Seen on: January 17, 2009

The players: Director: George Tillman Jr., Writers: Cheo Hodari Coker, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Cast: Jamal Woolard, Angela Bassett, Derek Luke, Anthony Mackie, Antonique Smith

Facts of interest: George Tillman Jr. also directed "Men of Honor."

The plot: Follows the life and career of Christopher Wallace, who's also known as Notorious B.I.G.

Our quick thoughts: No dream was too big for Christopher “Biggie” Wallace (Jamal Woolard), a Brooklyn boy who abandoned his drug-dealing habits to pursue his dream of a career as a hip-hop artist. George Tillman Jr’s intriguing biopic “Notorious” recounts the short but eventful life of the influential musician, who quickly rose to fame but ended up losing his life in a tragic shooting at the young age of 24.

Although I was already familiar with some of his music, I really didn’t know much about Biggie’s life before I walked into this film, which is why I certainly don’t have the capacity to analyze how well and authentic the characters are depicted onscreen. What I can say though is that the plot quickly grabbed my attention and told a captivating story about a determined young man’s rise to stardom.

Biggie’s life may have been a short one, but the man certainly experienced a lot before and during his extraordinary career. Reggie Rock Bythewood and Cheo Hodari Coker’s script covers a lot in two hours, but the movie never really drowns in too many subplots. Most of the characters playing a role in Wallace’s life (personal and professional) are properly introduced, and the plot never diverts too much from the central character and his rise to fame.

Overall, “Notorious” is very entertaining, focusing closely on Biggie’s relationship with his producer Sean Combs and his romantic, sexual and dramatic episodes with Lil Kim and Faith Evans. The movie also doesn’t waste too much time with long concert scenes, although that doesn’t mean we’re not getting enough of his intriguing music. On the contrary, the film carries a strong soundtrack throughout.

“Notorious” marks the acting debut for Jamal Woolard, but this guy knows his stuff and handles the lead role with plenty of care and enthusiasm. Again, I can’t comment on how well he represents the real Biggie, but to me, he came across as credible. Other noteworthy performances include Derek Luke’s Sean Combs, Naturi Naughton’s Lil Kim and Antonique Smith’s Faith Evans.

Freaky quote: “What kind of grown-ass man calls himself 'Puffy?'" – Angela Bassett

The final word: “Notorious” may run a little too long and include several conventional aspects, but the interesting story line, the strong soundtrack and the film’s excellent look result in a vibrant viewing experience you may easily enjoy if you would like to know more about the legendary rapper whose dramatic music touched many people’s lives. It’s a solid biopic, no doubt in my mind.

Article by Franck Tabouring