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Poster for Notorious

Notorious

No dream is too B.I.G.

2009 · 2h 2m · R Drama, History, Music
Directed by George Tillman Jr.

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Overview

"Notorious" is the story of Christopher Wallace. Through raw talent and sheer determination, Wallace transforms himself from Brooklyn street hustler (once selling crack to pregnant women) to one of the greatest rappers of all time: The Notorious B.I.G. Follow his meteoric rise to fame and his refusal to succumb to expectations - redefining our notion of "The American Dream."

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
52%
Tomatometer
Rotten

As mainstream hip hop becomes ever more predictable, so do the biopics about its stars.

Tom Huddlestone, Time Out
Fresh

Even if we miss the thinking that went into the creation of Wallace's B.I.G.-ger-than-life alter ego, the movie's performances are exultant.

David Edelstein, New York Magazine/Vulture
Rotten

The movie leaves us with the sense that, twelve years after Biggie Smalls's death, a lot of people are trying to extract whatever profit or pride they can from the chaotic life of a young man who was, as he well knew, a work in progress.

David Denby, New Yorker
Fresh

If Milk set the standard for biopics in 2008, then 2009 is off to a strong start with Notorious.

Ben Mankiewicz, At the Movies
Fresh

For a hardcore fan of his music and his life, it rings true.

Ben Lyons, At the Movies

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