Jon Bon Jovi vs. Eminem

While watching television today, I couldn't help but notice all the attention that Eminem's first movie "8 Mile" is getting. Not only is it getting attention, but more so, critical acclaim.

I for one, will be going to see it. For some reason, Eminem sparks this interest in me. He is a complex character, and even though I can't put my finger on it, there is something about him that makes me really interested in his works.

Now, with that being said, this is what I am trying to understand. Jon has done, how many movies now? 5 or 6? Sure, we might think they are all great, and even one or two have gotten decent reviews. However, what gives Eminem's movie all this attention vs. movies that Jon has done? 8 Mile is getting HUGE promos, and all the critics are impressed with his acting ability.

The thing that gets me, is it's his 1st film and he's getting all those things Jon wishes he was getting. Can someone figure this out because I can't. I am not offended or upset either way. I just find it interesting how the industry works!

Take Care,
Norm

if the face fits

Jon has gotten a LOT of critical acclaim. I've done massive searches for reviews of his movies and the overwhelming majority of reviews of his acting have been positive. Check my website for a collection of reviews. People like Peter Travers, Siskel and Ebert, Owen Gliberman and other major film critics have praised him for his abilities.

One reason Jon's not gotten so much attention for his movies is that he's done mostly smaller independent films that don't have the budget to promote themselves to the point that a "8 Mile" has. Moonlight and Valentino was a studio production, but a small film aimed at the female audience. Most of his major roles have been in independent films films with very small budgets. This hurt him becuase he didn't get exposure. However, it helped him in that critics realized he was serious and not just out to make a dollar by using his fame and looks to get big roles in big fluffy films. Jon's choice of films has been praised. His work has been praised. He's made the repuatation in Hollywood that he is a good actor--otherwise he wouldn't be cast in a film like Pay It Forward where his only scenes were with Oscar winners and an Oscar nominee. They knew he could hold his own, otherwise they would have hired someone else. He's gotten the most attention for U-571, which is a shame because the storyline used false pretenses and the dialogue was drivel.

Another factor in all the talk of Eminem is that Eminem is such a controversial character. People watch his every move because he's presented himself in such a way as to create curiosity about "what will he do next?" He's brilliantly taking advantage of this image, but he may have a short lived career because of it. Remember Marilyn Manson? All Eminem needs is for someone to come along and be more controversial than he is, just the way he dethroned Marilyn Manson as the king of controversy. The, it's buh-bye, Marshall. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the guy. He's probably very well aware the game he's playing and where it will lead.

Jon, on the other hand, is not controversial at all. His longevity comes from talent and perserverance. He'll still be making movies and records years from now and probably be writing and directing his own films by then. Jon's had the slow build to critical acclaim and that will last much longer than the burst of recognititon that Eminem is getting... unless he continues to remold and remarket himself the way Madonna has. Otherwise people will become bored with him.

Becky

eminem's still very hot right now, and the rap genre is huge in the US. more so than rock. While both men are fantastic actors, the current trends lean towards more popularity for Eminem. And the controversy surrounding him makes people wonder what he'll do next. Therefore, the interest lies huge in this movie.
By the way, it wasn't a bad movie at all. Loosely based on his life. Some parts were boring, but it's worth a watch.

Jon's films are crap... to put it bluntly

Eminem is basically playing himself in the movie, which btw, my daughter and I also plan to see. Jon has never wanted to capitalize on Jon Bon Jovi the rock star and wanted to be taken seriously as an actor. I think he has achieved that, even if you don't like his movies, you have to admire the way he was willing to start at the bottom like that in a brand new field. Had Jon in the heyday of the 80's chosen to be like Eminem and make a movie about himself, I am sure it would have been a huge hit.

Let me put it delicately as to not offend the watchful die-hards - Jon is like Elvis and Col. Tom Parker rolled into one with his making of crappy movies and cheesey tv performances (ally mcbeal). Who the hell is steerin the JBJ machine anyway? His Yes Man, Obie- the nerd?

jon should just do what he does best - sell his cheesey music. He is not a movie/tv star.

Most of eminems career has been built on a character that he plays, so it doesn't suprise me that he would be a good actor. It also strikes me that most critics support what eminem does because he's not the sort of person you'd want to be on the wrong side of.
xxx

I think Jon is a great actor and his movies are good too.. I especially like the new vampire movie.

Eminem has always been critically acclaimed and therefore respected. Bon Jovi hasn't so the respect for Jon's acting isn't really there. He doesn't get offered the best roles either. Sure he's had some good comments for his work from critics, nothing phenomenal, unfortunately. Look at a movie like Vampires and see the crap he's given to play, no wonder he doesn't get many breaks. No offence, Captain Crash, I thought the movie was a joke.