Honey [2004] - DVD (Jessica Alba, Mekhi Phifer, Lil' Romeo, Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott, David Moscow - Dir: Bille Woodruff)

Jessica Alba swivels and pops her way to the top (or at least into Missy Elliot's heart) in hip-hop dance flick Honey. Honey Daniels (Alba, Dark Angel) dances in nightclubs; when she accidentally gets videotaped, a hip-hop video director spots her unique talent and hires her first as a dancer, then as a choreographer. But when he wants her body as much as her talent, how will she sustain her career? And how will this affect her dream of creating a dance studio for the local street kids? Honey is the usual Hollywood silliness, executed with sincerity but not much imagination. For some reason, Alba's sexy gyrations are supposed to be more empowering than other dancers' sexy gyrations, while being no less titillating. Featuring Mekhi Phifer, David Moscow, and cameos by hip-hop stars like Missy Elliot and Ginuwine. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews of Honey [2004]

Franklin T Marmoset

11th July 2007

Pretty bad, but also very sweet and likable
Sometimes... just sometimes... you find yourself watching a film for purely superficial reasons. Such is the case with this one, Honey, which I am ashamed to say I saw because I heard it featured Jessica Alba in a variety of small, tight, and small and tight outfits. Also, she gyrates quite a bit. Phew... what was I talking about? Oh yes, Honey, which is a film about a sassy young thing (Alba) who dances and tries to help some underprivileged kids... with dancing. That's it, really.

Speaking as a guy who's a bit too old and unhip for this kind of thing, I didn't enjoy Honey very much. It's all very ham-fisted and cliched, the dialogue had me cringing in quite a few places, and Alba (bless her) continues to be a terrible actress. She isn't helped by playing a character whose traits don't extend much beyond she likes to dance and she's nice. Additionally, a few more small outfits wouldn't have gone amiss. Ahem.

All that said, I have a hard time being too harsh with this one. Alba may not be up for any Oscars, but she has an innate likability that works for the film, and Honey does have it's heart in the right place. It has a sweetness and naivety that kind of wins you over, so you end up feeling like saying bad things about Honey is like being mean to a puppy. And why would I want to be mean to a puppy?

So, if you like films about dancing and reaching for your dreams and being nice to people and whatnot, I'm sure you could do a lot worse than this one (and add another star above). However, those who just want to see more of Ms Alba might be better serviced by a rental of Into The Blue.

dan the fan
england,uk
3rd June 2007

Lots of hip-hop music and dancing,a believable story and believable characters
If you like hip-hop dancing then you'll love this film.I'm not a fan of hip-hop music in general but enjoyed seeing the dancing shown here and much of the music.The story didn't take off properly until about 45 minutes into the film but it was worth the wait and the characters were nicely developed and the whole thing came together neatly and believably at the end.I should think that many poor people in New York live lives in real life like the lives of the people portrayed in Honey.There are three music videos in the bonus section of the dvd and they sound great.

L. saywell
uk
28th January 2007

fantastic
this film is such a good film if you like dancing. the ending is the best part with all the kids mum`s in the audience . and the song i belive at the end went so good with the film

Chick Flick Princess

1st November 2006

Fab feel-good dance movie
This is a great story with added dancing - what could be better??!! It really makes you feel good and you just want to get up dance! Jessica Alba is fantastic and really makes you believe in her character. It really encourages you to follow your dreams and is a great must-see chick flick for everyone!

lau50766
UK
1st June 2006

Great feel good film
This is the kinda film you can put on if your feeling sorry for yourself and need to be cheered up.

Its a total chic flick but its great. You really get right into and feel fro all the characters.

The best bit has got to be the end, and no thats not because thats when it finishes! The dance at the end is amazing and when you see the faces of the kids mums in the audience it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy! yeah i know its not real but it captivates you and when your watching it it is real. Maybe im really sad but i loved this film and i think young and old will enjoy watching it. It may be a bit cheesy but who doesnt love a bit of cheese!

If u havent yet got it buy it, Right now! its worth every penny