Cradle 2 the Grave

(source: tmdb.org)

Anyone who tries to earn his living through illegal means should know that life of crime entails some surprises that aren’t always pleasant. This is the lesson learned by the protagonist of Craddle 2 the Grave, 2003 action film directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak. The crew of expert jewel thieves led by Anthony Fait (played by DMX) steal batch of precious black diamonds that were to be handed over to mysterious buyer. Later it turns out that the black diamonds are actually weapons of mass destruction, that the mysterious buyer is sinister international arms dealer called Ling (played by Mark Dacascos) and that Ling’s efforts to obtains weapons are being thwarted by his old associate Su (played by Jet Li), agent of Taiwanese intelligence service. Fait refuses to hand over diamonds and Ling sends his men to abduct Fait’s young daughter Vanessa (played by Paige Hurd). In order to rescue her, Fait and his associates join forces with Su in order to track down abducted girl and thwart Ling’s sinister plans.

Cradle 2 the Grave is the third film in the directorial career of Andrzej Bartkowiak whose two previous films - Romeo Must Die and Exit Wounds - featured Chinese martial arts star Jet Li and rap artist DMX respectively. Two of them are joined as “buddy buddy” combination in this film, which was again produced by Joel Silver, legendary producer of 1980s and 1990s action cinema. Originally developed as modern remake of M, influential classic thriller by Fritz Lang, the script for Cradle 2 the Grave dispenses with much of the plot and demands the audience not to think about and instead enjoy combination of explosions, gunfights, chases, “cool” soundtrack and display of martial arts skills. The latter includes even some girl-on-girl action featuring Gabirelle Union as member of Fait’s gang and Kelly Hu as Ling’s top henchwoman. The acting in this kind of film usually isn’t much to write home about, and, like in Exit Wounds, top credited stars are overshadowed by Anthony Anderson and Tom Arnold, talented comedians, who appear to have a time of their life playing supporting characters. Disliked by critics, Cradle 2 the Grave was reasonably successful at the box office and those viewers who approach it without too much expectations would see nothing wrong with public’s initial verdict.

RATING: 5/10 (++)

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With the sad news of an iconic musician, actor and all round artist I thought I'd pay my respects to the great DMX in honouring one of his films and one of my favourites. Cradle to the Grave wasn't one of the best films to hit our screen but it was a great piece of work by DMX. I'm pretty sure he even made the sound track to go with the film.

DMX has many battles in life from drug addiction to run ins with the law and IRS for attempting to hide taxable income. With the confusing tax rate in the US it's hard to blame someone when many big businesses are getting away with it. No doubt his high profile and past would have played a roll in making him a focus for law enforcement.

Better known for his music in the 90s and 00s he shot to fame with the song it's Dark and Hell is hot. But my two favourites were ruff riders anthem and X gonna give it to ya.

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American Hip Hop culture didn't just influence the state's it was a global movement. But back to the film.

In Cradle 2 the Grave we find an expert jewellery their Anthony Fait played by DMX tasked with stealing some black diamonds for an international middle man. The theft is almost brought undone with a S.W.A.T team on the trail and an international detective played by none other than Jet Li. Jet Li was brought to international fame in his previous movie with DMX called Romeo Must Die, a masterpiece!

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While on DMX's tail Jet Li learns that DMX's daughter had been captured by gangstaz and wouldn't release DMX's daughter until the diamonds are handed over. The movie under takes a face paced action packed hunt against time to rescue DMX's daughter and Jet Li's ex-partner is also murdered and he joins DMX in locating the responsible person.

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Aaliyah also played a role in the film and Cradle 2 the Grave remains as the only film to be released while she was still alive. Shortly after she stared in Queen of the Damned but sadly passed before it was released.

In the end, we learn that the black diamonds aren't diamonds but a new age weapon of mass destruction that international terrorist were attempting to get their hands on.

I remember the movie well, I quite enjoyed it and I loved watching Jet Li and DMX on the big screen, not all singers can act so seeing someone with the ability to change crafts and succeed is pretty cool.

Unfortunately the film ranks pretty low and not many people enjoyed the film as much as I did. The film devoted as #1 on the American box office in 2003 but only managed to claw $16,000,000 at the box office. Globally making $47 million not a big return but still a success as it made more than what it cost to make..

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Cradle 2 the Grave will most likely become a cultural iconic film not that it's actor has sadly left us. I'd recommend buckling in for a night infront of the T.V with DMX showing us how to undertake a jewellery theft.

Our condolences go out to the friends, family and supporters of DMX, a true gem amongst the music and film industry. May he rest in peace.

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