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Get Rich Or Die Tryin [Movie Review]
Article by:
Shari Monah
 Walking into the private screening of Get Rich or Die Tryin, I honestly expected the worse. Since this is 50 Cent acting debut, I anticipated flat dialogue, G- unit cameos, and a weak storyline to sum it all up. In order to be as objective as possible, I had to get rid of all the preconceived notions I had of 50 Cent before I gave this movie a fair chance. Since he wants to be considered as a serious actor, I will only refer to him as Curtis Jackson. Instead of 50 Cent the overly dramatic rapper that we’ve all come to love or hate.
Off the bat, it is almost impossible for Get Rich or Die Tryin’ to fail since it is tied to so many A- list names. Obviously the movie would hit number one since its lead actor is music’s heavyweight 50 Cent. However it is the strong cast that supports the amateur actor and prevents the film from becoming a mere shout out to 50 and his G- unit clique.
Curtis Jackson plays Marcus, a street entrepreneur that is forced into hustling after the murder of his drug dealing mother, Katrina (Serena Reeder). Driven by the anger from his mother’s death, Marcus sets out on a crusade to find her murderer while making a name for himself on the streets. Throughout the film, Marcus’s writing chronicles his journey from childhood to rap stardom.
In order to prevent himself from embarrassment Jackson mainly narrates throughout this film. In fact, Marc John Jefferies ( Young Marcus), who has more professional acting experience, has more lines in this film than the lead actor does. Under the direction of six time Oscar nominee, Jim Sheridan, most of the story is told through the cold stare of Jackson’s eyes. Dependent on his physical acting, Jackson powerfully re-enacts the infamous scene of being shot nine times in front of his grandparents home. According to Sheridan, “shooting the scene was in a way therapy for him.” It is at this point where the audience witnesses the death of Marcus as a hustler and the birth of Young Ceaser the rapper.
This film could not survive with out its supporting cast. Reportedly, Samuel L. Jackson did not want to be apart of this cast because of the violence that is tied to Jackson. Fortunately for C. Jackson, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ does not suffer from this absence. While Marcus’s life spirals out of control, it is the support of family and friends that helps him maintain his sanity. After the death of his mother Marcus is raised by his grandmother, Tony award winning Viola Davis (Antwone Fisher). As for his girlfriend, Charlene ( Joy Bryant of Antwone Fisher), she reminds Marcus that as a man it is his duty to provide for his family and not give up on his career. Bama, played by Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow), is the loyal friend and manager who protects Marcus inside as well as outside of jail. Although Bama is not a main character, Howard undeniably steals the movie and the attention away from Jackson in every scene that he is in with the use of his humor.
Synonymous to Jackson’s real life, the feud between his alter ego, 50 Cent, and Murder Inc. spills onto the screen. Young Ceaser generates noise in the rap industry by humiliating Majestic( Adewale Akinnuoye- Agbaje of Oz), a record executive who mirrors Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. Similar to Supreme, Majestic is a convicted drug lord who launders his drug money through the record label. Along with Supreme, 50 also embarrasses Ja Rule who is portrayed by Dangerous. Like his counterpart, Dangerous is a flashy young artist who is on top of the world before Young Ceaser annihilates his career.
In one scene Jackson’s character states, “ I rather live like a man than die like a coward.” Arguably, the reason why Jackson chose this role is because as a good businessman he knows the film can only enhance his career. Jackson knows that the audience will tie the pain and despair that Marcus has to endure with his own life story. Thus, increasing his gangsta image and being seen as more of a “man”. Curtis Jackson is aware that if he chose a role that is opposite of his current persona then there will be greater chance of him failing and being perceived as weak to his target audience. However, a real “man” would go outside of his safety net to test his true acting abilities.
Whether it is due to the box office sales or the ability for the audience to
empathize with the main character , Get Rich or Die Tryin’ is bound to be a staple in hip hop culture. For the individual who loves 50 Cent, this film would be the best product that Curtis Jackson has ever developed. But for the individual who is just curious to see what Get Rich or Die Tryin’ is about the film is good effort brought forth by the first time actor.
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