Geeky Randy 2011 drama about promising football running back 50 Cent and his unexpected fight with a deadly disease that plagues his senior year in college and chances at the NFL. The film opens with very poor acting—child-actors are always a longshot, and Lynn Whitfield's attempt at an overly proud mother just feels overdone compared to the realistic subtle emotions of Sanders, Heggins and even rapper 50 Cent in the lead role, who lost around 54 pounds for the part. And yes, while this movie has its flaws, and while one might assume this would've been a more successful film with a more commercial cast, there are some incredibly commendable creative choices in this very depressing story. What makes it so compelling are the characters' motivations, which are very different from the Hollywood cookie-cutter melodrama, but are just as interesting—a lot of the film's characters seem far more three-dimensional than what we're used to seeing nowadays. Very much a story about how the loved ones of an ill person can also suffer emotionally and financially. Director Van Peebles is great in the supporting role of the stepfather, who is loving but tries to live his dreams through his sick stepson.*** (out of four)

rlsims82 Initially, after watching this movie I wasn't sure what I thought. However, after thinking about it for a while (and forcing myself to get past that ridiculous looking Bob Marley wig 50 cent wore for the first chuck of the film...yikes!) I decided I didn't hate it. Mostly, I like the humbling of the main character, the lessons he learned about himself, and the family ties were a little heartwarming. I also appreciate how he committed to the role. I give him a B+ for effort! He's come a long way (remember Get Rich or Die Trying'?). But it was too long, and as soon as I thought we were in the home stretch, it kept going and took MORE sad turns. I started to feel duped and like I had not signed up for this kind of melodrama! Certainly not the worst thing I've seen on BET though. Not bad 50!

katglover2 I thought the movie was very inspirational. Some of the acting was not great and at times the movie was slow. The story line was what I liked and his transformation from a muscular football player to a cancer ridden frail weak person was amazing. It was so true to life of how cancer changes a person and their life in such a short period of time. It brought tears to my eyes. It reminds everyone about what is really most important in life and how you should spend your time.I think this shows some real promise to what 50 cents can do and that he deserves more credit for his work in this movie. I think with some help from people who have succeeded in the movies he could do even better.

lowpost79 Good storyline but horrible acting by 50 cent. I nearly turned it off a number of times but figured I'd give it the benefit of the doubt and watch it the whole way through. Now I wish I would have turned it off and could get my $1.27 back from Redbox they stole from me for putting out such a pathetic excuse for a movie. This is undeniably one of the worst movies I have ever had the misfortune of watching in my entire life. This is even bad for sports movies. And they're usually real bad. Hopefully there is enough people close to 50 cent that will be honest with him let him know to please stop acting. I would strongly suggest that 50 cent stick to being a musician, or whatever it is he calls it. He is most assuredly NOT an actor.