Genre: Drama, Comedy
Tagline: A New American Story
Plot: 17-year-old Rashad (TIP HARRIS) was forced to become the man of the house earlier than most. Since the death of his parents, he’s carried the responsibility for himself and his little brother Ant (EVAN ROSS) squarely on his shoulders. While he does his best to keep Ant in school and out of the trouble that’s always lurking just around the corner in their South Atlanta neighborhood, sometimes it seems like a losing battle – Rashad can’t be everywhere at once, and Ant is dangerously close to falling under the spell of a blinged-out local dealer who promises fast money and the respect Ant dreams of getting. A talented artist, Rashad doesn’t see any future for himself beyond assisting his Uncle George (MYKELTI WILLIAMSON) as a janitor after school. The thing is, “assisting” George actually means doing all the work and seeing none of the cash.Lately it seems the only bright spot in Rashad’s life is New-New (LAUREN LONDON). She sees something special in him, something more than he sees. When the two get together, everything begins to change, and Rashad’s future starts to open up for the first time. But New-New has a secret that’s getting harder and harder to keep. Behind her ghetto-fabulous front, New-New is actually Erin, a rich girl from the right side of the tracks who’s drawn
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 ...His approach, the talent of his acting ensemble, and the intelligence of the screenplay make ATL an engaging experience.  --James Berardinelli (ReelViews)
In trying to channel a four-wheeled version of Boyz N the Hood, ATL rolls right past its more appropriate predecessor—Saturday Night Fever. Had it tapped into the strutting power and "fever" of that classic, this film could have been a real sensation.  --KIM MORGAN (Reel.com)
...is a loose video diary of some well-intentioned teens finding their way. At best, it trucks along on the unforced ease of inner city friendship. It just doesn’t offer anything we haven’t seen in an after-school special.  --Sean O'Connell (FilmCritic.com)
This is a superb film with a lot to say about people, not stereotypes. And it does so with vigor and intelligence, not a crushing need to play to the lowest common denominator.  --Brian Orndorf (eFilmCritic.com)
As for T.I., he proves himself a worthy vessel for the kind of teen dreams that ''ATL" is courting. Taut-necked but easy, sleepy-eyed but with a wakeful austerity in the leanness of his face, and showing a super-Southern drawl that tightens into a snarl when he's roused, he carries the film unproblematically on his slender shoulders. You just relax, he seems to be saying, and leave my imminent mega-stardom to me. --James Parker (Boston Globe)
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| Written by |
| Antwone Fisher
Antwone Fisher, Hollywood Celebrates Denzel Washington: An American Cinematheque, Young Hollywood Awards |
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| ... Yet the performances, mostly by unknowns and hip-hop artists who are unknown to me, are all down-to-earth and honest, often comical but never clownish or silly. Black urban youth are treated with dignity and affection -- something that doesn't often happen in movies -- and it's a respectable, mostly enjoyable film. B- --Eric D. Snider (EricDSnider.com)
...is a likable film with an affirmative and hopeful message about the fate of its main players. A good story, decent acting on all levels and expertly handled roller skating choreography should make this little gem do well with the youth market and, whoknows, may cause a resurgence in roller skate rinks. B,B--Robin and Laura Clifford
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