If "ATL" feels reminiscent of the conflicted urban youth trope, it is because the story writer is Antwone Fisher, none other than the subject of the biographical "Antwone Fisher." Even though there are too many video-esque booty and car shots, the cinematography and music composition here are both spectacular. Crunk music, the new sensation in Southern hip-hop music, enhances the authenticity of the film.
One scene even features the classic cut "Git Up, Git Out" from Atlanta duo Outkast; the tracks of Ludacris, the Atlanta-bred multi-platinum rapper, also appear throughout "ATL." The way the point of view and cinematography complement each other is excellent-gritty, hard-hitting photos and cinematic styles keep the audience engaged in the story.
This film is at its heart a coming-of-age story centering on Cascade, a roller-skating rink popular among Atlantans. The rink's prominence is a semi-autobiographical choice on the part of the producer, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins of R&B group TLC, who frequented a similar one during her teenage years in Atlanta.
The dramatic plot begins and ends in Cascade. The film examines two brothers, Rashad and Ant, and the basic elements of their life as teenagers. Tip "T.I." Harris seems to have found the perfect fit with his role as Rashad, a 17-year-old who carries the burden of supporting his younger brother and struggles to stay afloat amidst the dominant presence of drugs, violence and promiscuity.
The instinctive nature of Harris' acting abilities-he's so natural that he hardly seems as though he's acting-adds sincerity and a complex personality to the film. Making his debut as Ant, Evan Ross Naess accurately portrays the conflicted younger brother of Rashad who is attracted to the luxurious life of drug dealing. He in fact reinforces the close connection between the cast and music-Naess is the son of vocalist Diana Ross.
Newcomer Lauren London also delivers a strong performance in her role as the ghetto-fabulous New-New, Rashad's love interest, who withholds a shocking secret from all of her friends.
Big Boi, of Outkast, on the other hand, does not succeed in achieving any cinematic merit in his role as Marcus, a flashy, brutal drug dealer. A few other big names in the hip-hop world and in Atlanta, such as Bone Crusher and Jazze Pha, have small cameos as well.
Themes such as self-identity, relationships, family, drugs and socio-economic conflict resonate throughout the film. However, unlike many films of the same genre, "ATL"'s story admirably transcends racial and social-economic issues by focusing on the development of each individual character.
Ultimately, if you have enough patience to overlook the unlikely plot twists, a few cliché stereotypes of the black South, and an improbable ending, "ATL" will prove to be an entertaining teen flick with a refreshing, urban twist.