My Take on the Movies - ATL
Atlanta rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris (You Don’t Know Me!) makes his film debut as Rashad Swann in the 2006 film ATL, a drama illustrating a small slice of the life of four inner city high school seniors, trying to make it in their limited and sometimes violent world. The original story is written by Antwone Fisher (of the 2002 movie entitled Antwone Fisher), and the film is directed by Chris Robinson in his premiere outing. Among the several producers of this film are Will Smith and Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins.
The central quartet is rounded out by Albert Daniels as Brooklyn, Jackie Long (Playas Ball - 2003) as Esquire, and Jason Weaver (Drumline - 2002) as Teddy. On the surface they are just another group of guys, but underneath each has his own unique qualities. Those qualities shine through at the crucial, defining moment. The four friends face all of the typical issues confronting many of today’s teenagers—substandard schools, broken homes, deceitful girlfriends—and manage to survive with their friendship intact.
The film also stars Evan Naess (son of singer Diana Ross) as Rashad’s brother, Ant. This is apparently his debut as well, although he looks awfully familiar… Playing major roles are Antwan André Patton (better known as “Big Boi” of OutKast), Mykelti Williamson (Waiting to Exhale - 1995), Keith David (Barbershop - 2002) who is the narrator of City Confidential since the death of Paul Winfield, and neophyte Lauren London as Rashad’s love interest. Veteran actress Lonette McKee (Malcolm X – 1992) has a small cameo.
The score features original music by T.I. and Aaron Zigman, but in fact many genres of music are featured, from traditional jazz standards to disco, to R&B. Although one might find himself singing along, there really is not much musical continuity.
The dialogue is less than sparkling, and at some times is practically unintelligible. This southern-fried story contains elements of Boyz in the Hood (1991) and Rollbounce (2005), but is not quite as gritty as the former, and not nearly as engaging as the latter. There is really not much of substance here despite the big build-up, but there are some decent jokes. That is, assuming one hasn’t heard them all before.
T.I. is actually quite credible in the lead role, although it is difficult to imagine him as a teenager. The more seasoned actors, of course, do what they do. Hey, this is not Shakespeare! Don’t look for any Oscar performances, but it is a pleasurable hour and a half. Due to sex and violence, you may not want to take the kiddies.
♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠
[© 03/31/2006] By: A. L. "Toni" Anderson
The central quartet is rounded out by Albert Daniels as Brooklyn, Jackie Long (Playas Ball - 2003) as Esquire, and Jason Weaver (Drumline - 2002) as Teddy. On the surface they are just another group of guys, but underneath each has his own unique qualities. Those qualities shine through at the crucial, defining moment. The four friends face all of the typical issues confronting many of today’s teenagers—substandard schools, broken homes, deceitful girlfriends—and manage to survive with their friendship intact.
The film also stars Evan Naess (son of singer Diana Ross) as Rashad’s brother, Ant. This is apparently his debut as well, although he looks awfully familiar… Playing major roles are Antwan André Patton (better known as “Big Boi” of OutKast), Mykelti Williamson (Waiting to Exhale - 1995), Keith David (Barbershop - 2002) who is the narrator of City Confidential since the death of Paul Winfield, and neophyte Lauren London as Rashad’s love interest. Veteran actress Lonette McKee (Malcolm X – 1992) has a small cameo.
The score features original music by T.I. and Aaron Zigman, but in fact many genres of music are featured, from traditional jazz standards to disco, to R&B. Although one might find himself singing along, there really is not much musical continuity.
The dialogue is less than sparkling, and at some times is practically unintelligible. This southern-fried story contains elements of Boyz in the Hood (1991) and Rollbounce (2005), but is not quite as gritty as the former, and not nearly as engaging as the latter. There is really not much of substance here despite the big build-up, but there are some decent jokes. That is, assuming one hasn’t heard them all before.
T.I. is actually quite credible in the lead role, although it is difficult to imagine him as a teenager. The more seasoned actors, of course, do what they do. Hey, this is not Shakespeare! Don’t look for any Oscar performances, but it is a pleasurable hour and a half. Due to sex and violence, you may not want to take the kiddies.
♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠
[© 03/31/2006] By: A. L. "Toni" Anderson
posted by A. L. "Toni" Anderson at 6:22 PM
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