I'm a fan of all of Larry Clark's films. Exploitative, yes. Disturbing, yes. Taken "too-far" in terms of the sexualization of kids, yes. Even so - I feel that Clark has a "vision" and is uncompromising in terms of his film-making. That said - WASSUP ROCKERS, though containing some of the elements of Clark's other films, is far "lighter" and a bit more "mainstream" than his other outings, but is also very entertaining and an all-around good film.
A group of Hispanic skater kids from South Central L.A. decide to take a trip to the Hollywood Hills on a skating expedition. Along the way, they have run-ins with the cops, some hot, rich, high-school girls, some less-than-tolerant rich boys, and some unhappy homeowners...
Most of the nearly pedophiliac overtones in Clark's works like KIDS and KEN PARK, are gone from WASSUP ROCKERS - this film plays out more like a "fish-out-of-water" film, and is more comparable to a new-age THE WARRIORS - a bunch of kids in the wrong place at the wrong time just trying to get home. Entertaining and truly funny in a lot of scenes - but still edgy and with some disturbing undertones - WASSUP ROCKERS is another solid film from a controversial and interesting director. I actually enjoyed this "lighter" material from Clark and I found it a refreshing change from his typically nihilistic films. Even so, there is still some "strong" material in this film as well, so keep that in mind also...8.5/10
A group of Hispanic skater kids from South Central L.A. decide to take a trip to the Hollywood Hills on a skating expedition. Along the way, they have run-ins with the cops, some hot, rich, high-school girls, some less-than-tolerant rich boys, and some unhappy homeowners...
Most of the nearly pedophiliac overtones in Clark's works like KIDS and KEN PARK, are gone from WASSUP ROCKERS - this film plays out more like a "fish-out-of-water" film, and is more comparable to a new-age THE WARRIORS - a bunch of kids in the wrong place at the wrong time just trying to get home. Entertaining and truly funny in a lot of scenes - but still edgy and with some disturbing undertones - WASSUP ROCKERS is another solid film from a controversial and interesting director. I actually enjoyed this "lighter" material from Clark and I found it a refreshing change from his typically nihilistic films. Even so, there is still some "strong" material in this film as well, so keep that in mind also...8.5/10