Mario van Peebles has done some really good movies. As an actor and as a director. This has some really fine and good ingredients in it. Even Ray Liotta in a supporting role. But it does fall into the pitfalls of clichés. Which is a shame, because Curtis Jackson (aka 50 Cent) does actually come off better than some might think (not talking about his fans obviously).
While Curtis did gain/lose weight for the role (his dedication shouldn't be taken lightly) and he does a nice job acting in this movie, this isn't sufficient to elevate the movie to something it might or could have been. The story is not unfamiliar and the players are following the rules. And while it is predictable, the end has a nice touch to it. Though you wouldn't want to know what is happening moments after the ending ...
While Curtis did gain/lose weight for the role (his dedication shouldn't be taken lightly) and he does a nice job acting in this movie, this isn't sufficient to elevate the movie to something it might or could have been. The story is not unfamiliar and the players are following the rules. And while it is predictable, the end has a nice touch to it. Though you wouldn't want to know what is happening moments after the ending ...