Bodied

On day six of 2018, music video and indie film director Joseph Kahn, and writer Alex Larsen (Kid Twist "King of the Dot") presents a street spoken word battle rap film that surpasses it's producer Eminem's 2002 "8 Mile". While this in-your-face, loud (sound track by Eminem ft. dr. Dre and music by Brain Mantia and Melissa Reese), fast moving and at times crude delivery in dialogue film may not be everyone's cup of tea, the performances, relevant dialogue, comedic tone, interesting special effects and the opportunity to peak into the underground world of battle rap should to be missed. Where "Hamilton" introduced history to the live stage, "Bodied" brings rap to the big screen. Enter young college caucasian grad student Adam (Disney "Austin & Ally" star Calum Worthy), smack in the middle of a competition trying to explain the language spoken within battle rap to his equally out of place girlfriend Maya (Rory Uphold - "HelLA" TV). Doing his graduate thesis on "battle rap" and the use of the "N" word, Adam knows the lingo and all the players. Quickly he befriends lead battle rapper Behem Grymm (Jackie Long "The Comebacks" 2007) who takes him on as a reluctant protege. Once in, Adam realizes he's got it in him to battle rap, combining his his smart boy eduction and historic knowledge of the craft. Making a terrific reappearance on the big screen is the mature Anthony Michael Hall ("Sixteen Candles" 1984), as Adam's well respected literary professor and father. The film is also filled by many of today's battle rappers, who also coached the films stars in the craft. This is a well made indie film, packed with comedy and drama, that will surly be a huge stepping stone for its director, writer and especially it's main stars Calum Worthy and Jackie Long. You will want to be one of the first to see this film. "Bodied" was screened at the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2018.

The movie was CRAZY. Loved it. The lyrics were insaneeeeeeee.

Extremely realistic view on racism and being "politically correct". Amazing against all odds journey to what You desire and development story of the main character. Very real and true to nowadays values of the society and how we are lost when it comes to racism and harassment on many levels. A must watch !

So many didn't get it. It's a more-than-decent ode to battle rap, but also a scathing attack on a world that gets off on getting offended by everything. A truly admirable effort by little-known actors in a low-budget film.

So as a white kid growing up in the 90s all I did was listen to rap music. I was picked on and bullied for it as it was not the 'done thing' and constantly called wigger. My passion was genuine and I embraced the culture and still do.

So.... I had minimal expectations here. I was expecting 8 mile revamped. How wrong was I.... This movie touches on some really key stereotypes and misconceptions about rap in general and more importantly the appropriation of black culture. Storyline was basic but it paved the way for thought provoking dialogue and I would suggest if you don't get what I mean then this movie was not made for you. Since eminem every white kid wants to be a rapper and this is movie is a satirical take on that uneducated enthusiasm.

The underlying emotion after watching this is embarrassment. For all the millennials that think they 'get it'. This movie is about race and perception masked in satirical humour. A must watch for any real rap fan.