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Idlewild Reviews

Dec 30, 2024

Very, very NOT GOOD.

Feb 28, 2021

"Idlewilde" is a lot more fun and entertaining than current movies. It has its flaws, but it's a better time than the depressing movies being made now.

Sep 17, 2020

SPOILERS Read the last sentences for Overall Spoiler free. What an odd experience, I watched through the first half or so of this film and found some fun in it but ultimately was bored with the film for a while as it began to build tensions in the second act between Rooster and Trumpy. All the characters in this film were very memorable surprisingly even though some parts were dull, I really enjoyed the beginning and being introduced to the setting and characters. Seeing how they got from point A to point B, I also enjoyed the acting quite a bit. I am a huge Outkast fan so seeing Benjamin and Antwon act was a treat and also a surprise. I expected there to be some bumps but they both played their parts extremely well and even though Percy was a standout performance I preferred the slick, smooth Rooster and his arc throughout the story. I was expecting a happy ending for Percy and Angel while having Rooster die at the hands of his wife at the beginning because I heard the Idlewild Outkast album which took some interesting creative directions that don't line up with the movie so listening to that ended up allowing my expectations to be subverted. I was also surprised to hear songs from Outkast's previous double album included for the majority of the films soundtrack and was pleased by how well they fit into the story apart from a few lines that sounded out of place and one or two songs around the end near the twist that felt off but had the right tone. The villain was an interesting foil for Rooster as they shared a father figure in Spats however Trumpy was Spats protégé and Rooster was more a nephew Spats took under his wing. Trumpy ends up killing Spats which sends him and Rooster on an inevitable war path while simultaneously Rooster must deal with his marriage issues that were caused by his lying, drinking, and cheating. In the end an act of kindness saves Roosters life causing him to change his life and find god for the better after he survives Trumpy although it was very easy to figure out what the film was gonna do with Roosters gift he recieves after the act of kindness. The gift along with a car chase leads into the climax and with the help of Percy triumphs over Trumpy at a cost. The film also features a aforementioned incredible car chase that I re watched a few times because the song mix combined with the high stakes chase and somehow compelling action made for the best scene of the film. Then on Percy's side of the story you have a lonely man who just isn't interested in the lifestyle Rooster is he just wants to make music for people to enjoy but is tied down to work at the mortuary by his father. When the character of Angel comes his life is changed forever and by the end he finds his first love and soul mate, he is ultimately rescued by Rooster at the end of the film after he is about to commit suicide and is motivated by Rooster and Angel to travel the world and become a famous musician which he does and it makes for a satisfying ending for both Percy and Rooster and a good conclusion to the film. Its not a wow film, its not exactly a light or fun film and sometimes there is obvious signs that it was filmed in modern day but its an intriguing and enjoyable film for what they were going for. I would say that I can see why many don't enjoy it but I can for what it is and the little nods, surprises, and that great car chase.

Jul 14, 2020

A muddled plot with a maintained core, possibly by relation, and stylized with the crime narrative grounding its blended musical non-extravagance while nicely powered by the talented one-of-a-kind showcases. (B)

Dec 17, 2018

I loved the music, but in the middle they mentioned Luther Vandross who was born in 1951, and his movie was supposed to be in the thirties. Big goof, but great musical numbers

Oct 13, 2018

Idlewild is a disappointing film. It is about two Prohibition-era performers who are determined to fend off the vicious gangsters. Andre Benjamin and Big Bog give terrible performances. The script is badly written. Bryan Barber did a horrible job directing this movie. I was not impressed with this motion picture.

Jul 19, 2018

An okay movie. Acting aint bad, soundtrack is above average, but the plot and comedy is a bit silly at times and the movie is a bit slow as a whole.

May 29, 2018

amazing! aWESOME cast of actors and actresses!

Dec 12, 2015

Great music and a very good story.

Apr 8, 2015

Outkast shoots to make 'Idlewild' their 'Purple Rain', but it's quirkiness makes it feel more like 'Under The Cherry Moon'.

May 5, 2014

I used to be an OutKast fan, but this movie is pretty disappointing. It doesnt have a very solid story and seems to underperform too often. There is a pretty good cast associated with this film, but thats about the only positive.

Apr 7, 2014

At times the plot is predictable, but it's a musical that has a good sondtrack and it didn't annoy me (unlike Grease).

Feb 23, 2014

I love this movie its the bomb

Feb 20, 2014

Okay so it was like a long music video.....

Feb 13, 2014

yes, Idlewild is a jumbled mess of a plot that is overly saturated in stylistic pulp but the interpretation of several iconic Outkast tracks is marvelous.

Jan 21, 2014

This is one of my favorite movies, I find the review for this movie pathetic,My question is did anyone watch this movie?

Nov 23, 2013

I love this movie! I don't think is gets enough credit for being an awesome movie.

Sep 21, 2013

Thought this was pretty good. Andre Benjamin from "Outkast" gives a wonderful performance & Paula Patton was great too. Love the dancing and singing too.

May 22, 2013

Consider my bias as an avowed Outkast fan.

Dec 7, 2012

<i><b>Flask</b>: Well, you know how that old saying goes, 'What goes around, comes around'! </i> <b>André Benjamin</b>: Percival <b>Big Boi</b>: Rooster (as Antwan A. Patton) <b>Paula Patton</b>: Angel <b>Terrence Howard</b>: Trumpy Musical set in the Prohibition-era American South, where Piano playing Percival and club manager Rooster must contend with gangster villains who have their eyes set on the club while his piano player and partner Percival must choose between his love, Angel or his obligations to his father. I knew ages ago I'd love this film being a massive fan of <i><b>OUTKAST.</i></b> Right from the word go the artistic range and depth of soul is apparent. Also being a huge fan of musicals this free-form style that <i>Idlewild</i> has really sparks my heart. Andre shows he's a talented actor as well as musician, along with his partner Big Boi. Terrance Howard also plays a brilliant villain of the piece who will have you seething. The songs will have you clicking your fingers and tapping in time and all that jazz. Costumes, effects(Love the Rooster Flask with its scratchy cartoony voice) and the feel to the movie all just seem to click and gel, giving that 1930s resonance to the film on a whole. The story and characters are all multi-layered and have depth, making them more than 2D cutouts. I think I'd go far as to say this is better than <i>Dreamgirls</i>. An artful soulful musical movie that will stand out for years to come. Play the Rooster song again please...

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