Every generation has a person or group of people who challenge the norm and are considered trendsetters. By far, Outkast holds the title for our generation. From music to movies, the Atlanta duo has been on top of the music game since they stepped on the scene in 1994 with their certified Platinum debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. The ATliens have done it once again with the hit movie/musical Idlewild.
Idlewild is the story of trials and tribulations with love and ambition that two struggling artists encounter, told through well choreographed music and dance sequences.
Set in the late 1920’s, Idlewild explores the lives of Rooster (Antwan Patton) and Percival (Andre’ Benjamin), two friends from very different sides of the track. Rooster hails from a household void of structure, while Percival is forced to live a very sheltered and closely guarded life.
The movie also features an all-star cast of some of the most known persons in music and film today. The cast includes Terrance Howard (Crash), Ving Rhames (Mission Impossible), Faizon Love (The Players Club), Malinda Williams (Soul Food the Series), Macy Gray, Tony Award winner Ben Vereen (Why Do Fools Fall in Love), Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Cicely Tyson (Diary of a Mad Black Woman), and legendary recording artist Patti LaBelle, not to mention cameos from Patrick “Sleepy” Brown, comedian Bruce Bruce and more.
Idlewild is without a doubt, an instant classic. From the choreography to the well-written and -performed musical selections, Idlewild defiantly goes where very few musicals have even thought of going.
Director Bryan Barber takes full advantage of every element in the movie from Rooster’s talking to his rooster friend on his flask, to Percival’s mischievous musical notes, not to mention the mix of hip hop and the 1920’s popular swing music.
Idlewild definitely gets The Gramblinite stamp of approval. I give it an A+.