Reactions to 8 Mile may be tempered by predispositions for or against the rapper, but the film cannot be faulted for lack of trying and may seduce skeptics with its energy and tone.
Comment
11/07/02
8 Mile (2002)
74
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:178
Fresh:132
Rotten:46
Average Rating:6.7/10
Consensus: Even though the story is overly familiar, there's enough here for an engaging ride.
Runtime: 1 hr 51 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Controversial rapper Eminem (real name Marshall Mathers) makes his big screen debut with 8 MILE, a bracing drama directed by the increasingly audacious Curtis Hanson. Set in 1995 in the bleak,... [More]
Starring: Eminem, Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy
Director: Curtis Hanson
Reviews for 8 Mile
161 - 180 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
A fascinating, surprisingly entertaining stand-off that has adroitly managed to satisfy both of its constituencies, allowing all sides to legitimately claim victory.
11/07/02
Top CriticThe climactic 20 minutes or so represent the most electrifying depiction of rap that the multiplex is likely to see, a torrent of word-slinging packed with atmosphere and ribald drama.
11/07/02
Eminem comes across as very genuine. It is his charisma, and his music, that make 8 Mile worth seeing.
11/07/02
If Juice gave you an appreciation for spinning vinyl, 8 Mile will put you in awe of the art of rhyme.
11/07/02
What's pretty amazing here is that Hanson has managed to take Scott Silver's lameass script and mediocre acting and turn it into something special.
11/07/02
Backed by a smart story that avoids easy answers and pat endings, the rapper may be in line for some real acting recognition.
11/07/02
Set in Detroit's 8 Mile, the dividing line between the city limits and the northern suburbs, 8 Mile is an exciting, well-crafted movie, loaded with urban atmosphere.
11/07/02
As music star movie debuts go, 8 Mile is hardly A Hard Days Night, but it's not Crossroads, either.
11/07/02
You have to question the time and care you want to invest in a character whose goal is to excel at insults
11/07/02
The way this movie is made, the way this story is told, this is what is meant by the phrase "keepin’ it real."
11/07/02
Middle-aged folks may not be attracted to the film's rap base but the built in youth demographic will love it.
11/07/02
Basically recycles all the old, tired cliches that abound in every story about the rise to stardom of poor but talented youngsters who overcome terrible obstacles in their drive to succeed.
11/07/02
This movie is all about the dingy glamour of self-pitying rage.
11/07/02
Wounded and enigmatic, Eminem is a worthy focus.
11/07/02
`8 Mile'...doesn't justify the hateful violence in Eminem's lyrics, but it does help you understand where that rage comes from.
11/07/02
Even if...your idea of (w)rapping has more to do with leftover bologna than improvisational street slang, 8 Mile still goes the distance.
11/07/02
In the singers-who-can't-act sweepstakes, Britney Spears (Crossroads) is still on top, edging out Eminem, who is about on par with Mariah Carey (Glitter).
11/06/02
As the center of the movie's universe, Eminem is seriously lacking any sort of gravity that can hold the pieces together. It's no wonder, then, that 8 Mile falls apart.
11/06/02
Eminem is magnetic playing a version of himself.
11/06/02
Top CriticLatest News for 8 Mile
May 03, 2007:
Box Office Guru Preview: Spidey Senses Tingling For a Record Opening Weekend
Will the friendly neighborhood webslinger reclaim the holy grail of the movie biz - the opening weekend box office record? More...
December 04, 2006:
Movie Pirate Gets Seven Years in Jail
Think it sounds like a good idea to head into your local multiplex and videotape the biggest movies so you can upload them onto the internet and give a bunch of strangers free... More...
June 21, 2006:
Brittany Murphy to Give "Tinker Bell" Her Voice
Now that they've made direct-to-video sequels from allllll their classic features, the Disney gang will finally give a voice to a character who's remained mute for over 50 years... More...
June 13, 2006:
Eminem to Anchor "Have Gun, Will Travel" Remake
We haven't seen a whole lot of M&M since he appeared (as basically himself) in "8 Mile," but now comes word that the rapper will star for Paramount in an... More...
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