Movie Breakdown: Bodied

Pre-Screening Stance:

Joseph Kahn (Torque, Detention) is not a director I really care for, but it’s hard to not at least be a little intrigued by an Eminem-produced battle rap movie.  Also, Bodied played Fantastic Fest last year and was generally well received.  Should be a good time.

Post-Screening Ramble:

When the credits started to roll for Bodied, I thought two things: 1) That was pretty entertaining.  2) I’m exhausted.  There is so much going on in this movie.  It not only thinks that it’s a wildly clever endeavor, but it convinces you that it is, then it doubles down on itself, kicks you in the back, rages all over and ultimately wraps by crazily staring at you, daring you to not champion it.  Ah!  I’m on the bandwagon!  Well, at least some of the way on it.  A bookworm suddenly discovering that he’s a talented battle rapper is an interesting premise and it’s never not fun watching him (plus his crew and other participants) showcase quality wordplay skills, but the rest of the film is tedious and overwrought.  There are zero quiet moments between the battles, only borderline-incoherent pontificating from every single character.  I think the point of this is to try and offend everyone, which is fine, but it all too easily dissolves into what feels like someone yelling “I AM VERY SMART!” at your face.  How tiring.  Fortunately, the finely stylized and boisterous battles make up for the ham-fisted satirical commentary that fills the spaces in between, but are they enough to make Bodied a film worth recommending?  I think so, but I wouldn’t be surprised to hear someone say they found the whole thing to just be too much.  Seek it out with expectations firmly in check.

One Last Thought:

8 Mile makes battle rap look look like one of the most intense and personal things on the planet and Bodied sells it as something that’s not really all that serious.  Which is it?  Or is it both?  I need to know in case I ever decide to get in the game.