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Outkast’s Andre 3000 and Big Boi lead an all-star cast in the genre-mixing musical, “Idlewild.” The film opened Aug. 25 in theaters everywhere, but not necessarily to everyone. If Outkast videos are enjoyable to the viewer, then “Idlewild” works. However, if the cast list leaves audiences curious as to who is who in the film, they might miss some of the best moments “Idlewild” has to offer.
Andre 3000 and Big Boi from Outkast star in this year’s most inventive musical, “Idlewild,” a conventional 1930s crime-love story with an energetic cast and soundtrack.
The film combines hip-hop music, modern and old school language, a bootlegging plot and a thin love story that creates an interesting experience for moviegoers.
The character-driven film is set in the 1930s in the small town of Idlewild. The movie’s visually-impressive opening guides audiences back into the time period. It introduces Rooster (Big Boi) and Percy (Andre 3000) as children growing up in the Idlewild community and as complete opposites connected by geographical proximity and music. Rooster, a highly intelligent and charismatic man, is a father, husband and performer who is tempted by life’s many offerings. Percy, a mortician who faces death everyday, finds it difficult to face life. He is a quiet, respectful and hopeless man who enjoys collecting music.
Rooster hooks up Percy with a nighttime gig as the piano man at the local brothel, ironically named “Church.” Church is where Idlewild’s characters and their personalities are exposed.
Terrance Howard (of Hustle and Flow) takes over the local bootlegging business and Rooster takes over the Church, which sparks a battle over money.
Percy’s internal battle leaves him wanting more from life, but the death that surrounds him holds him back until the arrival of Angel Davenport (Payla Patton). She gives him hope for a way out Idlewild.
The performances in the film are stagnant, but the dancing and singing are impressive. Macy Gray’s performance as Taffy, a performer at Church, manages not to overact but still adds a touch of comedy to the film. Gray is real and gives “Idlewild” authenticity, unfortunately from which Ving Rhames as Spats and Faizon Love as Sunshine Ace detract. Andre 3000’s acting is inconsistent, but always sincere. Big Boi’s is equally over the top.
Overall, if audiences are familiar with the cast, they may be able to catch the film’s overall message: loss can either lead someone to their dreams or lead them in the opposite direction.
Still, those unfamiliar with the movie’s stars may walk away singing one of the many tunes from the picture.
