Honey
Dark Angel-lead Jessica Alba stars in the title role of this film, the feature debut from music-video director Bille Woodruff. Honey is a girl from the streets who works in a record store, teaches the occasional dance class at a community center, and treks downtown every weekend to hit the clubs and try out some new moves. There, she meets a music video producer (David Moscow) who offers her a chance to be a choreographer -- but at a price she eventually learns she's unwilling to pay. Determined to pick herself back up, Honey goes back to the inner-city of her youth with plans of starting a dance school. Lil' Romeo co-stars as Honey's protege; other real-life musicians (including Missy Elliott, Tweet, Jay-Z, and Ginuwine) appear as themselves.
Director: Bille Woodruff
Starring: Jessica Alba,Mekhi Phifer, Joy Bryant, David Moscow, Lonnette McKee
Honey doesn't have a shred of originality (except for the high-energy choreography), but there's something fundamentally reassuring about a movie that respects ancient formulas; it's like a landmark preservation program.
A decidedly upbeat number, centered on a good-hearted character.
Despite some sizzle with love interest Mekhi Phifer, the alluring Alba ends up a desexualized mouthpiece.
Neither hot nor square, it's as simple and earnest as any after-school special and as cameo-laden as any rap video.
Has the shelf life of a dented milk carton. Pop-culture movies in general age rapidly due to ever-changing slang and fashions.
Film: Best Breakthrough Performance
Black Reel Awards (2004)
Choice Breakout Movie Star - Female
Teen Choice Awards (2004)
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