The Life and Times of MC Beer Bong (2004) User Reviews

Birth of Asian-American Rap

[brianf74 · 7/10 · 9 August 2004]

I saw this movie and loved it! When the American public finally accepts Asian-Americans as rappers they will point to this movie as the beginning. For a low budget movie (apparently under $1,000), they really did an excellent job. The movie reminds me of Something About Mary crossed with 8 Mile. The first 20 minutes of the movie has a Tarantino feel to it, a lot of interesting dialogue and conversation which introduce the characters Pope Lee, Phat, Big Rod, and Dub. The guy who plays Pope Lee, M.C. Beer Bong, is understated yet effective. Phat, played by Rich Mar, has a breakthrough performance as the lovable (and forgetful) stoner. Jay V, played by newcomer Fred Frank, is outstanding and extremely funny.

Surprising

[jonjshen · 7/10 · 16 August 2004]

This movie surprised me. I was not expecting it to be funny nor was I expecting the music to be any good. However, I was pleasantly surprised that it was funny and the music was as good as anything out there. The Asians in this movie were finally portrayed as real people, not Bruce Lee caricatures. Very refreshing! I'm glad there are Asian-Americans out there who are willing to take a chance and go out on a limb. While it does have it's faults, I think for a low budget independent film it is way better than anything else out there. The DV film they obviously used leaves something to be desired but when you watch a film like this, you're not watching for the cinematography. Great script and actors and I recommend this for fans of hip hop.

Funny, multi-layered film

[katluva33 · 5 April 2006]

I'm not much for independent movies, especially not ones with only $1000 for a budget, but I really enjoyed this film! It's absolutely hilarious and really easy to get caught up in. But the best part about the film is that it really is multi-layered. It's a flick about an Asian American rapper's rise and fall from fame, and it comes across superficially as just a really fun movie. But, if you are willing to look beyond the comedy, there's a lot of really funny, but biting and pertinent racial commentary. It's not preachy about race like some films, but instead it's a lot of satire.

All in all, its a really funny but deep film. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a way to pass the time!

This movie will blow your mind!!!

[groovinator · 10/10 · 26 November 2004]

All I can say is this is the best Indy film EVER!!!! Get it! Get it NOW! This movie perfectly portrays the corruption in the American Entertainment industry and the plight of the Asian/American rapper. You really have to think hard after watching this film. This movie delivers a serious message while you laugh at the great comedy. I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more. Okay so I didn't really cry but I laughed at least twice. Did I mention you should get this film NOW!!! And you should support independent film makers so that we can have better entertainment coming out of America. Is this 10 lines long yet? Apparently not so let me just say this movie is about being discovered for your talent and then being thrown out because you don't fit the image that Hollywood is looking for....