I'd probably think twice before asking the guy to babysit my kids, but I admire Larry Clark for his bold film-making, which has explored controversial topics in a style that few directors would have the cojones to attempt. Given the potentially gritty subject of Wassup Rockers, it is therefore rather surprising to find that Clark has watered down his usual uncompromising technique; thankfully, although the film might lack his usual extreme edginess, it is still undeniably Clark in craft-ship and subject matter, which in itself makes it worth watching.
The film focuses on the lives and relationships of a group of adolescent Hispanic South Central skateboarders whose unconventional style sets them apart from other teens from their neighbourhood. There's very little plot to speak of—this is very much from the 'a day in the life of' school of film-making, a work with an almost documentary feel; this sense of realism is heightened by the fact that the cast are not professional actors, but real kids from LA's ghettos. Of course, these youngsters aren't the greatest of thespians, but their authenticity and earthy charm more than compensates for their lack of acting skills.
As the film progresses, we follow the teens as they travel to Beverly Hills to skate, get jiggy with a pair of hot, rich white girls (Laura Cellner and Jessica Steinbaum), crash a posh cocktail party, experience prejudice and violence, and struggle to make their way home in a manner rather reminiscent of Walter Hill's The Warriors. Much of this cries out for Clark's more intense approach and, rather frustratingly, one can sense that the director is holding back, particularly as his camera lingers longingly on the semi-naked youths as they make out with various young women (and a drunken Janice Dickinson!!!).
Even though the film may have benefited from Clark's usual, more daring treatment, Wassup Rockers still proved to be a revealing window into a world that is far removed from my own. I rate it a very reasonable 6.5/10, rounded up to 7 for IMDb.
The film focuses on the lives and relationships of a group of adolescent Hispanic South Central skateboarders whose unconventional style sets them apart from other teens from their neighbourhood. There's very little plot to speak of—this is very much from the 'a day in the life of' school of film-making, a work with an almost documentary feel; this sense of realism is heightened by the fact that the cast are not professional actors, but real kids from LA's ghettos. Of course, these youngsters aren't the greatest of thespians, but their authenticity and earthy charm more than compensates for their lack of acting skills.
As the film progresses, we follow the teens as they travel to Beverly Hills to skate, get jiggy with a pair of hot, rich white girls (Laura Cellner and Jessica Steinbaum), crash a posh cocktail party, experience prejudice and violence, and struggle to make their way home in a manner rather reminiscent of Walter Hill's The Warriors. Much of this cries out for Clark's more intense approach and, rather frustratingly, one can sense that the director is holding back, particularly as his camera lingers longingly on the semi-naked youths as they make out with various young women (and a drunken Janice Dickinson!!!).
Even though the film may have benefited from Clark's usual, more daring treatment, Wassup Rockers still proved to be a revealing window into a world that is far removed from my own. I rate it a very reasonable 6.5/10, rounded up to 7 for IMDb.