A drama of a different kind and music seems more fun in that dramatic story we live with Adam Merkin. Adam is thinking of abandoning his studies to become a musician and a famous rap singer. Adam's first interest may be music and rap and the achievement of a great art model in art but he will face many challenges.
It's not entirely successful, especially in how unclear it is with what conversation it's trying to start, if any at all, but it is undeniably entertaining as all hell throughout.
The hyper-stylized world [Joseph] Kahn creates has an artistry that barrels its way into the social consciousness in a manner that few films would ever attempt.
[It's] blatantly offensive-racist, misogynist, homophobic, transphobic, ugly, repugnant, vulgar, etc., unapologetically so -- but takes full responsibility for everything that it is, everything that battle rap is, with the delicacy of a wet fart.
It's juvenile. It's irritating. Yet it's also fiendishly clever in the way it anticipates and dismantles every argument that could be made against it, and how it sneakily affirms the power of the words it slings around so freely.
The insightful and immersive film manages to both salute the artistry of battle rappers and satirize the hypocritical culture that sustains their livelihood.
Along the way, there are good laughs, brain-rattling battles... and the kind of incisive social commentary that actually surprises with its targets and revelations.
It's shaggy, overlong, and sometimes tough to take, but ultimately if one can listen or read between the bars being spit, Bodied is smart and worthwhile viewing.
It's neither a rewarding drama nor a substantial set of ideas, but its implications and by-products, suggestions and overtones are far more enjoyable to contemplate than the movie is to experience.
