Click Here For Our Interview with Usher

Click Here For Our Interview with Chazz Palminteri

In The Mix

Usher gets caught up In The Mix as a hip-hop DJ, in a vat of mob activity. Darrell (Usher), is tied to the mob as a result of his father's friendship with Frank Pacelli (Chazz Palminteri), and after saving his life he becomes Pacelli's newest bodyguard for his only daughter Dolly (Emmanuelle Chriqui). A Romeo and Juliet myriad of issues arise as Darrell falls for the daughter of the Don.

Darrell's got his pick of the litter while he's spinning the records as the DJ of a hot club. Thirty-one flavors don't begin to come close to this bachelor's excessive options in the female department. And, as Dolly's protector and human shield, he assimilates himself into her daily life. However, since Dolly doesn't want a bodyguard, she tries to make it unpleasant as possible for him. The only problem is, he's irresistible to women everywhere, including her friends. He's depicted as a walking Axe Body Spray ad throughout this film. (This is something that I found totally absurd! He's got a cutesy baby face, but that's pretty much it).

Mr. Pacelli (Palminteri), remains in the dark as the love-hate relationship between Darrell and his daughter begins to grow into love. Now if only Darrell can keep his fan club at bay and Dolly can reject her picture perfect fiance. While this romance is simmering, there's still a mob war brewing, only neither family will accept responsibility for any of the attacks. So, who's the bad guy? That I can't say, but if you want to find out if Darrell and Dolly can bring two backgrounds together with their love, you'll have to see the film yourself.

Usher actually serenades himself in this movie. His original music is seducing his ladies behind the scenes while he's caressing them on the screen. In that sense, there's a bit too much Usher in this film. He's a good-looking guy and all, but the attention that he gets in this film is almost a satire of his philandering ways in reality. He's a fine performer and not a bad actor, but when choosing a co-star to play off of Mr. Chazz Palmintari, they should've nixed the popularity that a hip-hop star could bring with a veteran actor equal to the man who said “Now yous can't leave (A Bronx Tale).”

Ms. Chinqui was a steady staple between Usher and Palmintari. She played an almost irritatingly sweet diplomat amongst her in-house crime family. If she hadn't over-played her character's sweetness, she might've been more successful in her role. Overall though, I can see that she did the best she could with the role she was given. She really crafted to herself in a natural way. Truth be told, she's no Chazz and no one

ever will be, much like DeNiro and Pacino, he created an institution out of himself.

The script wasn't all that it could've been. Although, parts of the film were indeed funny and charming, it wasn't a clear comedy or a clear drama. That was mainly where it suffered. You can not combine the ingredients from a comedy like Analyze This with the intensity of a film like A Bronx Tale! It just doesn't click, and neither did this film. It was entertaining though, but awkward because of a genre with an identity crisis.

The dialogue was fitted to the film. It was a surface level drama with some light-hearted humor, mainly supplied by Dolly's little brother Frank Jr. (Anthony Fazio). This guy is socially handicapped. He thinks he's black, and his lingo is so far out there that even Darrell's quick-lipped best friend can't decipher more then one word out of this kid's mouth. But, he will make you laugh, and that's really the most important thing after all in a … comedy? If that's what this is.

The issue of black meets white in this film is severely over-exposed. I wanted to yell forty minutes into it “We get the idea…they're different!” We're educated on the contrasts involved in their traditional foods. I'm not kidding. Oh, and music of course. Not to mention, dress style; hip-hop trends vs. Italian mob trends. I'll sum that up right now. He goes from wearing baggy jeans and sweatshirts to finely tailored pinstripe suits. My point is that it was simply just overdone. It wasn't a bad move, but too much emphasis on every tiny difference in background. Yams vs. lasagna? Who cares?

The important thing about this film is that it's entertaining. That's it. Plain and simple. Not good or bad really, just entertaining. And now, moviegoers it's all up to you. Whether you're an Usher fan, Chazz Palmintari disciple, or stuck on Emmanuelle Chinqui, this film will keep you engaged. So, this Thanksgiving find out just how much these characters can Mix It Up, from the mob to the DJ booth.

Movie Grade: C+/B-

I've never actually “slash graded” anything before, but this time I had to. The movie in general deserved a C+, but some great acting (especially by Mr.Palmintari) swayed me towards at least a B-.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!