An aspiring DJ, from the South Bronx, and his best friend, a promoter, try to get into show business by exposing people to hip-hop music and culture.
Director: Stan Lathan
Stars: Rae Dawn Chong, Guy Davis, Jon Chardiet.
Lester Wilson ... choreographer
Watched online, ok print.
22 songs in the Soundtrack, a few with performers onscreen.
The synopsis above omits a central thread: the graffiti artists, particularly the most ambitious JC, who paints an entire subway car, but has a tragic end.
The music here has melody even during rap. And the final song definitely has a positive message. I didn't hear any vulgarity in dialog or lyrics (note the PG rating), nor was anyone promoting violence or misogyny.
RDC played a composer who conducted the orchestra for a dance show/recital, and was trying to help the break dancers in the story.
The break dancing was filmed well, and had nice variety. We even got the beginning of a group challenge dance that had coordinated flips. (But then the cops arrested the guys.)
This film definitely had money and oversight to steer it toward popular acceptance.
This is still not my style of music or dance, but this is palatable.
Orion, dir. Lathan; 6
