Hustle & Flow
Dir: Craig Brewer
2005
****
I don't know whether or not this film would have worked if it had not have been for the brilliant performance from Terrence Howard. He really is the one to watch here, even D.J. Qualls couldn't spoil it. It may seem ever so slightly contrived, a white director and all, but it's not really. The opening dialogue is proof alone that this film has something to say, I don't know Memphis, I've never been but I felt like this was the real Memphis in many ways (I may be wrong) and it's a great story. Taraji P. Henson is so sweet, you just want to give her a hug.