What can you say about this movie? Intense? Sad? Chilling? No. The word that comes to mind is Inspirational, a great tale of a Brooklyn native that climbs his way from the streets to the suites. A bone chilling movie that gave me goosbumps here and there, and waterworks at the end. OK -- maybe not waterworks, but close to it. The movie begins during BIG's childhood, while living in Brooklyn with his mother. He was an observer to begin with. Seeing people hustle, rob, and make money illegaly. His mother tried her best to keep her influence stronger than the streets influence; but to no avail. By 15, BIG was selling crack cocaine, flunking out of high school, and wearing handcfuff's as jewelry.

If you're wondering if this movie is somewhat similar to Tupac's Ressurection, it's not. It's a detailed biography of BIG's life from young to dead. Even giving great insight on the 2pac / Biggie rivalry. The only thing that keeps you from truely connecting with it all, was their choice of actors. Choosing Anthony Mackie to portray 2pac just didn't make sense in my opinion. I'm not asking for an exact 2pac look-a-like; but they could've done better. The only two performers that looks somewhat like the people they portrayed, were Biggie, and Lil Kim. In my opinion, they might as well have hired Ja Rule to play 2pac. Biggie's story is compelling, sad, and at the same time angers you.

FYI: Biggie's actual son portrayed his father from the ages of 8 - 13 in the movie.

I very much enjoyed this title, from the movie to the soundtrack. I loved it all.

I give it a 10/10. Definitely a MUST SEE. Notorious is now out on DVD.