ATL

Reviewed by:
Pete Hammond

ATL might be the latest roller skating movie, but unlike its family-friendly predecessor, the recent Roll Bounce, ATL plays like Boyz n the Roller Rink. Character names like New-New and Big Booty Judy give us an early clue that the screenwriters aren't channeling Hemingway here, but instead of just letting us kick it with this group, the filmmakers push for a coming-of-age tale. Loosely based on the real-life experiences of two producers who grew up on Atlanta's South Side, the movie is packed with a wall-to-wall hip-hop score that, thankfully, drowns out some of the lamer lines. Rappers Big Boi and T.I. don't embarrass themselves as the main characters, but maybe next time, the script will be as good as the soundtrack.