Movie Commentary

Urban Legends

What makes rappers such compelling movie actors? The screen debuts of T.I. and Big Boi in ''ATL'' inspire a look back at hip-hop's 10 best performances
| Nov 04, 2005
Rappers in movies: the 10 best performances | 102418__mosdef_l

Mos Def

The Woodsman (2004)

REAL NAME Dante Terrell Smith

RAP PERSONA Thoughtful, poetic, political bohemian

SCREEN CHARACTER Sgt. Lucas, a parole officer who hounds Walter (Kevin Bacon), a parolee and convicted pedophile

WHY HE'S GREAT You're rooting for Mos Def's Lucas to be wrong in his assurance that the initial crime will be repeated, but with his quiet cynicism and insinuating manner, he gets under your skin while getting under Walter's.

EW DVD GRADE B (Read the review)

IF YOU LIKE THIS The versatile actor plays an explosives expert in The Italian Job, a heart specialist in the made-for-HBO Something the Lord Made, and a fun-loving alien in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

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