In the early ’90s Andre 3000 & Big Boi formed a hip-hop duo called, “OutKast.” Their debut album, “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik” earned positive reactions. The second album, “ATLiens” earned praise Followed by critically acclaimed albums that made them a household name. Most notably, “Aquemini,” “Stankonia” and last but not least, the Grammy award winning double album known as “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.”
OutKast worked simultaneously on their sixth and final album, “Idlewild” and musical crime-drama film sharing the same name produced by HBO and distributed by Universal. Both of ’em were released in 2006, (same year as Casino Royale came out) the album received good reviews. The film however, received mixed reviews from critics and barely made enough money at the box office.
Andre & Big Boi went their separate ways focusing on solo careers. I had fond memories listening to their albums growing up. My all-time pick’s the latter. Without the duo, other hip-hop artists such as Logic, Mac Miller (may he Rest in Peace) & Donald Glover/Childish Gambino would have never launched a career. I give credit where credit is due.
Before the highly anticipated Joker: Folie a Deux” comes out on October 4, 2024, I’ll be watching and reviewing a few musical films. I know I’m not a huge musical fan, but I’m doing this to keep myself occupied. I cannot wait to see Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga singing and dancing together as Joker & Harley Quinn. Which musical should I review next? Please leave a comment.
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to see this gem.
On-Key & Off-Key Aspects
On-Key: Andre 3000 & Big Boi both did a superb job for their respective performances.
Other Cast Members such as Terrence Howard, Paula Patton, Faizon Love & Ving Rhames all did a decent job for their respective performances. Paula did her own singing. Not a terrible singer like Russell Crowe in “Les Misérables.” His voice is repugnant. He should stick to acting in non-musicals.
Musical Numbers are songs taken from the album of the same and the double album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. You can tell Andre’s passionate about musicals films. He made an instrumental take on a well-known song from “The Sound of Music,” “My Favorite Things.” It’s on the aforementioned double album.
John Debney (Spy Kids 1-2, Elf, Sin City) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Pacing didn’t take forever going from Point A to Point B. I was hooked since the beginning.
Chemistry between Percy & Rooster serves as the main highlight.
A roster often shows up. Symbolism at its finest.
Percy falls in love with a singer named, Angel. Their romance is conflicted due to Percy’s ties with Rooster’s bootlegging activities.
The film seems to be influenced by notable musicals including “Moulin Rouge” & “Chicago.”
Don’t expect this film to be accurate, it’s stylized like a music video. As if Baz Luhrmann directed it.
Cinematography and Editing matches any music video with OutKast.
Costume Designs and Set Pieces were manually built by decorators.
My favorite number’s arguably “She Lives in My Lap.” Andre deserves Bonus Points. A darn shame he didn’t get an Oscar nomination for “Best Actor.”
The End Credits features the Cast performing one more number. You can’t tell they were having a good time.
Off-Key: I couldn’t nothing wrong. I’m giving OutKast an Extra Point for making a flawless musical crime-drama as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
I may not be a big musical fan, but I consider Idlewild as a masterpiece. If you’re an OutKast fan, this one’s definitely worth your spare time. Way better than “Mamma Mia” and Sia horrendously bad directorial debut, “Music.” Someday, Andre 3000 & Big Boi will reunite together. Who knows if a possible seventh album becomes a reality. Only time will tell. I wanna see new music videos with OutKast. My all-time pick’s “Roses.” Funny as heck. Do you have a favorite music video from the duo?
Nickthemoviecritic.com 