spam-148 I really liked this one. I thought they did a great job of updating the story to the present day in a clever, believable way. I'm not a particular fan of hip-hop, either. There were some really clever lyrics (my favorite was the argument scene), yet the original score does underlie the whole thing. I liked it much better than "Carmen Jones," the 50s version of "Carmen" which degenerates into Broadway schlock at times.The man who played the evil cop did a really terrific job, and I hear he's usually a singer, not an actor. The supporting roles were really well interpreted and the people who played them well-chosen. I very much enjoyed the fortune teller, who seemed really ominous with his voodoo/Jamaican aura. The leads shined.My main gripe with the whole thing was the camera work, which was rather distracting at times. For example, there is a meta-commentary at the beginning and end of the movie, a rap done by a woman, and the camera constantly changes angles and splits into multiple images of the artist. I'd have much preferred a straight shot so that I could pay attention to what she's saying and her body language, which were good.Overall, I loved it and will see it again.

funkyfry Poorly acted, unconvincing "modern" adaption of Bizet's classic opera. Saddled with a two-dollar production look and a cast of (with the exception of Phifer) unprofessional actors. One fairly interesting bit is a few parts which actually set Bizet's music to raps, which only works intermittently. Inferior to both the original and Oscar Hammerstein's similarly overblown 1950s adaption (filmed, if I remember right, memorably by Otto Preminger). All fans of musicals should avoid it, even though it holds out the promise of being a new type of musical. All fans of hip hop should avoid it, because it forces a cast that is incredibly talented in musical areas to act with hokey dialogue and no direction. It should especially be taken on for taking Mos Def, a genius of lyrics, and making him rap to mediocre lines written by some bozo the clown. Townsend should really be taken to the cleaners over this, and in the future he should probably be advised to look the other way when offered TV productions with a look like my mama's basement (and she hasn't got one, folks).�

kenandraf One of the best musicals I have seen.It is a classic and could even have reached Masterpiece status if it was done with a better production that was less rushed.Overall more entertaining than the original Carmen due to more up to date portrayal of this tragic but often true tale.The acting here is only average but adequate enough and is compensated by the very good musical deliveries.Incorporation of the best techniques from Music Video productions into modern musicals is an idea that is long overdue and in due time will be eventually done more often as evidenced by the successful film Maulin Rouge.Music videos have developed very good visual effects and styles that will translate very well into movies.Why this has not been done more often is probably due to Hollywood powers that be who are trying to protect their brand of directing styles from MTV influence as much as they can.This delaying tactic will not hold on forever and eventually,the mainstream will catch on and ostracised Music Video directors/technicians will be let into the movie industry more.This is inevitable.There are so much incedible Music Videos being released that are such masterpieces,they have better overall production quality than most junk movies Hollywood releases year after year.It just so happens that Hollywood has great stars/actors and more minutes per show on hand.Beyonce Knowles also displayed that she is a talent to be reconned with and the average acting she displayed in this musical is incredible for a first timer and I am sure she will get better as she continues to blossom.She is a unique all around talent that must not be under estimated.Bravo to the Hip Hop communty for creating this remake.This musical is only for those who like Hip Hop and uderstand the classics as well,and for big fans of the lead Actors/Musicians here.....

daveart I enjoyed this, although it was too short to cover the story well enough. I thought Beyonce & Mekhi were both great, and Mos played a good villain. As long as you don't expect a true remake of the opera, you should enjoy it.