I just got back from the movie.

Of course, if you want to experience the life of rapper such as Biggie Smalls, the audience has to endure one or more of the following:

Gratuitous use of the N-word
Nudity
Further use of profanity

Doesn't sound like much of a film, right? Wrong. Jamal Woolard exceptionally portrays the mannerisms and vernacular of the fallen M.C., and given his lack of acting experience, he was one of the actors who MADE the movie. Derek Luke had me feeling like I was actually watching the real Puffy on screen, Antonique Smith and Nauti Naugton did great jobs capturing the essense of Faith Evans and Lil Kim, respectively (even though the real Lil' Kim is protesting the film).

Ah, and Angela Basset as Biggie's mom: I don't think anyone could have done it better than she. Her demeanor as a no-nonsense, caring mother showed how much of an impact she really was in Chris Wallace's short life-span. Now, I'm not trying to jock-ride here, but I do want to say that I came into the movie with very little expecations. Once the film concluded, it left me satisfied knowing the 9.50 I spent on the movie ticket didn't go to waste. I was shown a work of art attempting to recreate B.I.G.'s life, from the testimonies and events told by his family, his friends, and the always ridiculous media outlets.

This film has a taste of Oscar buzz, I assure you. Jamal Woolard and Angela Basset deserve nominations by themselves for the way they portrayed their respective characters. Derek Luke could snap a nom for supporting actor in his portrayal of Diddy.

I'll leave it at that. I know there are many who had little or no interest in seeing this movie, and I humbly respect your opinion.