Carmen: A Hip Hopera

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Carmen: A Hip Hopera ★★½ 2001 (PG-13)

Modernized and urban set version of Bizet's tragic opera, originally made for MTV. Carmen (Knowles) is the femme fatale who seduces straight-laced cop Derek Hill (Phifer) to keep herself out of jail. He abandons everything to follow her to California, where, naturally, Carmen wants to break into show biz. But she tires of Derek's devotion and becomes interested in an up-and-coming rapper. Surprisingly effective and the cast does a fine job. 88m/C VHS, DVD . Beyonce Knowles, Mekhi Phifer, Mos Def, Rah Digga, Bow Wow, Nelust Wyclef Jean, Troy Winbush; D: Robert Kevin Townsend; W: Michael Elliot; C: Geary McLeod; M: Kip Collins; Nar: Da Brat. CABLE