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Reviews
Anne B. Real (2003)
Incredible
I'm no fan of most rap and hip hop or most poetry, for that matter, so I was amazed by this movie. It captured me. Not only did it give me a new appreciation for the art of "rhyming," but the compelling story and talented cast really won me over.
At the risk of mis-branding this film a "chick flick," Lisa France has tapped into an inner voice and angst that's too typical of American teenage girls (and women). When we allow others (let alone ourselves) to discourage us from pursuing our dreams and talents, we are our truly own worst enemies.
In reality, this is no "chick flick." It's a gritty slice of city life, with its share of violence and loss. You won't find any incarnation of Meg Ryan here (not even in the pleasant surprise of Jackie Martling's brief stint as a curmudgeonly teacher).
Simply put, I was swept away, by the music, by the energy, by the writing, by the acting, by the vision and visuals, and, of course, by the unique play of words flowing from the experience of this aspiring teen "rhymer" against the inspirational words of Anne Frank and the resulting evolution of this teenage girl.
This is a movie you will want to own and share with friends of all ages and watch over and over again.