Common Sense Media Review
The irresistibly talented Usher is wasted here.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
In the Mix
What's the Story?
IN THE MIX centers on DJ Darrell (Usher), who works at a dance club with his aspiring music production partner Busta (Kevin Hart). While Busta is interested in women, Darrell is looking for the "right" girl. He finds her in gangster's daughter and childhood friend Dolly (Emmanuelle Chriqui). When they fall in love, it upsets her father, Frank (Chazz Palminteri), who likes Darrell but doesn't think he's good enough for his daughter. Frank insists he is not classist or racist, his attitude suggests otherwise. When Darrell saves Frank from an assassination attempt, Frank hires him as a bodyguard/driver for Dolly. At first, she resents Darrel, but eventually she falls for him despite her father's objections and the fact that she has a boyfriend.
Is It Any Good?
A conventional and distressingly inept intercultural romance, In the Mix wastes the talent of Usher. The film is bogged down by awkward scene transitions, ridiculous dialogue ("I heard black men can dance," "If growing up in the hood is so dangerous, then why is it I only get shot by white people?"), and drearily one-dimensional supporting characters, like Frank's too-eager gunsel Jackie (Matt Gerald), and his son, Frank Jr. (Anthony Fazio), the white boy who acts "hip-hop." Part comedy, part romance, part violent gangster flick, In the Mix never pulls its many pieces together.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether or not their kids think the characters are stereotypes. They also might want to talk about all the branded products in the movie. does seeing them in a movie make them more or less appealing?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 23, 2005
- On DVD or streaming : March 21, 2006
- Cast : Chazz Palminteri , Emmanuelle Chriqui , Usher
- Director : Ron Underwood
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content, violence and language.
- Last updated : March 16, 2020
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