Four star

EMINEM is outstanding in this film which explores a week in the life of a group of friends struggling to cope with their existence on the streets of Detroit in the mid 90s.

Jimmy 'Rabbit' Smith Jr, portrayed by Eminem, has one real talent, an ability to rap, and he knows Hip Hop may be the only way out of his present situation.

He is scraping a living as a mechanic while staying in a run-down trailer with his messed-up mother (Kim Bassinger) and his little sister, who he would do anything to protect.

His close circle of friends try and encourage him to take part in a challenge which basically involves two contestants getting on stage, scowling at each other and being given 45 seconds to rap insults at each other.

Rabbit's first attempts in the challenge prove disastrous when he gets so nervous he vomits on himself backstage and then loses his power to perform.

But things take a turn for the better as he channels his anger at his home life into his lyrics.

All the performances in 8 Mile are faultless and the soundtrack is superb.

All in all a thoroughly entertaining watch.

HC