By Mitch Ringenberg
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Just about anybody who knows anything about hip-hop or pop culture in general is at least vaguely familiar with the music and life of Chris Wallace, more commonly known as Biggie Smalls or the Notorious B.I.G. He had notable success throughout his short career in the mid 90s as a solo rap artist with a string of memorable hits. Then in March 1997, he was shot and killed for reasons, despite countless theories, that still remain unclear. Unsurprisingly, he is now regarded as a folk hero and a “spokesman of his generation.” However, what is surprising is that it took 11 years for a film adaptation to finally be released.

“Notorious” details the highlights of Biggie’s life from his pre-teen years to his highly publicized death at age 24. The film, directed by George Tillman Jr. (“Men of Honor,” “Soul Food”) is actually much better than many will expect. One of the film’s better decisions is the casting of Jamal Woolard as Biggie. This is Woolard’s first role in a feature film, and he handles portraying the main character with skill rarely seen in new actors. Woolard, who does his own raps in the movie, has an uncanny resemblance to Biggie himself, and in scenes where many would expect an actor to delve into melodrama and overacting he carries himself with a humbleness that (mostly) surpasses the usual gangsta-rap persona.

At the beginning of the film, we see Biggie as a young boy around the age of 13. He quickly chooses dealing crack over going to school, much to the dismay of his mother (Angela Bassett). Soon enough, he’s seduced by the world of material goods and quick cash. Biggie’s criminal ways eventually catch up with him and he lands himself in prison. It’s here where Biggie vastly improves his rapping skills which grow from a casual hobby to a lifelong passion.

From there on out, if you’ve seen any other music biopics such as “Ray” and “Walk the Line,” the film is pretty much what you would expect. While this film is not great like the previously mentioned ones, it is nevertheless entertaining and heartfelt.

Fortunately, “Notorious” is not a 100-minute love letter to Biggie Smalls. The film presents the rapper as a flawed and often irresponsible person, while still managing to evoke sympathy from the audience. One of the film’s main messages is a young man’s struggle to grow into adulthood. Biggie certainly wasn’t ready to father a child in his teens and could not handle the illicit opportunities that fame often brings. Watching him become a man and face his responsibilities separates the film from most biopics n the fact that it absorbs the viewer into the character, where with most biopics, one watches with a certain sense of detachment.

“Notorious” isn’t specifically for hardcore fans. People not completely familiar with the rapper’s work (myself included), won’t have any trouble enjoying the film. Unfortunately, the film has a few pitfalls that deter it from being truly memorable. The east coast/west coast feud comes off as confusing and somewhat forced. Not to mention the relationship between rapper Tupac Shakur and Biggie is brief and lacks the depth to make you care when Tupac is assassinated. Finally, Sean Combs (a.k.a. Puffy, a.k.a. Puff Daddy, a.k.a. P. Diddy, a.k.a… whatever), played by Derek Luke (“Friday Night Lights,” “Miracle at St. Anna”) is almost regarded as Biggie’s savior in the film, which feels contrived, considering Sean Combs is the film’s executive producer.

These flaws, however, are not fatal enough to stop most moviegoers from enjoying “Notorious” and diehard Notorious B.I.G. and rap fans will enjoy the film immensely.

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Grade: B

Rating: R

Directed By: George Tillman, Jr.

Starring: Jamal Woolard, Angela Bassett, Derek Luke