Featured, Movie Reviews

‘Boogie’ Review – A Refreshing Hip-hop Infused Coming of Age Sports Drama

By Dom Fisher
March 5, 2021
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Synopsis:

Alfred Chin, a.k.a. Boogie, a Chinese-American high school senior in Queens, dreams of playing basketball in the NBA — but first he must contend with young love, an overbearing mother with a different future in mind, and his closest rival Monk, a local legend with hoop skills superior to his own.

“I need you to fight for yourself, the same way you fight for being Chinese.”

There is a ton of pressure when it comes to being the first of anything, especially when it deals with family and heritage. For many first and second-generation immigrants as well as minority groups, the weight of trying not to disappoint yourself as well as your family and ancestors is enough to break the strongest person. The thoughts of hardships and sacrifices your family has made are ever-present and affect every decision you make. Oftentimes, the seemingly well-intentioned reminders from parents or relatives make situations worse because you care so much. It can then lead to unconscious self-sabotage. However, when you have just enough support and encouragement behind your endeavors and your own tenacity to keep you going, you can make everyone proud.

Eddie Huang’s directorial debut, Boogie is a refreshing hip-hop-infused coming of age sports drama that doesn’t have to pump fake it to make it. The film is magnetic, important, and keeps in all the way real. What I appreciated the most about this film are the dialogue and tone. It’s not attempting to portray any kind of phony sophistication but is able to deliver a culturally rich story that speaks all languages. Embodying not only Chinese culture, but this story also intertwines basketball, hip-hop, and New York like only Huang can do. Featuring the late rapper, Pop Smoke, hip-hop staple, Charlamagne that God, Taylour Paige, and newcomer, Taylor Takahashi along with Eddie Huang himself, the film offers a great deal of heart and humor while being anchored by respect and discipline. Furthermore, with the Chinese-American experience at the forefront, Boogie showcases a view of life in America that isn’t abundantly seen in an authentic fashion. Its love story and themes of determination, perseverance, and humility turn a seemingly straightforward basketball movie into a vulnerable, philosophical gem. The head-nodding score and soundtrack add swagger to each scene and extra sauce on each crossover and dunk. The script is well written, honest, and I can’t wait to see what Eddie Huang has in store for the future. I thoroughly enjoyed Boogie and really connected with its message. Its rewatchability is high.

Taylor Takahashi stars as Alfred ‘Boogie’ Chin and writer/director Eddie Huang as Jackie in BOOGIE, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Nicole Rivelli / Focus Features

Plot & Pace

Alfred Chin, or as he prefers to be called, Boogie is a rarely seen Chinese-American high school basketball star with a hot head and NBA dreams. Starting the year at a new school in order to get seen by college scouts, he feels a bit like a fish out of water. With his family in debt, he is burdened with the pressure to be the best and make it to the next level every day. The only obstacles on his journey to earn a college scholarship are his temper, his disjointed home life, and the best player in the city, Monk. With the help and guidance of his friend and teammate, Richie, and the love of his new girlfriend; Boogie can achieve his goals if he can get out of his own way.

The film very quickly gets to the introduction of its titular character and his main initiative. It then takes us on a brisk detailed journey that only slows down to size up the competition.

Taylor Takahashi stars as Alfred ‘Boogie’ Chin and Taylour Paige as Eleanor in Eddie Huang’s BOOGIE, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Nicole Rivelli / Focus Features

Characters & Chemistry

In his first role, Taylor Takahashi did a great job as Boogie. His raw performance felt honest and added the authenticity the story required. His chemistry with Taylour Paige who plays his love interest, Eleanor is one of the best aspects of the film. It’s deep and quite hilarious. If this is your first introduction to the late hip-hop artist, Pop Smoke who plays Monk, you get to witness what made him pop. In what would’ve been the first of many roles, he has a natural spark that shines through. While not completely the villain of the film, his character’s rivalry with Boogie is very entertaining but unfortunately short-lived.

Boogie releases in theaters on March 5th, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.

In Loving Memory of Bashar “Pop Smoke” Jackson, July 20, 1999 – February 19, 2020