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'In the Mix': Not much drama, but Usher is everywhere

By BOB LONGINO
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Usher Raymond's new movie "In the Mix" was originally titled "Dying For Dolly," which would have been a misnomer, seeing how this lame romantic drama is arriving in theaters today already flat on its back and ready for a toe tag.

Lions Gate Films 'In the Mix' D+ The verdict: A badly stuffed turkey. Director: Ron Underwood Starring: Usher Raymond, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Chazz Palminteri, Anthony Fazio, Matt Gerald Run time: 97 minutes Release date: Nov. 23, 2005 Rating: PG-13 for sexual content, violence and language. See showtimes On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime Rate 'In the Mix'   Go see it   Make it a matinee   Wait to rent   Don't bother Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

The Atlanta-based singer plays Darrell, a hot nightclub DJ who winds up dressing hotter after he takes a bullet at a party to protect a mob boss' family and gets plucked to be the well-attired bodyguard for the crime leader's daughter, Dolly (Emmanuelle Chriqui ). Wouldn't you know it — they fall in love, which makes daddy mad.

Everywhere he goes in "Mix," it seems, women see Usher and sigh. Which defines pretty much what "Mix" is all about. It's a virtual vanity project designed to sell the image of the Grammy-winning R&B star, here making his re-entry into movies (he last appeared on celluloid in 2001 in "Texas Rangers"). The main page on the film's Web site sports at least a dozen Usher photos. Among the first eight words in his online bio: "Ultimate Entertainer" and "global superstar." In the movie he wears expensive suits, smiles a lot and gets to dispense dating advice to a restaurant table full of drooling women.

"Mix" musters little drama (the shooting-guns and death-by-disco-ball delirium that happens in a nightclub is laughable) and less humor (actor Anthony Fazio has the thankless job of portraying a manic young white man who acts and talks like a black rapper).

Usher shows he can act. It's the choice of material that's way off.

Many vocal stars try to make it in movies. The more successful — like Will Smith and, lately, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges — delve deeply into character and story.

"Mix," however, never once veers from its main mission. That would be superstar as product placement.