Don't let the premise or previews scare you away, this film is worth seeing when it hits theaters in July. Also, let me point out the fact that this isn't the type of film to wait for on DVD unless you have a sound set-up that pisses off the neighbors to the extent that the local police to know you by name. You must have bass given this film's soundtrack...and a lot of it.

I may post more later on, but I'm tired of the internet for now...so that's that.

-JP

I've had two chances to see this film, CineVegas (opening night) and an advance preview (both a few days ago); but I had to pass both times.

I've heard nothing but positive things for this film and I'm easily awaiting it's July release date.

Here's something different:

Outside of the massive performance by Howard, HUSTLE is fairly standard stuff. Think 8 MILE, but with crunk.

And if you can buy DJ Qualls as a crunk producer, than this film just might be for you.

I wasn't too impressed. Especially with the traditional thug-life ending.

Howard was good in "Crash" too. I remember hearing about this at Sundance I think. I hope it gets a wide release.

This looks like 8 Mile. I think I'll pass. Althought I thought Howard was great in "Crash".

it may look like just another hip-hop drama but imo it stands head and shoulders above its peers. personally, i had problems with the ending b/c it felt artificle, in direct contrast to the rest of the film that preceded it.

Like I said in my initial post, don't let the premise scare you away. I was going to write a response comparing a couple good boxing movies to their predecessors...but I couldn't put it any better than Geoff did in his review:

http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=16368

Yep, the ending was my biggest complaint as well.

-JP

Oh, it will.

They have ads for this movie at my local theatre. I imagined myself rolling my eyes when I saw them. But maybe it might actually be good.

The previews I've seen look alright... But the poster screams Strait-To-DVD Hip-Hop flick... When I got my first look at the artwork I actually did roll my eyes.

I think the audience their targeting with the promotional material isn't gonna get into it as much as the studio would like them to.

But I could be trying to look to deep into the trailers.

John Singleton did Boyz N The Hood (which is one of my all-time favorites), so I will probably be seeing this.

Singleton was at the screening I saw. I had him sign my Boyz N the Hood DVD. Just a note, though...he didn't direct this, only produced it.



-JP

Singleton Mortgaged his house to finance Hustle & Flow.

Yup, but refused to do so until he got Howard into the studio to see if he could handle the vocals.

-JP

When I first saw the trailer for this one, my first thought was that it would be great or crap, and now I'm starting to think great. If you are a fan of The Shield, you know that Anthony Anderson is capable of actually...acting. If he is careful, he could really grow into something special, and I'm even shocked that I'm saying that. I think he'll be great in this one. I even liked Ludicris in Crash, so I think he'll be fine in this.

Advance reviews seem great, most of them are glowing reviews, at least the ones that are at RottenTomatoes. Right now it's at 94% with 15 fresh and one rotten. I know that isn't anything yet, but I have a feeling that the score just might stay steady.

I hope this is going to be a good film, I have a feeling it might, so I can't wait to see more of this one.

With my luck though, the rest of the reviews will be blasting it saying it's horrible.

On my top 10 list so far this year.

I usually don't go for "Ghetto/Rap" movies but the trailer for this one blew me away. I can't wait to see it.

I'm also glad to see Terrence Dashon Howard getting chance to shine. He's a really cool actor who's been around for awhile.

Saw a sneak preview of it tonignt and really enjoyed it, although I agree the ending was a little anti-climatic. I thought the acting was pretty top notch on all counts, with Howard really giving a great performance, not to mention doing a pretty good job on the songs.

the ending isn't just contrived, it's offensive. think about what this film is ultimately trying to say. is it really about redemption? reaching for your dreams? or is it about cultivating a mythos through caricature, selling yourself out to stereotype? djay ultimately mirrored this actual film perfectly; give the audience (and the suits) what they want (and expect), and good things will come unto thee. djay was a better man as a pimp; at least he wasn't whoring himself out.

hype is called hype for a reason.

i keep hearing great things about this...

I never would have bothered to see this film based on the commercials if it weren't for a free screening with Q&A with the filmmakers at my school. I am entirely glad I went. Here's a pretty great read on the origins of the director, Craig Brewer:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...type=printable

The hype on this film is nuts right now! I can't see this having a bad opening weekend at this point.

Paramount is spending the big bucks to make sure you whoop that trick this summer.

Funny thing is, as I'm reading your post, " Whoop That Trick " is on in the background on Mtv Jams.

Still think I'll pass. I don't care much for the main actor and the commercials keep polluting my Real World time.

I totally agree with you on this. I though it was absolutely fantastic!! Hopefully it'll be remembered come awards time --- especially Howard, I thought he was AMAZING!!!