8 mile is one of those films you might want to poke at with a stick from a distance. Rap star Eminem in a movie about a guy trying to become a rapper. Sounds a bit dubious but you would be wrong. Strong acting from Eminem and good directing by Curtis Hanson leaves you with a rather good movie.

Eminem plays Bunny Rabbit a troubled kid who lives in a trailer with his mum Stephanie (Kim Basinger) whose best friend Future (Mekhi Phifer) runs rap battles at a hip hop club.

Rabbit does have a talent for it but the film opens with him choking and subsequently booed off stage. The film does have a Karate Kid feel to it with Rabbit and his friends going on a journey, fighting the odds and believing in himself. It's not as cliché as it sounds, honest.

Like every film there has to be a girl and this comes in the form of Brittany Murphy who plays Alex. Not really sure what purpose she really served but she performed well in this film.

I can't say there have been many films that have been improved with the presence of a rapper, take Ja Rule's appearances for example. However, Eminem really does make this movie particularly with his strong rapping ability.

This has a brilliant soundtrack and some amazing rap battles, especially the final one. Powerful stuff and compelling viewing this is a gritty movie with good acting and a strong presence. A must see.

B. Rabbit: I'm gonna turn around with a great smile, and walk my white ass back across 8 Mile.

Thank you for reading.