Turn It Up (2000)

Trying to bootstrap his way out of Brooklyn's mean streets is Diamond, a rap musician. With his long-time pal Gage acting as his manager, he's trying to lay down a demo tape with cut-rate ... See full summary »

Director:

Robert Adetuyi

Writers:

Ray 'Cory' Daniels (story), Chris Hudson (story),

Stars:

Pras, Ja Rule, Jason Statham

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Pras	...	Denzel / Diamond (as Pras Michel)
Ja Rule	...	David 'Gage' Williams
Jason Statham	...	Mr. B
Vondie Curtis-Hall	...	Cliff
Tamala Jones	...	Kia
John Ralston	...	Mr. White
Chris Messina	...	Baz
Eugene Clark	...	Marshall
Patrice Goodman	...	Jane
Derwin Jordan	...	Seamus
Faith Evans	...	Natalie
Elain R. Graham	...	Rose
Harry-O	...	Master Mix
Tseng Chang	...	Mr. Chang
Jeff Jones	...	Minister

Storyline

Trying to bootstrap his way out of Brooklyn's mean streets is Diamond, a rap musician. With his long-time pal Gage acting as his manager, he's trying to lay down a demo tape with cut-rate studio time. To pay the bills, he and Gage run drugs for "Mr. B." Inside a week, Diamond's beloved mother dies suddenly, his father appears after an absence of 12 years and wants a relationship, and his girlfriend Kia tells him she's pregnant, asking him if he's ready to be a father. Gage steals $100,000 in a multiple-felony robbery so that Diamond can record a full album, not knowing it's Mr. B's money he's taken. B wants his money, Diamond wants his music, Tia wants an answer.

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Plot Keywords:

gangster | racial slur | rap music | estranged parent | father son relationship | 

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Taglines:

How you gonna win?

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Action | Music

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Certificate:

R

Details

Official Sites:

New Line Cinema

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 September 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ghetto Superstar

Filming Locations:

Denial NiteClub, 360 Adelaide St. W, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$9,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$576,820 (USA) (8 September 2000)

Gross:

$1,244,676 (USA) (29 September 2000)

Company Credits

Production Co:

MadGuy Films, New Line Cinema, Paris Brothers

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

Diamond's father is not even pressing the keys when he is "playing" the piano in the arts academy.

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Connections

References Batman & Robin (1997)

User Reviews

Turn it off.

I felt ripped off. With Pras Michel and Ja Rule ringleading this Glitter-turned-rap film, I thought it would real cool. How naive am I? Although none of the actors were terrible (although Ja could do with a few acting lessons... given that its his first time I'll forgive him, but he should stick to what he does best) they're not good either. Pras and his lady-friend are about the ONLY people among the masses that look as though they know what they're doing. Also, what the hell is up with everybody you ever get to see in the film (minus a select few) being killed? And then having an ending that's supposed to envoke sad emotions - you don't feel bad for the people because you didn't care about them in the first place! In conclusion, if you don't like violence or continued use of the word 'n***a' then don't Turn It Up, turn it off! It's no wonder this thing didn't make any money - it grossed less than 1.5 million! 2/10