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Prolific rap-music video director Chris Robinson makes his big-screen debut with this comedy-drama about Atlanta teens. Tip Harris (a.k.a. rapper T.I.) plays Rashad, a decent kid struggling in a rather benign hood to raise his little brother and keep his homies together. In the waning days of their senior year, their lives revolve around the roller rink … they’re got a synchronized-skating crew … but already their paths are diverging: One is headed to college, another hears the call of the street. ATL delivers familiar upbeat messages about staying in school, friendship, keeping it real and pursuing one’s dreams, but a fast pace and plenty of easy natural humor keeps the film from being stale. The whole thing is a shout-out of sorts to steamy, crunky Atlanta, and features one of its beloved, OutKast’s Big Boi, in a small but entertaining role as a smooth-talking hustler. (AH) 
This article appears in Apr 6-12, 2006.
