THE MOVIE: Get Rich or Die Tryin’ THE DIRECTOR: Jim Sheridan THE STARS: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Joy Bryant, Terrence Howard, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” presents one of the more interesting director-leading man pairings in recent years, with 50-something Irish filmmaker Jim Sheridan (“My Left Foot,” “In America”) guiding gangsta rap superstar Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson through his first ever professional acting gig. A similarly unusual arrangement worked out very well a few years ago when director Curtis Hanson (“Wonder Boys”) teamed with Detroit hip-hop crooner Eminem in the critically acclaimed drama “8 Mile,” but here the results aren’t as impressive.
“Get Rich or Die Tryin’” was penned by Terence Winter of “The Sopranos,” who focuses mainly on former drug dealer Jackson’s troubled past, including a stint in prison and an attempt on his life during which he was shot nine times at point blank range. Jackson’s lack of experience in front of the camera is evident but doesn’t constitute a serious liability. After all, as Marcus, he’s essentially playing himself. What is problematic, however, is that “Get Rich” features too much gangsta and far too little rap. Whereas “8 Mile” and Craig Brewer’s “Hustle & Flow” effectively linked the challenges rappers face on the mean streets with their creative energy, “Get Rich” gets stuck in New Jack City. It (Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, drug content, sexuality and nudity. Running time: 134 minutes)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 9, 2005. Read the original PDF.