On the Big Board |
Position |
Staff |
In Brief |
28/65 |
Kim Hollis |
Frenetic and ambitious, it's certainly one of the more unique musicals ever created. |
43/159 |
David Mumpower |
Fun musical offers great combination of prohibition era story and grrrrreat music. |
107/200 |
Max Braden |
Good cinematography but the movie drags and the music doesn't help. |
Now that Andre Benjamin has been able to strike out as a credible actor in such projects as Be Cool and Four Brothers, he's ready to stand alongside his Outkast partner Antwan Patton as the duo topline a period musical that features an all-star cast and seems to ring with memories of Streets of Fire, Purple Rain and even The Cotton Club.
The movie will follow Benjamin and Patton as they are the two central characters in a 1930s speakeasy in the South. Benjamin portrays a talented piano player at the club, while Patton is the speakeasy's manager and lead performer. Naturally, they have to contend with some gangsters who attempt to muscle in on the turf.
Along with the boys of Outkast, the cast will include such high-profile names as Ving Rhames, Terrence Howard (whose star is seriously rising thanks to performances in Ray, Crash and Hustle & Flow), Cicely Tyson, Ben Vereen, and musicians Macy Gray and Patti LaBelle. The movie is directed by Bryan Barber, who has previously worked with Outkast on their various videos. Given the duo's fanbase and the unique tone of the project, it feels like it has plenty of potential to be a surprising hit. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
Vital statistics for Idlewild |
Main Cast |
Andre Benjamin, Antwan Patton, Ving Rhames |
Supporting Cast |
Terrence Howard, Faizon Love, Malinda Williams, Paula Jai Parker, Jackie Long, Patti LaBelle, Cicely Tyson, Ben Vereen, Macy Gray, Paula Patton |
Director |
Bryan Barber |
Screenwriter |
Bryan Barber |
Distributor |
Universal |
Trailer |
Click Here for Trailer
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Official Site |
http://www.idlewildmovie.net/ |
Rating |
R |
Running Time |
120 minutes |
Screen Count |
973 |
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Talent in red has entry in The Big Picture |
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