didn’t look enticing either. But, as the hip-hop superfan that I’d like to think I am, I shelled out the twelve bucks to watch a Biggie impersonator in all his glory. This Biggie impersonator is played by first-time actor, Jamal Woolard. Yeah I know, who the hell? Let’s all just be thankful the role wasn’t given to Sean Kingston (reportedly considered for the role). The supporting cast is just as obscure, playing the roles of Puff Daddy, Lil’ Kim, Faith Evans, Tupac and many more. The only recognizable name is Angela Bassett, who plays Voletta Wallace (Big’s mother). She does a damn good job too.

Initially, I was under the impression that the movie was an over-glorification of his life and character (which I expected). As much as I would love to remember the good times, the film frequently downplayed Biggie’s flaws, which transpired into a lack of character development. His rise to stardom seemed so quick and effortless, rarely running into any “bumps along the road”. The result was an unsatisfying climax that felt like bad sex. The linear plotline could’ve also used – for lack of a better word – more drama to avoid falling for the formulaic clichés of the rags to riches story. Except there was more focus on the riches. In terms of accuracy, some factual integrity can be questioned, as they neglected to elaborate on the “East vs. West” saga. Apparently Lil’ Kim wasn’t impressed by the way she was depicted in the film either. If you’ve watched the movie, you can’t really blame her.

The most enjoyable part of this film – was not the film itself – but the timeless soundtrack that accompanied it. Woolard made an admirable attempt at mimicking Big’s unconventional flow. All the Biggie classics make an appearance at one point in the movie, from the first recording of “Juicy” to the controversial performance of “Who Shot Ya”. The “Hypnotize” backdrop for the opening club scene made me want to pop some Moet and surround myself with some beautiful honeys. Unfortunately, I had to settle with my two buddies and the sparse Wednesday evening crowd.

For the legions of Biggie fans, this film will not disappoint. It was a safe re-telling of a story about family, chasing your dreams and how nothing lasts forever.

AWmusic