HONEY

Year: 2003
USA: Universal Studios
UK: UIP (UK)
Cast: Jessica Alba, Lil' Romeo, Mekhi Phifer, David Moscow, Zachary Williams, Joy Bryant, Missy Elliott, Anthony Sherwood, Lonette McKee, Wes Williams, Judi Embden, Laurie Ann Gibson, Scott Neil, Alison Sealy-Smith, Jull Weber, Sarah Francis, Kevin Duhaney, Brandie Ward, Derek J Watkins, Tracy Dawson, Richard Fagon
Director: Bille Woodruff
Country: USA
USA & UK: 94 mins
USA Rated: PG-13 for drug content and some sexual references
UK Certificate: PG contains mild language and references to sex and drugs
USA Release Date: 5 December 2003
UK Release Date: 12 March 2004

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Synopsis

Honey Daniels (Jessica Alba, TV’s DARK ANGEL) has been waiting all her life to show the world her dance moves and now, everything she ever wanted is just a step away.

For years, her spirit and her ambition have given the dancer and aspiring choreographer the guts to move ahead, even when those who love her best have doubts about her possible success in such a tough field. Not content with her parents’ world of safe choices that promise a secure future, Honey has moved to the heart of the city, where the streets are a barrage of sound, energy and music-and it’s the music she’s after.

Living there is difficult, but she is willing to take it all in stride while she continues to struggle with making ends meet - her dream is worth it. During the day, she shares that dream by teaching hip-hop classes in a local center to the kids in her neighborhood. At night, watching the clock until her bartending shift ends, Honey comes alive on the dance club floor, where her training collides with her passion and her smooth moves get her noticed.

And then her one-time-in-a-million break comes in the form of a video director, who sees Honey in the club and offers her a chance at a spot as a back-up dancer. From there, her true ability shines through, and she begins to finally live her dream - choreographing for some of the hottest acts in hip-hop and R&B (Missy Elliott, Ginuwine, Jadakiss & Sheek, Tweet) and for Honey, it feels too good to be true.

And almost as quickly as it arrives, the dream starts to dissolve. Back in the workaday world, Honey returns to what she knows best - the urban music she loves - and rediscovers her love of dancing though the exuberant energy of a group of neighborhood kids.

A high-energy drama with music, Honey also stars Lil’ Romeo, winner of the 2001 Billboard Music Award for Rap Artist of the Year, as Benny, a kid who needs a break even more than Honey does. Mekhi Phifer (8 MILE) portrays Chaz, Honey’s boyfriend with no angle to work - he’s the constant, the real thing, the down-to-earth voice of reason who just wants Honey happy and in his life. Joy Bryant (ANTWONE FISHER) plays Honey’s protective, best friend Gina, who views her pal’s newfound success with equal parts excitement and skepticism. The young, vibrant cast also includes David Moscow (JUST MARRIED), Zachary Isaiah Williams (TV’s ROMEO!) and Lonette McKee (HE GOT GAME), with cameo appearances by hip-hop/R&B stars Missy Elliott, Ginuwine, 3rd Storee, Shawn Desman, Tweet, and Jadakiss & Sheek.

Bille Woodruff, who has directed music videos for stars including Usher, Britney Spears and Toni Braxton, debuts as a feature film director with this multi-ethnic contemporary urban drama energized by music and propelled by dance. The film’s exciting soundtrack includes a diverse lineup of some of the best R&B, hip-hop and urban music superstars working in music today. New songs from Missy Elliott, Fabolous, Tweet, Yolanda Adams, Knocturnal, Amerie and Nate Dogg are just a few of the musical offerings, with additional contributions from Sean Paul, Blaque featuring Chingy, Lil’Mo, Mark Ronson and Jadakiss & Sheek. All of the songs in Honey are original compositions by songwriter/producer Rodney Jerkins, who has created hits for artists including Britney Spears, Toni Braxton, Brandy, Monica, Mary J Blige and Jennifer Lopez.