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ATL (2006) DVD Review
ATL (2006) DVD Credits:
ATL (2006) Directed by:
Chris Robinson
ATL (2006) Written by:
Tina Gordon Chism
ATL (2006) Cast:
Big Boi, Albert Daniels, Keith David, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Lauren London, Lonette McKey, Evan Ross Naess, Jason Weaver, Mykelti Williamson
ATL (2006) Released by:
Not available at this time
Region:
1
ATL (2006) DVD Release Date:
17th July 2006
Our Rating: Extras Rating:

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ATL (2006) Synopsis:

Formerly titled "Jellybeans", ATL tells the story of four teens coming of age in a working class Atlanta neighborhood where hip-hop music and roller skating rule. As the group prepares for life after high school, challenges on and off the rink bring about turning points in each of their lives. The film is loosely based on Dallas Austin and Tionne Watkins’ experiences growing up in Atlanta and hanging out at a local skating rink called Jellybeans.

ATL (2006) DVD Review:

Urban dramas are not new films. These films have been around for quite a while and great directors such as Spike Lee and John Singleton have made masterpieces out of the sub-genre, but the most original thing that ATL has going for it is the location. Most urban dramas take place in New York or LA, but ATL takes place in Atlanta’s south side. The premise is still the same, but there is a comforting feeling that comes with an urban film which doesn’t have the main characters living in the worst possible conditions. Something about the southern urban drama makes the film feel more like a coming of age tale rather than the tragedy filled melodrama which has become the basis for many films in this category. ATL is filled with enough heart and humor to disguise some of the smaller flaws.

Loosely based on the experiences of producers Dallas Austin and Tionne Walkins while growing up in Georgia, ATL feels authentic and real. It’s a new kind of coming of age film, rather than a “Boys in the Hood” rip-off. These kids aren’t trying to be gangsters. They’re just trying to skate, which is the perfect setting for some of the interactions without getting too distracted with skating tricks. 17-year old Rashad lives in this world with his friends, who are all about to graduate from high school. His little brother is pre-occupied with getting rich and their guardian uncle is only concerned with the amount of cereal the kids eat.

The story is by Antwone Fisher, the famed janitor turned writer, and there are traces of his style in many of the scenes. The script stays focused most of the way, but it tries nearly too hard not to be melodramatic near the end, which results in somewhat of a soft ending. Newcomer Tip Harris has perfected the Ryan Atwood look, but it works for the role. Hip-hop fans will appreciate the soundtrack.

The special features include T.I. music videos, additional scenes, a featurette about the director and the Georgia location that the film takes place in. There is also a theatrical trailer. The features are simple, and mostly forgettable, but the music videos are great.

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ATL (2006) DVD review written by: Ryan Izay

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