Recently, this critic came to terms with the knowledge that it's very hard to absolutely hate all the step dancing movies flooding the marketplace, because he really enjoys watching the dancing.

So, in spite of how bad 80% of these movies are as a rule, I still find something quite captivating about them.

Even though the dancing is a slight variant (break dancing) Planet B-Boy might be the best case scenario here, because it's a documentary, meaning I don't have to put up with the same regurgitated Rocky formula for the hundredth time, and because of the scope of director Benson Lee's film, I get to see the way the dancing and hip hop culture has bled through worldwide, reaching kids you wouldn't think would find a connection with the distinctly urban American dance, music, and lifestyle.

It also exemplifies a great commonality among a younger generation for individuality and its own way of looking at things. Of course, every generation has its rebellion, its escape, so while it shouldn't be ultimately surprising that teenagers in Seoul look for the same light at the end of a different tunnel as American kids do, it's still fascinating to see it displayed with so much proficiency and passion.

Though Planet B-Boy does become a little too monotonous, it's a pretty good tone to get stuck on. I was reminded favorably of the exemplary DJing documentary, Scratch, which charted the history and artistry of turntablism, and is still one of the best, most unique documentaries of the decade.

B-Boy is not quite on that level, but it's an audacious project with a very simple message that provides for itself undeniable evidence. That will always pass the test for a good movie.

Planet B-Boy

Directed by Benson Lee

Not Rated

Review by Colin Boyd

April 4, 2008