| |
 |
|
|
|
| Reviewed By Stephen Davis |
| Cast: Wood Harris, Jamie Hector, Clifton Powell, Lil Scrappy |
The Plot:
Young Eastie is dying to make it big. While selling drugs out of a fast food window, the struggling rapper dreams of landing a record deal through his idol, the legendary A-Maze. But A-Maze isn't quite as 'hip' as he once was. He is clinging to his fame with all his might, fearful of what might happen if he lets go. A-Maze got talent, but the last thing he has time to do is bring up more competition from the streets. It's nothing personal, just business. |
|
The Movie:
Wood Harris and Jamie Hector, the two budding stars of Peter Spirer's Just Another Day, have teamed up before on HBO's cult drama 'The Wire'. Their mere involvement is what drove me to this film as I was a fan of the show and figured both could ignite the screen to make something of this film. In a way, they both did.
I won't go as far as to say that Just Another Day is a great movie - it isn't. But in that same context, it isn't too bad either. It flaunts its indie roots with pride and features a stacked soundtrack of hip-hop and rap. The actors all bring their A-game to the table, and each excels in their portrayal. My one beef, and it is a big one, is the film's story.
Showcasing a 24-hour period within the always changing hip-hop industry, the film was intended to be intense, dramatic and to a degree, educational. It half-way succeeded on these accounts. The intense and dramatic moments often feel bookended by long stretches of tiresome dialogue, and the educational aspect seems a bit overdone in my unknowing opinion. Though, in all fairness, the film does prove one point, one that Beyoncé made perfectly clear- no one is irreplaceable. |
|
The Extras:
A Hip Hop Hustle: The Making of Just Another Day: This typical making-of feature details the art behind the film and how this feature differs from other rap/hip-hop films.
Just Another Day Making Music: The music is an integral part of this film. Here we get to listen to the cast and crew dish on the development process and the art of 'the flow.' |
|
The Verdict:
I am not exactly sure what I expected from Peter Spirer's Just Another Day, but it was more than what I got. Granted I loved the film's music and felt the initial concept was intriguing, there wasn't enough going on to keep my interest during its entirety. The performances were solid, and it was great getting to see the on-screen work of real rappers Ja Rule, Lil Scrappy and Trick Daddy; however, even their involvement can't escalate the film enough to stretch beyond its direct market. Rap fans should check this one out for its music alone; as for everyone else, this one is an easy skip. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| All text, images, logos and data contained within this site remain the sole copyright of CollegeMovieReview.com. All rights reserved and no part or parts herein may be used or reproduced without the express prior consent of CollegeMovieReview.com. |
|
|
