There are better films about prison, rappers, gangs, drugs and all of the above than Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” which is far more a cash-in on Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s popularity than a testament to whatever acting abilities he might possess.



Early returns indicate he doesn’t have any, anyway: Jackson can’t even emote his way out of his own movie. Flashes of ability occasionally shine though, but the heavy lifting is generally left to the supporting cast (Terrence Howard, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) while Jackson mumbles and gawks his way through the proceedings.



Aside from a bizarre shower fight scene, nothing about GRODT is bad on a wince-inducing scale, and some of the shootouts and such are actually pretty good. But too much of this kinda sorta autobiography is shallow and poorly paced, and there is a multitude of better ways to spend two hours.

Extra: Behind-the-scenes feature.



Grade: C