Percival and Rooster (Benjamin and Antwan Patton) grew up as buddies in Idlewild, Georgia, hoping for bigger and better things. Now Percival's trapped as assistant to his mortician father (Vereen), while Rooster neglects his family, smuggling moonshine and performing in late-night jazz joints. Then a new singer (Paula Patton) spots Percival's raw talent. While Rooster struggles to fend off an ambitious thug (Howard) who moves in his scene.

The plot's as old as the hills, and there aren't any surprises. What gives the film its originality are its visual and musical styles. First-time feature director Barber fills every scene with gimmicky flourishes, camera tricks and digital tweaks. This looks terrific, but most embellishments aren't properly integrated into the plot, such as Rooster's talking hip flask and Percival's wall of cuckoo clocks.

The music, meanwhile, is a jazzy collection of OutKast tunes that feel anachronistic to the period. But they're staged with a terrific Moulin Rouge-style energy that's the best thing about the film. Alas, some songs (most notably Paula Patton's big number) disappoint, and Benjamin doesn't get to cut loose until a big closing credits number.

At least he gets an intriguing character to play, and superbly brings the slightly mopey Percival to life. Antwan Patton is also good as the more one-note Rooster, while the supporting cast get their chance to shine in various scenes. Howard, naturally, steals the show with sheer intensity--we can't take our eyes off him, even though the character is severely underwritten.

The film is busy enough to keep us watching, but since it's so predictable--and Barber's so over-eager to indulge in violent gunplay--we never engage emotionally. The only plot thread with any passion is the romance, and even that runs a well-worn path. So the big finale lacks the necessary pay-off, and the six-months-later coda feels cheap. As a long-form music video, it's seriously impressive, but as a movie it's not even close.

themes, violence, sexuality, language

7.Aug.06