Idlewild Review
Idlewild: Movie Review
by Lisa Stanton
So my question right off the cuff was, ‘What is today’s biggest, dopest, most unique rap duo doing making a movie that’s set in the 30’s’? The answer: Something extraordinary!
Idlewild is set in one of my favorite era’s. The way of dress, the style, the elegance… I love that whole jazzy vibe. A week ago, I’d heard the soundtrack in it’s entirety. Now I admit, I was only half listening, but I have to say, I wasn’t feelin’ it. I had seen the trailers, what seems like 3000 (giggle) times and was definitely interested to see what the cats had come up with, but wasn’t sure what I’d be in for.
I don’t want to spoil the movie and won’t give you a play by play of it. But, rather, want to make mention of various elements that I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed!
::: The cast
Idlewild casts some of my all time favorites from way back such as Ving Rhames (yum!), Patti LaBelle (diva!) and Cicely Tyson (miss jane pitman ~ lol!); some that are getting much screen time these days, such as Terrence Howard and Malinda Williams; and some virtually new to the screen such as gorgeous Paula Patton (‘Hated her’ snaps twice in a circle ~ j/k… ok but wait, why did I have to keep telling myself that that was NOT Alicia Keys?!). I must admit, that my main point of interest within the actors was the beautiful Andre ‘3000’ Benjamin – that smile melt’s ya girl. However, I gotta give it up to Antwan ‘Big Boi’ Patton for doing his thing. His performance, I thought, was on point. I also have to mention Macy Gray and Paula Jai Parker… great job all!
::: The music
Outkast is genious! They took that old school flava from decades ago and put the signature Outkast stank(onia) on it. The brotha’s came up with a movie AND soundtrack that is unparalleled. If you’ve seen this elsewhere, show me!
::: The choreography
In one word: INTENSE! The moves are off the charts and truly had me sitting up and on the edge of my seat to take it all in. Even ole Big Boi did a few moves. I thought it was awesome how they mixed in contemporary moves as well as some African grooves in with dancing styles from eon’s ago.
::: The animation
Amazing! The clock’s in Percy’s room was an interesting idea and was visually intriguing. The talking rooster on Roosters’ flask was hysterical. But the animation that truly stole the show was on the sheet music! Just a very unique concept!
::: The storyline
I love a love story and this movie definitely delivered. I said I wouldn’t give anything away, but I have got to say this. Andre’s love scene ~ lawdamercy. Summarized: SEXY! But the story is much more than just a love story. In fact, there are several storylines in this movie. I don’t want to discount the action, comedy, nor drama. But since I (say it with me) love a love story, I naturally gravitate toward that one.
I’m proud of Outkast, for stepping outside the entertainment box and doing something not only different (cause anyone can do different), but rather, something extraordinary ~ of course that has always been the case with them, hasn’t it? It would be easy to do another rapper turned actor/producer movie (i.e. hustlin’, thuggin’, etc.), but these cats… They truly came with something exciting and unique. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the movie (though I think I just did a pretty good job LOL), and I highly recommend it!
Idlewild is in theaters 8/25
you know i had to come up in here and drop my “2 cents” :-)
i won’t take away from the movie either – besides you summed it up great miss Lis! great review! i can’t really add much more other than it was a great great great movie!
it’s a must see – just the love scene in itself is worth the money (lol) keep supporting black films – especially ones that are fantastic like this one!
—SilviaPeace:)
On the low, these brothas are introducing the present and coming generations to a historical look at our African- “American” experience in the 30’s, and they are doing so in a memorable fashion.
We all need this, young and old, to have images that are accurate of the flair our culture does possess, as has been expressed in various eras, but covered in mainstream media very little, until now.
Much respect on doing a review
—Dazjae-Dazjae
I can’t wait to go see this movie.
—Sheliaall you had to say was that the love scenes with andre was on point and i’m there. the rest of the cast/story is just an added bonus
—sivadchecking right now for tomorrow’s playing times! ;)
—TrelI CAN’T WAIT!!!!! I too am a huge fan of this era! I am glad they are showing the hip hop generation the rich history of our music, and that history always repeats itself with a twist! You’re review has got me hyped! But just to let you know the Prince himself released a movie blending modern music with an era movie. Under the Cherry Moon. Set in France (the city of love, u know how Prince was). It didn’t do as well as this one will. Yes, I said will, I smell awards droppin everywhere on this one!
—ToniGood review! makes me want to go see it even more!
3000 is a good actor, and will be great to see how he’s grown since Four Brothers.
—jah_luvGood review Lis! I thought the movie was very entertaining as well. The best part for me were the dance sequences! The director came up with the idea of combining swing & hiphop dance moves together, which they call “Swop Dancing.” Andre 3000 did great as expected, but the show stealer in my opinion was Big Boi. His character was the most interesting and entertaining. Shoutout to Faizon Love for throwing in some great oneliners as well.
Idlewild is definitely a breath of fresh air on the movie tip, and it deserves everyone’s attention. The saddest thing about this movie is that it only came in 9th overall in the box office money makers this weekend. Hopefully, word of mouth will bring more folks to the movie theaters during the upcoming weeks? We need to support movies of this nature, so that more of them can be made in the future.
—JamI enjoyed the review, and I really enjoyed the movie. I like the idea of OutKast challenging the stereotypical “hip hop/rap” movie…breathing in the fresh air…*sigh* :)
—simoneGreat movie… although the critics were saying that it lacked direction… and yeah you could say that there was no real plot, but several subplots…Thing is… I don’t care. I don’t care if i get three story lines instead of one…all I care about when going to the movies is being Entertained or educated… With Idlewild I’m glad to say I got both!
Nuff respect to Outkast for putting it down the way they did…
My only disappointment was that one of the best (if not THE best) songs from the movie aint even on the Idlewild CD…I’ll Call it “Angel’s Debut”…some may call it “keep it cool”.
What’s up with that???
—elliott (e double)I know I’m late and all but I just had to add my .02. :)
—kn0519Great review Lis! It couldn’t have been more accurate IMO unless you included spoilers. I saw the movie last night and was very impressed. I’ll admit that when I saw the trailers and commercials, I really wasn’t that excited to see it. After hearing from a few people how good it was though, I gave it a chance and I’m so glad I did. Dang, so “keep it cool” isn’t on the CD? That sucks!!! :(