77
Metascore
38 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90New York Magazine (Vulture)Peter RainerNew York Magazine (Vulture)Peter RainerWhat it's really about is the euphoria that talent can bring to those who are possessed by it. That euphoria lights up the screen.
- 90The A.V. ClubNathan RabinThe A.V. ClubNathan RabinThe film's absolute conviction keeps it from feeling formulaic.
- 90Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonThis is about the rise of a pop star, plain and simple. The real deal –- and the movie's greatest fun –- is in the rap contests.
- 88USA TodayMike ClarkUSA TodayMike ClarkThe rap sequences are shot and edited with the excitement of a crisply broadcast sporting event, which in a way they are.
- 80NewsweekDavid AnsenNewsweekDavid AnsenIt’s too early to place Eminem alongside those Hollywood giants (Jimmy Cagney/John Garfield), but the promise is there. He understands the power of being still in front of a camera. Compact, volatile and burningly intense, he’s got charisma to spare.
- 75New York PostJonathan ForemanNew York PostJonathan ForemanWhat makes 8 Mile transcend the formulaic nature of its plot is the way it makes these rap competitions compelling even for those unfamiliar with rap music, and its scrupulous, loving rendition of a grim, wintry Detroit circa 1995.
- 70Village VoiceJ. HobermanVillage VoiceJ. HobermanExtremely clever in its use of self-deprecation, it's guaranteed to bring down the house at any remotely sympathetic venue.
- 63Baltimore SunMichael SragowBaltimore SunMichael SragowA star is born in 8 Mile, all right, but his name is Mekhi Phifer.
- 63Charlotte ObserverLawrence ToppmanCharlotte ObserverLawrence ToppmanThe loosely autobiographical 8 Mile, an uneven but watchable drama about life in Detroit's slums, begins the shrewd transformation of vitriolic rapper Eminem into a mainstream figure.
- 50TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghTV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghWhat's most disappointing is the thoroughly cliched story.