8 Mile

(Note: This review refers to the Blu-ray version of the DVD.)

Curtis Hanson directs rap star Eminem in this 2002 drama, a fictional story of the working-class struggles and rap dreams of a Detroit kid, inspired and informed by the singer's real-life experience. But the film doesn't predict stardom, only a personal triumph for a kid hip to his reality, and Eminem (in his only major big-screen appearance to date) exudes frustration and inarticulate anger as well as defensiveness and vulnerability with his wide, glaring eyes. And the rap battles are great. Kim Basinger plays his down-on-her-luck mom, and Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy and Taryn Manning co-star. Includes the documentary featurette "The Making of 8 Mile," five uncensored "Rap Battles" and a music video