ATL

There's isn't much in this inner-city drama you haven't seen before, except perhaps the Atlanta setting. ATL is basically a standard-issue story of two young brothers trying to resist the seductions of gang life while also dealing with the pangs of romance. It's a curious hybrid of coming-of-age tale and gritty Boyz in the Hood-style drama in which stereotypical comic elements alternate with grim moments and hopeful messages about being true to oneself—disparate approaches that don't always fit together comfortably. ATL introduces the latest rapper headed for movie stardom, Clifford "Tip" Harris (known in the music biz as “T.I.”), who plays Rashad, the older of the two orphaned brothers, a straight arrow working long hours and determined to keep his younger sibling on the right path, even though the kid is attracted by the easy money that comes from dealing drugs. Rashad also becomes involved with a sassy girl who pretends to be from the hood but is actually the daughter of a rich businessman—an imposture that throws a wrench into their relationship. Based on a story by Antwone Fisher (himself the subject of a 2002 biopic), director Chris Robinson's ATL is certainly an earnest picture featuring a personable cast, even if it doesn't bring any special insight to the plight of inner-city youth, or manage the tricky business of melding comedy and drama. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include the 29-minute featurette “In the Rink: A Director's Journey,” five minutes of deleted scenes, the music video “What You Know” by costar T.I., and trailers. Bottom line: a small but solid extras package for an uneven film.] (F. Swietek)