The Collegian

Issue date: 8/29/06 Section: Detour

Media Credit: Courtesy of http://msnbc.msn.com

Media Credit: Courtesuy of www.blackfilm.com

When I first heard that the dynamic duo commonly known as Outkast was going to be co-starring in their very own movie, I, like many others, was initially skeptical. In the past, various rappers and hip-hop artists have shown up on the big screen; however, their acting careers have not always proved as promising as their musical careers. The truth of the matter is that not every rapper can be an actor.

As a result of seeing poor acting done by rappers in the past, I went into the movie theater completely expecting to be disappointed but to my surprise I enjoyed the movie in its entirety.

Set in the 1920s in the small town of Idlewild, Georgia, the movie tells the story of two childhood friends who are complete opposites. However, as they get older and their friendship matures they find that they have one thing in common: music.

Percival (Andre 3000) is the quiet, soft-spoken pianist and musical genius, and his best friend Rooster (Big Boi), the smooth talking, money-hungry ladies man, end up using their music as a joint way to express themselves. While the two are as opposite as night and day, when it comes time to perform at the local club, it seems as if they are the same.

Like in most other movies, women and sex play a role. Throughout the movie Rooster struggles to keep his family of a wife, and five kids together, while Percival desires to experience true love. For the most part though, the movie is centered around the love of music.

The movie's soundtrack, Outkast's latest joint effort, is nothing short of brilliance. Continuing the theme of the 1920s, the album is packed with big band and swing style music. It successfully delivers the creativity so characeristic of the duo.

Andre 3000 sings on the Idlewild album, continuing the trait from the highly regarded and Grammy award-winning album Speakerboxx/The Love Below, while Big Boi provides the edgier side of the album which blends seamlessly into the era they were aiming for.

With addicting hooks and dance-worthy beats, the album proves once and for all, that Outkast is here to stay and their talent in acting, either separate or together, is also something to look forward to in many more movies to come.

Ultimately, I think that Idlewild is a great movie that everyone should see, especially Outkast fans. As far as I am concerned, both Andre 3000 and Big Boi have successfully crossed over into the acting world, a feat not many can acheive but they have hit the nail on the head. I definitely give the movie four stars.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools