This past weekend, hip-hop fans finally got what they’ve been waiting for: the opening night of Christopher “B.I.G” Wallace’s life story in the film NOTORIOUS. I won’t lie—I was extremely pressed to make sure I was at the theatre an hour ahead of time in hopes of beating the extensive long lines. After arriving and getting more than a good seat, I prepared myself to be thrilled. After all the talk about this movie, I was very interested to see what it was going to bring.
I must say that I was extremely impressed with the acting in the movie. Of course, Jamal Woolard, who played Wallace, had no choice but to nail the part. He was phenomenal in his acting, more so in portraying Wallace’s basic characteristics down the walk, the talk, and even the breathing pattern. The sincerity and work in Woolard’s performance was impossible to miss, and was totally amazing for his first movie. Congratulations to him.
Derek Luke and Anthony Mackie also showed their skill by playing some of the most characterized and full of personality individuals in the story; Sean “Puffy” Combs and Tupac Shakur. Luke had Combs’ mannerisms, dances and energy for big ideas as in real life, and Mackie displayed the same attitude, confidence and fire that the late Shakur did while he was living. Generally, most all the actors and actresses in the film did a great job and accurately portrayed their characters, and that was one of the things I appreciated most about it.
I also enjoyed the movie’s consistent humor, which is something I was not necessarily expecting. I think the humor was supposed to capture the man Wallace was outside of the entertainment world… That may have been the point of the film altogether. However, if the point was to share with us the story of Christopher Wallace behind the scenes, I don’t know if that goal was achieved.
I had a few issues and concerns about the movie. First, some technical things about the film were somewhat sloppy. For example, in the beginning of the film, Wallace was portrayed as left handed as a child. Then, as an adult, he was portrayed right handed. Another example is the lack of consistency in Angela Bassett’s portrayal of Wallace’s mother. We all know that Mrs. Wallace has a thick accent, and it is very noticeable. Sometimes Bassett used it, sometimes she didn’t. It was things like that that really had me disappointed.
Lastly, I was disappointed in the lack of depth the movie had to offer. I expected this movie to go beyond what the media has shown us about “B.I.G.” throughout the years, and take us into a thorough account of his life out of the public eye. I really felt that I was watching news clips for two hours… I didn’t pay eight dollars and some change to see things exactly as I already know it happened. Yes, Wallace only lived to be 24 years old, but there has to be more to tell. The story skipped around a lot and only touched the surface of certain issues like Jr. Mafia, his relationship with Faith Evans, his beef with Tupac, his way of handling his success, etc. It seemed like a lot was assumed of the viewer as far as prior knowledge. Not much was explained.
Lastly, I feel the movie failed as far as telling us why “B.I.G.” is pronounced as one of the greatest. As far as my age group is concerned, all we have to go by is the legend told to us. We have recordings as well, but.. I’m beginning to really ask myself.. Is Wallace really one of the greatest? Was he really that much of a lyrical mastermind? Was he really writing things that made our head spin in attempt to figure out how he did it? I’ve been listening, and I’m not sure anymore… What do you think?
http://www.foxsearchlight.com/notorious/
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/movies/6220412.html
http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2009/01/20/theres-life-after-death-as-notorious-scores-big-at-box-office/
http://blogs.pitch.com/wayward/2009/01/movie_review_notorious.php
I must say that I was extremely impressed with the acting in the movie. Of course, Jamal Woolard, who played Wallace, had no choice but to nail the part. He was phenomenal in his acting, more so in portraying Wallace’s basic characteristics down the walk, the talk, and even the breathing pattern. The sincerity and work in Woolard’s performance was impossible to miss, and was totally amazing for his first movie. Congratulations to him.
Derek Luke and Anthony Mackie also showed their skill by playing some of the most characterized and full of personality individuals in the story; Sean “Puffy” Combs and Tupac Shakur. Luke had Combs’ mannerisms, dances and energy for big ideas as in real life, and Mackie displayed the same attitude, confidence and fire that the late Shakur did while he was living. Generally, most all the actors and actresses in the film did a great job and accurately portrayed their characters, and that was one of the things I appreciated most about it.
I also enjoyed the movie’s consistent humor, which is something I was not necessarily expecting. I think the humor was supposed to capture the man Wallace was outside of the entertainment world… That may have been the point of the film altogether. However, if the point was to share with us the story of Christopher Wallace behind the scenes, I don’t know if that goal was achieved.
I had a few issues and concerns about the movie. First, some technical things about the film were somewhat sloppy. For example, in the beginning of the film, Wallace was portrayed as left handed as a child. Then, as an adult, he was portrayed right handed. Another example is the lack of consistency in Angela Bassett’s portrayal of Wallace’s mother. We all know that Mrs. Wallace has a thick accent, and it is very noticeable. Sometimes Bassett used it, sometimes she didn’t. It was things like that that really had me disappointed.
Lastly, I was disappointed in the lack of depth the movie had to offer. I expected this movie to go beyond what the media has shown us about “B.I.G.” throughout the years, and take us into a thorough account of his life out of the public eye. I really felt that I was watching news clips for two hours… I didn’t pay eight dollars and some change to see things exactly as I already know it happened. Yes, Wallace only lived to be 24 years old, but there has to be more to tell. The story skipped around a lot and only touched the surface of certain issues like Jr. Mafia, his relationship with Faith Evans, his beef with Tupac, his way of handling his success, etc. It seemed like a lot was assumed of the viewer as far as prior knowledge. Not much was explained.
Lastly, I feel the movie failed as far as telling us why “B.I.G.” is pronounced as one of the greatest. As far as my age group is concerned, all we have to go by is the legend told to us. We have recordings as well, but.. I’m beginning to really ask myself.. Is Wallace really one of the greatest? Was he really that much of a lyrical mastermind? Was he really writing things that made our head spin in attempt to figure out how he did it? I’ve been listening, and I’m not sure anymore… What do you think?
http://www.foxsearchlight.com/notorious/
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/movies/6220412.html
http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2009/01/20/theres-life-after-death-as-notorious-scores-big-at-box-office/
http://blogs.pitch.com/wayward/2009/01/movie_review_notorious.php
Wow, I had very high expectations for this film as well. I haven't seen it yet, but was looking forward to it for the same reasons. I am disappointed to hear about the lack of depth because that is what I thought would be the essence of this movie. My generation was highly influenced by this man and I believe he was one of the greatest of his time. Back in the day of the "East Coast" and "West Coast" I can't really say I was much of an "East Coast" rap fan. (Actually I was in support of the SOUTHERN TAKEOVER =)). I do think that BIG kinda crossed over borders and genres to reach a wide audience. I can respect that. I also believe there was a lot he didn't get to say and a lot of insight that he was never able to convey. I'll have to update my opinion after I actually see the movie. I can't say I'm quite as amped to go though.
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