Notorious was released in the UK last week.
The film which documented the life of The Notorious B.I.G. aka Biggie Smalls, who died in 1997 at the age of 24.
The Brooklyn MC is considered by many to be one of the greatest Hip Hop artists to ever bless the mic.
The biopic is not about whether Biggie was the greatest rapper alive, but the film focuses on Christopher’s Wallace’ relationship with the women in his life. This is the main theme of the movie but throughout the movie, we are reminded of the tremendous talent that Biggie had.
The film is excellent, I think overall the director and the producers did a great job. At times I felt the script was lacking. My only other problem with the film is that its too short! Its two hours long but after the credits came up, I wanted more. The Hip Hop fan in me, just wanted more.
The first half is about Biggie growing up, being a hustler and hooking up with Diddy while the second part of the movie show his strained relationship with the women in his life and his feud with Tupac.
In terms of performance, I think the star is definately Gravy. I think as the movie went on, his performance got better and better. Angela Bassett was perfect as Biggie’s mother.
Anthony Mackie, who played Tupac was also pretty good as was Antonique Smith, who played Faith Evans
Derek Luke was not mind blowing. I think he captured Diddy’s nuances brilliantly and think he did a ok job but personally I think he was overshadowed by Gravy’s performance. He definately became Biggie and was believable in that role.
Lil Kim shouldnt be worrying about how the film portrayed her. She wasnt reflected in such a way she made it out to be.
The use of Biggie’s music as the soundtrack to the movie was brilliant. It was a constant reminder of how this young MC touched people across the world. A great scene is when Puffy (now known as Diddy) presents Biggie with the sample for Juicy.
This movie is definately one to see whether you are a Hip Hop fan or not. I am not surprised the director (George Tillman Jr.) is in talks to direct a RUN DMC biopic.
I would encourage you (if you have the money in this recession) to go to the cinema and watch this movie.
Since seeing this movie, Ready To Die is on repeat on my ipod.
Trailer
