Envy (2005)

Envy is a movie about getting to the top of the drug game. It stars Ray J, world-famous entertainer. It also stars AZ. You may remember him from one good song. It also stars literally hundreds of other people. This film is really putting the Detroit acting community to work!

Anyways, Envy deals with the complex, interpersonal relationships between drug dealers. Their emotions include, but are not limited to, envy.

AZ runs the streets in the suburbs. He sells various drugs and hangs out in his bathrobe. Ray J is a young up-and-comer who loves the feeling of being envied. He loves it when people see him drive in cars and walk into clubs, and who doesn't? Love seeing Ray J do that.

In the end, AZ and Ray J both get a lot of money and spend it in the strip club. They also buy giant houses and don't furnish them. A lot of people are killed along the way, because McMansions don't pay for themselves!

It was unclear to me during the film what exactly AZ's crew does. At one point they appear to strip other men of their clothes, revealing uncomfortable-looking jockstraps. At other points in the film, they appear to shoot innocent loiterers. Thank G-d, doing the community a service.

But sometimes they sell drugs in the form of styrofoam, which I do not approve of. But strangely I strongly sympathized with the characters, especially that of Rio -- who appeared several times in the film.

I enjoyed the use of many actors. There was literally a fresh face in every shot! It never got old to me, being introduced to new people. I felt like I was at a party, hosted by Ray J. Also it was nice that 90% of the movie took place inside cars. As you may know, Detroit is known for its cars.


If you've ever listened to Ray J's music, you know what to expect here: pure satisfaction. I can't stress enough how happy I was during the ending, where nothing was resolved. It left me thirsty for more, and envious. Also, the soundtrack contains lots of gentle elevator music. It really set the mood for drug deals gone wrong!

Watch this movie, please, for the love of Ray J. Since this movie had so many stars (in the cast), I am left without an option but to give it.... "Five Stars!"