I can't really recall very many films that bring this many extremely talented actors together and actually make it work. This was one of the best films of 2004 and the subject matter of race and prejudice is just as relevant today as it was then.

I wouldn't say that any particular person is the star of this movie as it focuses on many different lives and how they happen to "crash" into one-another. The lineup is just incredible and includes Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Espisito, Brenden Frasier (in on the last good roles he has ever had,) Terrance Howard, Ludacris, Thandie Newton, Michael Pena, and Ryan Phillippe (whatever happened to that guy?)

The film is filled with racial stereotypes including but not limited to white people are racist, black people are criminals, middle-easterners are terrorists, and Asians can't integrate into society. There are others as well and anyone who is too sensitive might one to give this one a miss - however, the film presents these aspects of society in a very balanced manor and how certain people's perceptions of other racial groups are actually self-perpetuating or even caused by circumstances beyond their control.

Some critics lambasted the film for being "racially charged" and unfair to certain ethnicities / races - I say that when you make a film about race there is no way that some people aren't going to find an issue with it. Basically, you are not going to be able to please everyone. However it mostly received critical acclaim including Roger Ebert giving it 4 / 4, winning Best Picture at the Oscars and being named one the "30 most significant films of the past 30 years" by the Independent Film & Television alliance - whatever that is.

While pretty much everyone in this movie is incredible (even Brenden Frasier,) i personally found Terrance Howard's performance as "Cameron" to be the most compelling - he made me a fan of his after watching this film as his depiction of a character who is pushed to the brink by various factors including his home life to be just outstanding.

Ludacris continues to amaze the world because if you can believe this he was once just a local FM DJ who turned out to be an amazing rapper, producer, and now actor. Sometimes the biggest talents have rather humble beginnings.

The scene that sees these two working together was one of the most powerful in the entire movie and with a movie that has so many powerful moments, that is really saying something.

If you haven't seen this movie get ready for a roller coaster ride of emotion and entertainment as this is one of my favorite movies of all time.

The film also has an outstanding soundtrack composed and written by Mark Isham.