50 Cent – Refuse To Die
Picture: C+
Sound: B Extras: C Documentary: C
To capitalize on the Jim Sheridan-directed 50 Cent –
Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ feature film, New Line has issued Refuse To Die,
produced earlier this year as part of a continuing blitz of product trying to
capitalize on the success of the hot Rapper as the Hip Hop genre continues to
coast along with little new to offer.
This is one of those unauthorized productions that do not have the
blessing or participation of the artist, but in a move going back to Elvis
Presley, the cashing in does include other family members who may or may not
have something valuable to share.
Like a very bad biopic, and we have not sent he Sheridan
film as of posting time, this offers the very basics about the birthplace and
neighborhood life of the subject in as simple terms as possible. The problem is that though this is done with
some more professionalism, this is just a slicker version of the cheapie productions
on artists without their approval that all kinds of companies like to put
out. This does not thrill record labels
or their artists, but these tabloid-type productions continue to endure,
especially as their print counterparts go into decline. Though unrated, it was boring as a G, silly
G-rated production that is. This was 81
minutes, but felt like it would never end.
The anamorphically enhanced 1.85 X 1 image is not awful,
in its pastiche of analog videotape interviews, simple computer animation and
stills. Just don’t expect much more. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is a bit better
than the 2.0 version with Pro Logic surrounds, especially because of the .1 LFE
tracks ability to deal with deep bass of Hip Hop genre music better than no
such track in the lesser mix. The
combination puts it above the usual unauthorized production. Extras are few, but include making of
segments, a photo shoot, the original trailer and an animation gallery. Only die-hard fans need apply, but they may
even get quickly bored.
- Nicholas Sheffo
