Hustle & Flow : Movie Review


Hustle & Flow (2005)Hustle & Flow takes a cliché and imbues it with new life through the virtues of directorial flair and talented acting. For most of its running time, Hustle & Flow follows familiar patterns, deviating only during a third act that brings the street's grit into what initially appears to be a happily-ever-after fairy tale. Never fear, though - writer/director Craig Brewer likes and respects his characters too much to leave them (or us) in too bad a situation.

Terrence Dashon Howard, who can also currently be seen in Crash, has the lead role of DJay, a pimp with a heart as gold as one of his teeth. DJay shares a house with his three hookers, all of whom have different relationships with him. Nola (Taryn Manning), the youngest, views DJay as a father-figure. Because of her age and skin color (she's white), she has the best earning power. Shug (Taraji P. Henson), carries a torch for DJay, and he for her. Because she's pregnant, she's not on the street. Lexus (Paula Jai Parker) is arrogant and confrontational, and her attitude frequently rubs DJay the wrong way.

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Author : James Berardinelli