While Moulin Rouge was ''reinventing'' the musical, MTV modestly premiered the far superior Carmen, honestly bringing the genre into the '00s. Sekani Williams and Kip Collins' clever rap lyrics brim with simile-laden hip-hop wit while never avoiding the operatic tragedy's overall gravitas. For levity and value, the score is bookended by two bonus Destiny's Child remixes; it's incongruous hearing ''Bootylicious'' right after Carmen croaks, but maybe Bizet's babe did die because they weren't ready for that jelly.
EW's GRADE
B+Details Lead Performances: Da Brat, Destiny's Child, Mos Def and Various Artists; Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap, Soundtracks
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