He Is Alive! At A Theatre Near You. ;)
Written: Nov 30 '03 (Updated Jul 31 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: In his own words, lots of facts, music, and interviews.
Cons: Length, and the teenage audience it has attracted.
The Bottom Line: Tupac's life and story is truly "resurrected" in this five star film!
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| kenikov's Full Review: Tupac: Resurrection |
I've been a fan of Tupac for many years, purchasing his CDs, videos, DVDs, magazines, books...whatever.
When this movie came out, I was extremely excited. I was spooked when I heard that the whole movie was in his own words.
Story Line
So basically, this is a documentary done on Tupac, except in theaters as opposed to A&E Television. What makes this movie special is the fact that 2pac's mother, Afeni Shakur, authorized it.
2Pac fans will find out many things they didn't know about their favourite rapper, like he was in ballet, or that both his parents were leaders in the Black Panthers. 2pac also talks about how he knew that he was going to get shot. As a result, he was in the studios for hours writing multiple songs a day.
After watching the movie, you will surely think of Tupac in a different, and better way than you did before.
The movie includes his interviews, events, shootings, and trials. All of this is narrated by Tupac himself.
The Good
The best thing about this film, as mentioned above is that the entire movie is in his voice.
He talks about the events that took place while he was in jail, the true meaning of "Thug Life" and how Puff Daddy allegedly shot him.
Lots of music as expected throughout the movie to set the mood, but a full music video or song is never shown or played. The music as expected, is great. Lots of Tupac and music from Digital Underground is also played.
The movies shows non-fans the real Tupac. Not the crazy guy that spat at cameras that the media sometimes portrayed. 2pac performed many selfless acts which is shown in the movie.
The movie is can be very amusing at certain parts, especially when 2pac talks about how there are such things as male b*tches.
Lots of interesting facts, the music, narration and never before seen footage make this movie a winner. The photographs shown are also great. Props to the Director of Photography and anyone else who made those photos come to life.
Edit: They talk about the photographs on the DVD.
The Bad
The worst part of the movie was the length. It is about two hours, but for a documentary it was kind of long for me. Especially since I drank that huge bottle of coke and was waiting for the end just to go pee. It seemed like the movie was going on forever, but most of us has had that feeling before.
The guy next to us left with about twenty-minutes left in the movie. That was one of the first times I've seen someone just walk out of a movie.
Another thing I disliked about the movie was the people watching it. I was waiting for the next movie for this thing, and this crowd walked out after just watching the movie. They were little Caucasian kids in like Middle School screaming, "Thug Life! Thug Life!", trying to start a fight or something. Everyone around them just laughed. Obviously, they missed the meaning of "Thug Life".
The American rating is a huge disadvantage to the movie. It is rated "R", for what? Sure, there were a few inappropriate scenes during the "Humpty Hump" song. However, a lot of people in the theatre found that hilarious. Aside from the cursing it shouldn't keep kids under seventeen from watching.
Of course, I think keeping kids under seventeen from watching is a good thing. Do you know why I just contradicted myself?
Rap fans these days consist of Teenagers that listen to 50 Cent, Nelly and Ja Rule. They don't know anything about the history of Gangsta Rap, and the only song they've heard from Tupac is "Changes", and claim they listen to his music. These new generation of rap fans will probably miss the whole point of the film.
While at the cinema, I kept on seeing kids under seventeen trying to sneak into the movie. So obviously, the rating isn't keeping anyone under seventeen from viewing this movie. In Canada, the rating is 14A.
My Rating
I would rate this movie a PG13 in the USA. You could bring your child in to watch the movie with you. I mean, if you don't mind the talk about sex and the constant profanity. But hey, that's real life.
It is really sad that today's rap fans have never heard any of his other great songs aside from a few of his singles. He is truly the master at his game.
Conclusion
I will buy the DVD when it comes out, and I have the soundtrack. My brother has seen the movie twice! I haven't heard many disappointing things about it.
Tupac Shakur is artistic, a great leader, talented and original. This movie does a great job in showing these great traits to the audience.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
kenikov
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Location: Canada
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 4 members
About Me:
"I just came from the Price Club. I'm loaded up, baby!"
- Kramer
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