jezfromhell Reviews

Beef II (2004 Video)

See the first "Beef" first

[16 November 2004]

Unless you're fully immersed in the hip hop community, and know all the rivalries, squabbles and in-fighting that's gone on since hip hop's inception, see "Beef" first.

I felt the producers glossed over too much of the pioneer days (EPMD, etc.), and the recreations were kind of silly and irrelevant. I don't think anyone well-acquainted with hip hop culture needs ominous music to relay the potentially dangerous situations brought about by the egos involved.

Aside from these minor complaints, I'd say this is an excellent documentary, giving the lowdown on all the "beefs" between acts from the beginning. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Straight Right (2000)

This Movie Makes the Baby Jesus Cry

[3 July 2003]

Someone PLEASE take away Brent Smith's typewriter. This tripe is the worst waste of celluloid since "Rollerball." I can NOT believe someone actually greenlit this. Smith must have some fabulous pitching skills (some kind of skills, anyway). The acting, pacing and DEAR GOD the music just grate. The accents are atrocious, and the constant use of the phrase, "Whatever it takes" is a pitiful attempt at a movie poster blurb. I'm embarrassed for Sundance that they would show this, and want that hour and a half of my life back!