I have to say from the outset that I like Eminem and his music, so it's probably no great surprise that I like this film as well. However I did try to watch this film as a work in its own right, all allegiances aside. Eminem is very successful as a musician, so can he make it on screen? I think he can.

This film follows a fictional character Rabbit trying to get somewhere with rapping in Detroit, similar to Eminem's own experiences. I think this film might have been better received by the critics if it wasn't for the hype beforehand. The difficult things Rabbit has to deal with in his own life echo Eminem's but he finds a voice and an outlet through rapping. The film builds towards the main rap competition of the finale. The soundtrack is great and is worth seeing the film for alone.

The plot may not be gripping but the actual rap scenes are highly charged and entertaining. The acting is good and the characters are believable set against the Detroit industrial backdrop. The dialogue is true to setting yet not as good as the rapping, the rapping is clever and funny.

Lose Yourself is the stand out track of the film, which won the Oscar. I enjoyed this film and recommend it especially for rap fans.