If you're disappointed that the Jay-Z and R. Kelly tour will no longer feature the R&B star half of the bill, fret not, you can still experience the "Best of Both Worlds" in the concert documentary Fade to Black.
The film is a celebration of rapper Jay-Z's November 2003 show at Madison Square Garden where the hip-hop superstar/mogul marked his "retirement" from solo performing, giving and receiving shout-outs from his fans and friends.
The movie, directed by Michael John Warren (though Jay-Z takes the possessive "a film by" credit using his given name, Shawn Carter), begins promisingly enough with the sound of a helicopter a la Apocalypse Now, and soon we are hovering high over a beautifully lighted Manhattan skyline.
It's clear early on, however, that this is standard concert film fare geared to the faithful, rather than hip-hop's answer to The Band's rocking, nostalgic farewell film The Last Waltz.
It's rightfully heavy on performance, with backstage and recording studio footage mixed with an all-star jam of hip-hop and R&B performers, but does little to give any insight into Jay-Z the artist or the human being.
In addition to Kelly, Beyonce (Jay-Z's main squeeze), Missy Elliot, Mary J. Blige and Foxy Brown are among those sharing the stage for a night of bling-bling fueled fireworks.
The Los Angeles Times is a Tribune Publishing newspaper.
Fade to Black
Starring Jay-Z, et al.
Directed by Michael John Warren
Released by Paramount Classics
Rated R (pervasive language, including sexual lyrics)
Time: 109 minutes
Sun Score **1/2
