The main antagonist in the movie was referred to as "Majestic" - in 50's real life, much of his history with Kenneth "Supreme" Mc Griff is public knowledge. Majestic...Supreme...I see the similaritires. 50 has even mentioned him in songs. It has also been suggested that Mc Griff was in some way involved in the murder of 50's real life mother as was the case with Majestic in the movie. [Side note: there is actually a "Free Supreme" MYSPACE page]
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Didn't 50 mention that he lived with his grandma? - In the movie, Marcus lives with Grandma.
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Was Terrance Howard Sha Money XXL? - if so................that ninja is a Bad mofo!!!
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Im tryna figure out if the Majestic "pitbull" in the movie was Domination or Bang um Smurf [silver back gorillas]?.... & was the "Dangerous" character Ja Rule???? ....& who is the crack smokin snitch in the movie - in real life??? Where do the d*mn lines blur????

I could prolly come up with a few more if I had time......

Most of the mainstream critics [ Ebert being one of the few exceptions] panned this film EARLY. According to the Internet Movie Database, Get Rich or Die Trying is one of the lowest rated films on (number 27 on the worst rated movies, with a rating of 2.4 out of ten) and is currently featured on its worst 100 list as of February, 2006. At Rotten Tomatoes, it has a rating of "Rotten" (a score lower than 60%) with only 17% of the reviews being positive.

I can see how the news headlines would make the critics feel like 50 was glamorizing his life by even making a semi-autobiographical film. I mean.....especially when your posters [ALONE] resulted in several protests and canceling of the movie run all together in some locations[above are 2 variations are the posters used to promote the movie].

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True dat....True dat....he could have dodged the 8 Ball with his first movie and took a part that was far less controversial...But now...that wouldn't be 50 aka "Mr. Controversy"....the man who made his mark by making a song that talked about robbing all the biggest names in rap.

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My biggest issue with the critics is.......

What makes his story of trial and error any less enriching than let's say that of "Red Button", the drunkard, one "good eye" having jockey in "Sea Biscuit"? [I loved that movie, by the way] Both had to fend for themselves at early ages and despite their methods...both went on to become highly regarded persons in their respective fields. Both got themselves in some crap they could have avoided. Point being, our life experiences and the choices we make are relative to our personal existence. Both of these men did what they had to do!!! In retrospect, would they have made the same decisions...Maybe, but then again, Maybe not. But without all of the mistakes.....we would have the compelling sucess stories of neither. IMO critics should be given the same instructions as jurors during legal proceedings - "only judge based on what is presented to you" [period]. I think far too many critics went into the theater with preconceived notions and as a result missed the boat. They forgot to wipe off their shit stained glasses before they sat down.

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FYI: This was not a movie to watch if you were looking to strengthen your belief American values....LOL! What the hell are American values anyway??? This movie offers a glimpse into a "different" reality - ONLY. It was a characterization of a boy coming of age in Jamaica, Queens during the 80-90s. If the existence he [Marcus] lived is foreign to you....I can see how one could label this as another story where the bad guys are portrayed as the hero. But, I THANKFULLY saw something different!! Its is what it is....one man's amazing story!!! I've seen Marcus' story in too many people to name. You REALLY want to talk about something......let's talk about the conditions that are necessary to create a "Marcus". LOL! Nah...I already know that's not gonna happen.....it's so much easier to dissect this movie. Folk may have read waaaaaay more into certain parts than they should......I think far too many critics opted to review a flick they were predisposed to hate.
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Let'$ give 50 his prop$!!!!
During the same stretch of time:
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The Gotti Brothers were indicted and their money laundering trial began. 50's name was all in the news. Text messages were the crux of the government's case. Apparently several of these messages implied that Supreme had ordered the hit on 50 in 2000.

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Mc Griff's antics finally caught up with him [peep the Baltimore connection] This is the same guy that 50 has named as involved in not only his shooting, but also the killing of Jam Master Jay (Run DMC).
Also see: Feds seek death penalty [source: Vibe].

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As reported: 1 December 2005 (StudioBriefing)
Police in Syracuse, NY have blamed the 50 Cent movie Get Rich or Die Tryin for an increase in gang shootings in the city. In an interview with the Associated Press, police Lt. John Brennan remarked, "The movie glorifies gang life. ... I think it may have opened up some of the wounds between gangs that had been feuding with each other." Two of the shootings occurred in a mall where the movie was being shown, one of them following a fight that took place inside the theater as it was being screened, police said. [source: IMDB news]

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Ok.........but I didn't see any gangs.....LOL! Ooooooooh wait, Marcus' "crew" was the gang - I guess [symantx].

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Many of the stars including Adewale Akkinuoye-Agbaje [Majestic] spoke out publicly about the wrong impression the media was giving people about the movie. Who remembers Adabesi from "OZ"??.....he taught me that male homosexuals come in all shapes, sizes and persuasions. I am forever changed. he he!!! Director Jim sheridan mentioned in an article that it pisses him off that "Everybody keeps saying, 'You know, you made a black movie,"....he goes on to say..."And I keep saying, 'No, I made a movie. I made a white movie. I made the same movie if I were making it in Dublin or London or anywhere...."I didn't approach it like it's special. I'm used to Belfast. It's the same." Thank you for that, Mr. Sheridan!!!

In closing,

Not saying this was the best movie in the world, but 50's acting far from sucked. I've developed a greater appreciation for 50, the artist. I thought the pace of the movie was good [not too long..not too short] & the music and costumes were on point [folk earned their guac]. I loved 50's shy "Marcus"............for the first time 50 actually seemed human to me. His vulnerability was endearing. This movie made me realize that I never really looked at him as a real man. I wonder is 50 gonna start calling himself, Curtis Jackson......like your boy Luda......oh my bad call him Mr. Chris Bridges aka the Oscar Winner!

Overall......I feel this is a great addition to my movie collection. This puppy is NOW sitting right next to BLOW. That's prime real estate!!!! Now......I can't say that I am ready and waiting for the next Curtis Jackson feature film, but I can say.....I won't just start crack up laughing for no reason next time someone says his name and dramatic epic in the same sentence!!! After having grossed over 30 Million + in the theaters alone..........it's safe to say that Curtis Jackson [the actor] is here to say. But then again let me not presume......I assumed the same would happen for Eminem, but it didn’t - go figure!!!

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In my opinion, the fact that he not only shot a film, recorded a soundtrack of all original music and promoted the movie/DVD in the States and abroad all while so much other stuff was going on in his life really speaks volumes about the determination of 50 cents [I think this is true on the screen and in real life]. He was in the middle of a storm during one of the biggest times of his career. This makes me want to learn more about 50 and has made me more curious about his life......which I think was the plan from the jump!!! I still have questions..............guess I have to buy his next album and see if he will elaborate more.

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Regardless of whether you believe that most of the story is fact or fiction.....................you can't deny...........in both real life and on the big screen.........."Hate it or love it....the underdog ended up on top"..............Gots to love that!!! Go 50 it$ your Payday!!! I hope you party like its your Birthday!!!

Interesting side note:
The white Mercedes Marcus (50 cent) drove throughout most of the movie had a sunroof in some shots, and not in others. LOL! I am sure we all have plenty of examples of this happening....but to refresh your memory and to learn about other movie blunders you can use to impress your friends or next date.....you can find more movie mistakes @ MovieMistakes.com

I'm not on the big screen like Curtis Jackson YET...........but I'm staring on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove already!!!!

Hip Hop Lives!!! Watchout NOW!!!

Edit:

I know this post was hella long...this was an exercise in free writing. It's great to do it sometimes.....

The one negative aspect of the movie:

We didn't see HOW he got on?? I saw the writing of rhymes, but not the actual grind. That was the one part that took away from the whole movie. I don't think they did a good enough job of showing what steps he took in his quest for stardum [when did he ever fail?]. This movie kinda gave the false impression that him wanting to rap was all he needed to become this mega star, Ceasar. That was kinda weak..... & the ending was kinda blah! Unlike 8 Mile's climactic ending where you celebrated B. Rabbit's accomplishments.