Ludacris

I’ve seen Ludacris (Chris Bridges) in two films.  But his film credits include two other films, 2 Fast 2 Furious and The Wash.  I saw Ludacris in Crash and Hustle & Flow.
    
Ludacris took a role from someone appeared in Crash.  His character (Anthony) was an angry, pro-black, nationalist, rhetoric-spewing, thug.  He was decent in the role.  Nothing outstanding.
    
Then there was Hustle & Flow.  An actor should have played his part.  But that didn’t happen because they looked to Ludacris for star power; for box office bang.  Even though Skinny Black (Ludacris) hailed from Memphis, his accent was what it was; very much ATLish.  My guess is he probably didn’t feel like he had to master a Memphis accent.  He obviously felt being Ludacris was enough.  The filmmakers obviously concurred.
    
It may be that Hustle & Flow was created for the demographic that neither knows nor cares that Ludacris sounded like an Atlantan.  It was created for the demographic that cares that Ludacris was cast in the film.  Undoubtedly, it was hoped that Ludacris’ fan base would support the film because of that.  This kind of casting exposes the reality that many of today’s Hollywood films are not produced for discerning viewers.  That’s another story, though.
    
Again, I don’t take issue with Ludacris.  I take issue with whoever felt that he would be the best actor for that portrayal.  I take issue with the hirer.
    
Not bothering to master the accent made his performance less credible and his silent claim of being an actor – ludicrous.  Be that as it may, he was pretty good in the role.  Of course, the character is not that far removed from what he is in real life.
    
Like it or not, Ludacris (like many other Rapper/Actors) is positioning himself as an actor.  At present, Ludacris has at least three films scheduled for release.  Time will tell how Ludacris progresses as an actor… or not.
    
Since he wasn’t half bad in either role, I am unwilling to dismiss him.  I will give him a chance.